2023 Chancellor's Updates

December 13, 2023 -- In his final update of the year, Chancellor Girod reflects on highlights from the semester, including record-high enrollment, a visit from the U.S. Secretary of Education, our "Ever Onward" capital campaign, enhancements to academic services, campus master planning and the Gateway District.

December 6, 2023 -- Chancellor Girod and Provost Bichelmeyer visit with Chris Corbett, director of Counseling and Psychological Services, to discuss student mental health and how employees can help students access various support services.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.