The official university seal is worn by the Chancellor during Commencement.

Office of the Chancellor

Douglas A. Girod is the 18th chancellor of the University of Kansas. In this role, Chancellor Girod leads KU's mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities and make discoveries that change the world.

Chancellor Douglas A. Girod

Chancellor Girod has established a bold vision for the University of Kansas to be a destination for top scholars from across the world, an engine of economic growth for Kansas, and one of the nation’s leading research universities.
Douglas Girod in his living room having a discussion about KU

Chancellor's Messages

Launching the search process for our next Provost/Chief Academic Officer for the University of Kansas and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence Campus

Following the recent announcement of Barbara Bichelmeyer’s decision to step down from her leadership role, Chancellor Girod shares next steps in our process to identify her successor.

Provost and EVC Bichelmeyer to step down from her leadership role

Chancellor Girod announces that Barbara Bichelmeyer, provost and executive vice chancellor for the Lawrence and Edwards campuses, has decided to step away from her role. She will remain in her position until KU’s next provost and EVC is selected, at which time she will return to the faculty.

Winter Break paid leave

Winter break — traditionally the week between Christmas and New Year’s — is a period of reduced activity on campus, when certain services are scaled back and some offices are closed. In appreciation of your efforts and to provide you time to reset for the spring semester, we will close the University of Kansas campuses from Dec. 25 through Jan. 1.

Federal government shutdown impact on KU

As you may know, Congress did not reach an agreement on the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year by the Sept. 30 deadline. University leadership, in coordination with our government relations team, is monitoring the situation and working to mitigate any effects on your work, studies and research.

"3, 2, One KU" Weekly Memo

Each Monday, Chancellor Girod shares his "3, 2, One KU" memo, which includes updates and thoughts for the week ahead. The title of the memo is derived from the format: each edition includes three things to know, two things to share, and one reflection on how our "One KU" initiative is enhancing collaboration across our campuses.
Chancellor Girod at the podium for his State of the University Address

State of the University Address

Chancellor Girod delivered his State of the University Address on October 16 at the Jayhawk Welcome Center. Topics included enrollment, research, KU's service to the state of Kansas, alumni and donor engagement, and the "One KU" initiative to enhance collaboration across campuses.

Chancellor's Weekly Video Update

Chancellor Girod is hosting weekly Zoom updates to discuss the latest happenings at KU. The discussions are pre-recorded and shared with campus each Wednesday.
Douglas Girod filming a video in front of a green screen in Budig Hall.

Invite the Chancellor to your event

Chancellor Girod strives to attend as many campus events as possible.
Chancellor Douglas A. Girod

"The work we do at KU changes lives and improves the world in meaningful ways. I look forward to collaborating with students, faculty, staff and KU supporters everywhere to continue this work on behalf of the state and society we serve."


Douglas A. Girod
Chancellor