Colleagues,
Welcome to "3, 2, One KU," a weekly memo in which I'll share updates and thoughts for the week ahead. The title of the memo is derived from the format: each edition will include three things to know, two things to share, and one reflection on how our "One KU" initiative is enhancing collaboration across our campuses. I hope you find this weekly communication informative.
Respectfully,
Doug
Three things to know
Next steps in the provost/CAO and EVC search
Yesterday was the application deadline for the position of provost/chief academic officer for the University of Kansas and executive vice chancellor of the Lawrence campus. In the coming days, our search committee will convene to begin reviewing applications. Given the talents and perspectives of these committee members, I am confident we will have a comprehensive process that will enable us to identify the best candidate for this role. There will be opportunities for you to engage in the process in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, visit our leadership search webpage for details.
Engaging with KU partners and supporters
This will be a busy week for various University of Kansas leaders who are engaging with external partners on behalf of KU. First, members of KU Alumni and KU Endowment will use tomorrow night’s men’s basketball game at Madison Square Garden as an opportunity to visit with alumni, donors, industry partners and policymakers in New York. On Wednesday, several KU leaders will join our monthly Kansas Board of Regents meeting, with agenda items including tenure, workload requirements and student housing. On Thursday, we will take part in a KU Innovation Park board meeting, where we will discuss plans for our Phase IV expansion project.
Former Jayhawk named president of Iowa State University
Last week we were excited to learn that former Jayhawk leader Dave Cook will become the new president of Iowa State University. Many of you will recall Dave from his time at KU, where he served as vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development and vice chancellor of the Edwards campus before becoming the president of North Dakota State University. As friends and colleagues, we are thrilled for Dave to be headed back to his hometown of Ames. And as a university, we can be proud that his time at KU enabled him to refine his leadership skills and move on to the presidency of a major public research institution.
Two things to share
New data show major economic impact of leading research institutions
We’ve spoken frequently about KU’s economic impact study, which illustrates how KU provides $7.8 billion in annual economic benefit to Kansas. With this in mind, I encourage you to explore new data from the Association of American Universities, which demonstrate the enormous economic benefit and societal value America’s leading research institutions provide the nation. Like our own KU report, this new AAU dataset provides insights that you may find useful in your academic work and your conversations about the benefits of higher education.
University cuts ribbon on new KU Conference Center
Thanks to all of you who attended the ribbon-cutting for our new KU Conference Center last Wednesday. It was a special day for the university and the entire community, and we appreciate the thoughtful remarks provided by Governor Laura Kelly, Lawrence Vice Mayor Brad Finkeldei, OVG President of Venue Management Greg O’Dell, and eXplore Lawrence Executive Director Kim Anspach. As each of our speakers described, this new facility will transform KU's ability to host events that benefit the university while generating economic activity for the community. You can view photos of the event here.
"One KU"
Video vignettes of outstanding educators
When we champion teaching excellence together—across all campuses and disciplines—we strengthen the whole KU community. Earlier this semester, Jayhawks from across the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses gathered for our University Teaching Awards ceremony to celebrate 17 extraordinary educators whose impact reaches beyond their classrooms, labs and creative spaces. I invite you to learn more about these honorees through the wonderful video vignettes created by our KU Marketing team. I'm confident you'll appreciate how these honorees embody the curious minds and commitment to student success that define KU.