Biography for Jennifer A. Roberts

Jennifer A. Roberts serves as Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Kansas, providing institution-wide leadership across Academic Affairs, Undergraduate Education, Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, Academic Success, International Affairs, Self Graduate Programs, and National Defense Initiatives. She coordinates regional accreditation activities for all five KU campuses. At KU Lawrence/Edwards she is responsible for aligning academic quality, student success, and institutional mission through integrated policy, shared governance, and strategic investment.

Roberts has helped lead sustained institutional transformation and internationalization grounded in data-informed decision-making, a commitment to access and equity, and a culture of continuous improvement. Under her leadership, KU has advanced student success through enhanced advising, strengthened academic support infrastructure, and expanded holistic services—contributing to record undergraduate retention and graduation rates. She has also elevated graduate education by increasing research and travel funding, supporting faculty recruitment of top doctoral students, expanding mentoring workshops, and achieving improved affordability and access to student healthcare.

A field and laboratory geoscientist, Roberts has a strong scholarly profile with more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and over $7 million in external research funding. Her work has advanced understanding of biogeochemical processes with applications to energy, climate, and environmental systems. Having served KU at every faculty rank and in major leadership roles—including department chair, vice provost for graduate studies, and senior vice provost for academic affairs—she brings a comprehensive understanding of the academic enterprise, a respect for disciplinary autonomy, and a collaborative leadership style that fosters partnership, creativity, and institutional excellence.