Marcia MacLeod

Growing up along the Red River in Marietta, Oklahoma, attending The University of Tulsa seemed unattainable to Marcia (Mott) MacLeod. However, an influential acquaintance – then-Gov. Dewey Bartlett Sr. – intervened and encouraged the bright high school student to apply to TU. MacLeod received a full scholarship, joined Chi Omega and began a journey that has taken her across the country and back to Tulsa.

“I’ve had a life filled with opportunity, and I’ve been able to reach out and grab those opportunities because of the confidence I gained at TU,” said MacLeod (BS ’75, JD ’80). “When I was notified that I had been selected as a Distinguished Alumna, I almost broke into tears.”

The university can’t take all of the credit for MacLeod’s success, of course. Her grandfather was an attorney and legislator who delighted in showing her around the state Capitol and impressive courtrooms. Her father was a geologist in the oil and gas industry, who schooled her in the ups and downs of a volatile market. MacLeod’s parents and grandparents were her biggest supporters, assuring her she was capable of making her mark in whichever career she chose. Today, she says, her biggest fan is her husband, Ron. The couple has been married 38 years, and Ron has stood solidly behind his wife as she’s made her way up the corporate ladder.

Currently senior vice president of human resources and administration at WPX Energy and an owner of Mott Production LLC, a privately held company holding various oil and gas interests, MacLeod has held leadership posts in several companies, including HEB Grocery Co., Electronic Data Systems and JC Penney before returning to Tulsa’s Williams Cos. 15 years ago. In 2011, she was handpicked to help WPX spin off from Williams and become a stand-alone, publicly traded corporation. Now her office sits on the 26th floor of the BOK Tower, overlooking the former oil capital of the world.

It’s the fundamentals – critical thinking and problem solving – MacLeod mastered in TU’s Kendall College of Arts & Sciences that led her to believe she could tackle anything. As a communications major, she also took classes in history, science and other areas that piqued her interest. Her favorite professor was James Watson, who taught American literature. An engaging public speaker, MacLeod went on to graduate from TU Law and even toyed with the idea of entering politics. “I love mastering new things, and I thrive on change,” she said.

MacLeod looks for chances to give back to TU and Tulsa. She currently serves on 10 different councils and committees in the community, including TU’s Friends of Finance Board and Collins College of Business Executive Advisory Board. Several local organizations are near and dear to her heart – United Way, Tulsa Community Foundation and Saint Simeon’s, to name a few. She also is a guiding hand at Gilcrease Museum and says the partnership that allows the university to manage museum operations is one of the smartest public-private marriages of all time.

Among the highest ranking women in the national energy scene, MacLeod prides herself on helping to grow female talent. “Energy has always sort of been a man’s world. It’s fun to see all of the bright women we’re hiring,” she said. “Encouraging female participation in the science, technology, engineering and math fields is extremely important and gratifying.”

MacLeod knows her success can be measured by the overall success of her team and works to build a strong unit at WPX. She’s quick to thank her current boss, CEO Rick Muncrief, for allowing her to be a creative manager and mentor for the next generation of executives.

She also appreciates the TU team, which she says has been fortunate when it comes to quality leadership. Specifically, she cites the “calm, cool” demeanor of university President Steadman Upham and the college deans who have turned TU from a largely commuter college into a thriving residential campus that constantly ranks among the nation’s finest. “TU has a wonderful reputation outside of Tulsa,” she said. “Stead has advanced this university by leaps and bounds.”

MacLeod strives to leave a lasting legacy, both in and out of the work place. “The most important thing is to make a positive impact on those around me, especially those I work with,” said the former Top 10 senior. “And I love TU!”