
Chancellor's Weekly Update
Chancellor Girod is hosting weekly updates to discuss the latest happenings at KU.
The videos are shared with campus each week, usually on Wednesday.
Recent visits with Kansas policymakers
November 29, 2023 -- Chancellor Girod discusses the University Teaching Awards, KU Endowment's campaign kickoff, the dedication of Gray-Little Hall, and recent campus visits with the Kansas Board of Regents and various elected officials. The Chancellor also previews the 2024 session of the Kansas Legislature.
Homecoming and engagement with students, alumni, donors
October 17, 2023 -- Heath Peterson, Mykala Sandifer and Paige Freeman from the KU Alumni Association discuss this month's Homecoming celebration, which begins Oct. 23 and culminates with the football game against Oklahoma on Oct. 28.
A record-breaking year for enrollment
October 10, 2023 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Nick Stevens and Lisa Pinamonti Kress to discuss KU's record-setting freshman class and overall enrollment data. The trio discusses recruitment strategies, prospective student visits, the Jayhawk Welcome Center and more.
Hosting conferences and events on campus
October 4, 2023 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Kendra Brayfield, director of Jayhawk Hospitality, and Kim Anspach, executive director of eXplore Lawrence, to discuss how KU is hosting conferences and events on campus in a way that benefits faculty, staff, students and the broader community.
Updates from the School of Business
September 27, 2023 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Paige Fields, dean of the School of Business, to discuss how a transformational $50 million gift will benefit the school, its students and the way it serves the state. The chancellor also discusses the passing of LaVerne Epp, longtime leader of KU Innovation Park.
Student-focused programming, initiatives
August 31, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Tammara Durham and Susan Klusmeier to discuss student-focused programming and how faculty and staff can help ensure KU is meeting the needs of students.
The Gateway District and economic growth
August 25, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with David Hayob and Travis Goff to discuss how the university's Gateway District positions KU to host conferences and events, provide new amenities for students and employees, enhance student recruitment, and drive economic growth in the region.
Previewing the fall semester
August 17, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Provost Bichelmeyer and EVC Simari to discuss key initiatives for the fall semester. Topics include the new KU Cancer Center building, the new Wichita health education campus, the 2023 freshman class, the Gateway District and Big 12 expansion.
Lawrence budget update with CFO Jeff DeWitt
May 24, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with CFO Jeff DeWitt for an overview of the Lawrence campus budget and an updated five-year financial plan.
Reflections on the 2022-23 academic year
May 17, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod reflects on highlights from the past year. Topics include enrollment, research, the KU Cancer Center, the gateway project at 11th and Mississippi streets, the Hydrogen Hub initiative, KU Innovation Park, Kansas Athletics and plans for a Wichita health education campus.
Awards, rankings and Student Ambassadors
May 3, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod discusses the University Research Awards, U.S. News & World Report rankings and the Kansas Legislature. Additionally, he visits with two Student Ambassadors who lead campus tours and welcome prospective students to KU.
Wichita health campus, Cancer Cancer
April 12, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Robert Simari, executive vice chancellor of KU Medical Center, to discuss the KU Cancer Center and the Wichita health campus KU is developing with Wichita State University.
Campus gateway, Legislature, HLC review
April 5, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, the Chancellor discusses the Kansas Legislative session and state budget; the campus gateway project at 11th and Mississippi streets; the Higher Learning Commission accreditation review; and the University Research Awards on April 25.
The statewide Hydrogen Hub Initiative
March 29, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with KGS Director Jay Kalbas and AVC for Economic Development Tricia Bergman to discuss KU's role in the statewide Hydrogen Hub Initiative, which seeks to make Kansas a leader in the emerging hydrogen economy.
Legislature, campus gateway grant
March 1, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod discusses the new Jayhawk Welcome Center, the Legislative session, the university's 24-hour day of giving, and the campus gateway project at 11th and Mississippi streets.
"One Day. One KU." day of giving
Feb. 15, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Jerome Davies and Kerry Glasgow to discusses "One Day. One KU.," the university's annual 24-hour giving campaign, which is Thursday, February 16.
The 2023 Kansas Legislative Session
Feb. 1, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Kelly Whitten, associate vice chancellor for state relations, to discuss the Kansas Legislature and the Governor's budget recommendations for higher education.
Planning, alignment and accreditation
Jan. 19, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, Provost Bichelmeyer and Executive Vice Chancellor Simari kick off the semester by discussing strategic planning and alignment, HLC accreditation, HR functions in Lawrence, and efforts to develop a joint cancer center in Kansas City and a new health education campus in Wichita.
DEI on the Lawrence, KUMC campuses
Jan. 13, 2023 -- In this week’s episode, the Chancellor visits with Nicole Hodges Persley and Jerrihlyn McGee to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion on both the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses.
Shared governance and creating an exceptional learning community
Dec. 8, 2022 -- In this week’s episode, the Chancellor visits with Ani Kokobobo, university senate president, and Nicole Hodges Persley, vice provost for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, to discuss efforts to better define shared governance and articulate what it means to be an exceptional learning community.
Introducing Vice Chancellor Karla Leeper
Dec.In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Karla Leeper, who recently joined KU as the university's vice chancellor for strategic communications and public affairs. The two discuss Karla's background, as well as challenges and opportunities related to communications at KU and across higher education.
An update on the Spencer Museum of Art
Nov. 21, 2022 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Saralyn Reece Hardy, director of the Spencer Museum of Art, to discuss the latest happenings at the museum and the role of art in our academic community.
An update on Kansas Athletics
Nov. 16, 2022 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Travis Goff, director of athletics, to discuss the latest from Kansas Athletics. Topics include conference realignment, the 11th and Mississippi development project, student-athlete support and the department's strategic plan.
Military-affiliated students
Nov. 2, 2022 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Mike Denning, director of the Office of Graduate Military Programs, to discuss military-affiliated students, the university's Military-Affiliated Student Center and Veterans Day activities.
Rural health and the Frontiers grant
Oct. 27, 2022 -- In this week’s episode, Dr. Akinlolu Ojo, dean of the School of Medicine, discusses the Kansas Center for Rural Health. He is joined by Dr. Mario Castro, vice chair for clinical and translational research in the Department of Internal Medicine, who discusses the Frontiers initiative.
University-based economic development
Oct. 13, 2022 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod visits with Bonnie Lowe, president and CEO of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce to discuss university-based economic development, the impact of KU events on local businesses, and projects like KU Innovation Park and The Crossing.
Fall enrollment trends
Oct. 5, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Nick Stevens, interim vice provost for enrollment management, and Chris Gregory, chief marketing officer, to discuss highlights and trends in student enrollment.
Higher Learning Commission accreditation
Sept. 28, 2022 — Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer sits in for Chancellor Girod and visits with Jennifer Roberts, vice provost of academic affairs and graduate studies in Lawrence, and Michael Werle, dean of postdoctoral affairs and graduate studies at KU Medical Center, about Higher Learning Commission accreditation.
Alumni engagement
September 21, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Heath Peterson and Paige Freeman from the KU Alumni Association to talk about alumni engagement and how relationships with KU grads enhance the university. The trio also discuss this year's Homecoming activities.
The Dole Institute, civic engagement
September 13, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod visits Audrey Coleman, director of the Dole Institute of Politics, to discuss the institute's role on campus and throughout the community.
KU Endowment, philanthropy and higher ed
September 8, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Dan Martin, who was named the president of KU Endowment earlier this summer. The two leaders discuss the role of philanthropy in higher education and why donors are so passionate about KU.
An update on the Lied Center, economic development in Lawrence
August 31, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Derek Kwan, executive director of the Lied Center of Kansas, to discuss the Lied Center's mission and its special role in the community. The two leaders also discuss their work with the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and economic development in the region.
Strategic planning, HLC evaluation
August 24, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Barbara Bichelmeyer and Executive Vice Chancellor Robert Simari to discuss highlights on their respective campuses, including strategic planning and the university's HLC accreditation review process.
KU Cancer Center, welcoming students back to campus
August 17, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod chats with KU Cancer Center Director Roy Jensen about the center's new NCI designation. The Chancellor then visits with Vice Provosts Tammara Durham and Susan Klusmeier to discuss KU's efforts to welcome students back to campus and provide them the resources they need to succeed.
Summer review, fall preview
August 10, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod discusses highlights from the summer and looks ahead to the fall semester. Topics include the KU Cancer Center, state funding, KU employee salary increases, college athletics, the university's budget, enrollment, economic development efforts, and the Panasonic project in DeSoto.
A summary of the 2021-22 academic year
May 12, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod looks back on the academic year with a focus on campus operations, enrollment, finances, research, Kansas Athletics, and campus facilities.
The state budget, KU Innovation Park
May 4, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod discusses the state budget, new funding for KU Innovation Park, the KU Debate Team, a record year for Goldwater Scholarships, U.S. News rankings, and research award winners.
Hawk Week activities for new students
April 12, 2022 -- Provost Bichelmeyer discusses next fall’s Hawk Week events for incoming students. The Provost is joined by Ryan Edmonds, welcome program coordinator, and Jen Brockman, director of the Sexual Assault Prevention & Education Center.
Five-year financial plan for Lawrence
MARCH 15, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod visits with CFO Jeff DeWitt to discuss the university's five-year financial plan for the Lawrence and Edwards campuses. Topics include an overview of expenses, revenues and strategies to ensure KU's budget is sustainable and strategic.
Research awards, masks, cybersecurity
MARCH 9, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod provides an update on masks, the University Research Awards scheduled for April 5, and a recent campus visit from FBI Director Christopher Wray, who hosted a discussion about cybersecurity, higher education and training the next-generation workforce.
Kansas Center for Rural Health
FEB. 22, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Dr. Robert Moser, dean of the KU School of Medicine-Salina, to discuss the new Kansas Center for Rural Health. In addition, the Chancellor discusses the potential for a new KU healthcare campus in Wichita.
Legislature, rural health, dean search
FEB. 17, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod discusses: his visit with the Kansas Legislature; the new Kansas Center for Rural Health; a campus conversation on sexual assault and harassment; and the search for our next dean of the School of Architecture & Design.
"One Day. One KU" day of giving
FEB. 9, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod welcomes Kerry Glasgow, director of annual giving for KU Endowment, to discuss the university's 24-hour giving campaign, set for Thursday, Feb. 17.
KU's economic development strategy
FEB. 1, 2022 -- Chancellor Girod welcomes Dave Cook, vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development, to discuss the university’s economic development strategic plan.
Previewing the spring semester and Kansas Legislature
JAN. 26, 2022 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod previews initiatives for the spring semester and provides an update on the Kansas Legislature
Federal vaccine mandate, Sen. Bob Dole
DEC. 15, 2021 -- Chancellor Girod discusses the suspension of KU’s employee vaccine mandate due to a federal injunction, the passing of Sen. Bob Dole, 2021 enrollment, and the renewal of our Alzheimer's Disease Research Center's national designation.
Updates from the Office of Research
DEC. 7, 2021 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Vice Chancellor for Research Simon Atkinson to discuss KU’s efforts to grow the university’s research enterprise. Topics include the recently announced Racial Equity Research, Scholarship & Creative Activity Awards.
Updates from KUIT, School of Music
DEC. 1, 2021 -- Dave Cook, vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development, joins guests from KUIT to discuss cybersecurity and the transition from Blackboard to Canvas. Additionally, School of Music Dean Bob Walzel provides an update on teaching, performances and community engagement.
A chat with Police Chief Nelson Mosley
NOV. 4, 2021 -- Chancellor Girod visits with KU Chief of Police Nelson Mosley, who joined the university earlier this semester. The two leaders discuss Chief Mosley's first few weeks on the job, his plans for KU Public Safety, and opportunities and challenges for KU in the area of public safety.
Student enrollment data and trends
OCT. 19, 2021 -- Chancellor Girod visits with Enrollment Management team members to discuss 2021 enrollment, which increased 0.2% over last year due largely to a 7.6% jump in first-time freshmen, an 11.6% increase in transfer students, gains in international students, and strong retention rates.
Sexual assault prevention and education
OCT. 5, 2021 -- The Chancellor discusses sexual assault prevention and education, as well as KU’s investigatory and sanctions process. Guests include Jen Brockman, director the Sexual Assault Prevention & Education Center, and Demetrius Peterson, director of the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.
NSF visit, Research Rising, Bird Loomis
SEPT 28, 2021 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod provides a campus COVID-19 update and discusses new Police Chief Nelson Mosley, the recent visit by NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, our Research Rising strategies and award deadlines, and the passing of Burdett Loomis.
Campus vandalism and Research Rising
SEPT. 13, 2021 -- In this week’s episode, Chancellor Girod discusses the vandalism of the “Native Hosts” art installation on campus and visits with Simon Atkinson to discuss the university’s Research Rising initiative.
Student vaccination and KUMC research
SEPT. 9, 2021 -- The Chancellor provides an update on KU's student vaccination efforts and visits with Robert Simari, executive vice chancellor of KU Medical Center, for an update on several specific research programs at KU Medical Center.