Messages

Today I am writing to voice my support for each of the Task Force on Community-Responsive Public Safety recommendations and to let you know that the university will be implementing all of them.

With yesterday’s Commencement capping off our semester, it’s worth looking back on an academic year that’s been like no other in history and celebrating your contributions to our success.

I am excited to announce that Travis Goff is joining the University of Kansas as our new director of athletics.

Earlier today, Director of Athletics Jeff Long announced he is stepping down from his position. Jeff and I spoke at length last night, and while I know he would have loved to stay here many more years, I respect his selfless decision to step down so that we can move Kansas Athletics in a different…

We have good news to share related to COVID-19 vaccines and how higher education is prioritized in the state’s vaccine plans. Local public health authorities may now determine that it is appropriate to include university faculty and staff in the current phase of vaccine distribution if those…

I am writing to announce the newest member of our senior leadership team. Jeff DeWitt, a seasoned financial administrator with more than 30 years of experience in complex public sector roles, will join KU as our new chief financial officer & executive vice chancellor for finance.

This week, on Thursday, February 18, we’re again bringing together supporters of our university for our fourth annual 24-hour giving campaign, One Day. One KU.

While there are still many unknowns about how the pandemic will play out in the months ahead, we are tentatively planning to host in-person Commencement events in May, both for this year’s graduates and the Class of 2020.

Earlier this week, the Kansas Board of Regents approved a temporary policy that gives universities flexibility in suspending, dismissing or terminating employees in light of the historic financial challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy requires that any university intending to…

Last Wednesday, Governor Kelly released her budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year. The Governor recommends a $13.6 million cut to KU’s base appropriation, which comprises a $7.6 million cut for Lawrence and a $6 million cut for KU Medical Center.