To make it in business takes guts, determination, knowledge, connections and of course, financial investment — including investments that open doors for future leaders.
Leanne and Steve Caret of Argyle, Texas, embody all those characteristics and have invested in Kansas State University’s Center for Principled Business in the College of Business Administration to give others those essential ingredients to success. Their contribution has endowed the center’s directorship role, which will provide leadership for key initiatives, including the Menards Scholars Program, the Innovation Challenge, the Business and Society course, and the Women in Business Initiative — an effort particularly close to their hearts. The gift ensures these programs’ continued growth and lasting impact.
“Leanne and Steve Caret’s generous philanthropic investment in the Center for Principled Business provides lasting leadership for key initiatives that prepare students to lead with integrity and innovation,” said Marcia Hornung, director of the center. “We are grateful for their vision and commitment to shaping the next generation of principled business leaders.”
Beyond this financial investment, Leanne serves on the Business Advisory Council, is an Executive in Residence for the college, visits campus to speak at events, and provides one-on-one mentorship to a student.
“My executive mentorship with Leanne has been beneficial to setting ambitious goals for myself,” said Sophie Schumacher, junior in marketing and a member of the Women in Business executive team. “She is as hard working and determined as they come, and it has been so amazing getting the chance to build a connection with her and come to her for guidance.”
Leanne and Steve both boast impressive academic credentials. Leanne graduated from Kansas State University in 1988 with a business administration degree and a major in accounting and subsequently earned her MBA from Wichita State University. Steve followed a similar path, graduating from Wichita State University in 1989 with a degree in business administration and management, and later obtaining his MBA from Baker University.
Both forged successful careers at Boeing. Steve retired in April 2024 after a distinguished 20-year career as an industrial engineering senior manager with roles spanning across various locations, including Philadelphia, St. Louis, Washington D.C. and Wichita. Prior to that, he spent 12 years at Case New Holland. Leanne achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first woman to serve as president and CEO of Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security business, retiring from this position in December 2022. Beyond their Boeing careers, Leanne continues to contribute significantly to the business world. She currently serves as an advisor to Blackstone and sits on the boards of Deere & Company and RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies). In addition to serving on nonprofit boards, Leanne is on the board of directors at the Kansas State University Foundation, and both she and Steve are KSU Foundation trustees.
“We are committed to fostering an environment where students can develop into principled leaders,” Leanne and Steve said. “By supporting the Center for Principled Business, we invest in programs that challenge students’ thinking, showcase exemplary leadership, and cultivate a mindset of positive impact. This ensures that future generations have the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the world.”
As Kansas State University’s strategic partner for philanthropy, the KSU Foundation inspires and guides philanthropy toward university priorities to boldly advance K-State.
