News
Tue, 06/02/2020
A message to the KU community regarding racism in America
We are emerging from a week of heart-wrenching conversations about the toxic impact that racism has on all of our communities.
Fri, 05/29/2020
Reaffirming our commitment to our university's values of inclusivity and respect
We join many across the country today as we recognize and reflect on many issues in our society that result in challenging and difficult times for our underserved and marginalized populations.
Tue, 05/26/2020
Announcing the retirement of a senior leadership team member
Diane Goddard, our chief financial officer and vice provost for finance, will be leaving KU after a 36-year career in various roles across the institution.
Thu, 05/21/2020
An update on Lawrence and Edwards financial challenges
In recent weeks, Provost Bichelmeyer and I have communicated with you regularly, and we have appreciated your feedback. With your help, we continue to plan for various scenarios that position KU to resume on-campus operations in some capacity this fall. Today, I write to share additional updates regarding KU’s situation and the challenges we face.
Wed, 05/20/2020
Guidance and next steps on reopening campus in the era of COVID-19
We have created a new document titled "Reopening of KU campuses in the era of COVID-19." This document summarizes steps we’ve taken so far and explains guiding principles and next steps for reopening campus for the fall semester.
Mon, 04/27/2020
Next steps toward addressing the impact of the pandemic
Today I write to share updates about KU’s situation and the financial challenges we face.
Thu, 04/23/2020
KU to distribute nearly $7.6 million in CARES Act funding to students
The University of Kansas will distribute $7,594,823 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding directly to students who have significant need and are facing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tue, 04/14/2020
Chancellor to host second virtual University Update on April 16
I write today to invite you to join me and other KU leaders for our next virtual University Update on Thursday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m. This discussion will focus on healthcare in our region, including the work our KU Medical Center and The University of Kansas Hospital are doing as part of the regional response.
Tue, 04/07/2020
Dave Cook named vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development
I am pleased to announce Dave Cook, vice chancellor of the Edwards campus and dean of the School of Professional Studies, will become our new vice chancellor for public affairs and economic development.
Wed, 03/25/2020
Carl Lejuez named provost at UConn
I am writing to let you know that one of our leaders will be departing the University of Kansas for a new opportunity. Earlier today, Carl Lejuez was named provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of Connecticut. Carl will begin his new role at UConn later this spring.
Tue, 03/24/2020
An update related to student safety and well-being
Today I join Director of Athletics Jeff Long to provide you an update on a matter related to student health and well-being.
Wed, 03/11/2020
A very important note regarding COVID-19
KU leaders have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19. We know that some members of the Jayhawk community have been in areas with reported cases, and we don’t expect to be immune from this virus.
Thu, 03/05/2020
News regarding student safety and wellbeing
The safety and wellbeing of students, faculty and staff is our paramount responsibility as university leaders. With this in mind, we write you today to share troubling developments involving a contracted massage therapist and some of our student-athletes.
Mon, 03/02/2020
Update on coronavirus
As the circumstances surrounding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to evolve, I would like to update you on how the university is working to keep our community healthy. For updates, visit the university's dedicated coronavirus webpage.
Mon, 02/17/2020
Your work inspires our supporters
This week, on Thursday, February 20, we’re again bringing together supporters of our university for our third 24-hour giving campaign, "One Day. One KU." In addition to being an important event for our university, this occasion also provides an opportunity to thank each of you.
Thu, 02/06/2020
Join us for the first University Research Awards event April 22
Few of us need reminding of the grand challenges facing our society today. As one of our nation’s leading public research universities, KU has a special role in fostering a culture of research that addresses these challenges. As part of this effort, we’re hosting a new event this year that will celebrate the recipients of our university’s top research awards.
Fri, 01/31/2020
University of Kansas issues China travel restriction
Following actions from U.S. government agencies concerned about coronavirus, the University of Kansas has issued a travel restriction to China for all university faculty, staff, and students, effective immediately. No institution-related travel to China will be authorized or approved by the university.
Tue, 01/21/2020
The semester ahead
I hope you had a joyful holiday season and that you’re ready to start another productive year as a member of our university community. With classes beginning today, I would like to use this message to preview highlights for the spring semester and update you on key initiatives.
Fri, 01/10/2020
Sorority and Fraternity Life Task Force recommendations
I am pleased to share the Sorority and Fraternity Life Task Force's initial recommendations and applaud the task force for its outstanding work to develop these strategies during the past year.
Wed, 12/18/2019
Chancellor Gray-Little to have building named in her honor, receives Chancellor Emerita status
Today is a special day for our university as we have the occasion to celebrate a former chancellor’s many contributions to the University of Kansas and to our society.
Mon, 12/09/2019
Julie Murray named interim vice chancellor for public affairs
I am pleased to announce that Julie Murray, my chief of staff, will serve as interim vice chancellor for public affairs, effective today, while we work to identify a new permanent vice chancellor. Julie will continue to serve as chief of staff while serving as interim vice chancellor.
Fri, 12/06/2019
Barbara Bichelmeyer named provost and executive vice chancellor
It is my pleasure to announce Barbara Bichelmeyer as the next provost and executive vice chancellor of the Lawrence campus. She will begin her new role in late February.
Fri, 11/15/2019
Thank you for helping to launch KU Strategic Planning 2020
Thank you for participating in Visioning Day, the kickoff to our strategic planning process, last week in the Kansas Union Ballroom.
Fri, 10/18/2019
Rolling out the red carpet
We are already looking ahead to recruiting our next class of Jayhawks — and today, we have a special opportunity to welcome prospective students and families to Lawrence for our annual Crimson & Blue Day.
Fri, 10/11/2019
Join us for strategic planning kickoff November 8
I am excited to launch the next strategic planning process for the University of Kansas and to solicit your assistance in this important effort to shape the future of our university. The strategic planning process begins with the Visioning Day kickoff event on Friday, November 8, from 3-5 p.m. in the Kansas Union Ballroom.
Wed, 10/02/2019
Celebrating a record year for student success
The University of Kansas has achieved all-time highs in key metrics related to student recruitment and success. In particular, we set records for our one-year retention rate, four- and six-year graduation rates and entering freshman class GPA, while creating the most diverse student body in university history. This is good news, and we can be proud of our progress related to these institutional priorities.
Fri, 09/27/2019
Vice Chancellor Reggie Robinson named president, CEO of Kansas Health Foundation
Earlier today, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs Reggie Robinson was named the new president and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation, one of the nation’s premier public health non-profit organizations. Reggie’s last day at KU will be in November, and he will begin his new position Dec. 1.
Mon, 08/26/2019
A new year for our university
I hope your summer was relaxing and productive, and I am excited to continue working with you to advance our university’s mission of education, service and research.
Wed, 08/21/2019
Protecting our research enterprise
As has been publicly reported, one of our faculty members has been involved in an investigation of alleged criminal activity. He is accused of fraud related to his work at our Lawrence campus and in China.
Thu, 05/23/2019
Reflecting on a semester of success
Thanks to all of you who came together for Commencement and made this past Sunday a special one for all our graduates and their many guests. I also want to take this moment to reflect on a few highlights from the past few months and thank you for moving the University of Kansas forward.