News
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.
Fri, 05/10/2019
Announcing the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Search Committee
Last August, I shared with you that we would begin a nationwide search for our next provost and executive vice chancellor in spring 2019. I am writing today to inform you that we are initiating that process and have established the search committee that will lead the effort.
Wed, 04/24/2019
KU announces 14-year agreement with adidas
Today we are pleased to announce the renewal of KU’s sponsorship and apparel agreement with adidas. This 14-year agreement is worth $14 million annually – which is more than double the annual value of our previous contract with adidas – making it one of the largest apparel partnerships in college athletics.
Tue, 01/22/2019
Looking ahead to a new semester
Welcome back to campus, Jayhawks. I want to wish you well as we begin a new year and return from a holiday break that hopefully provided an opportunity to rest and recharge. The new academic term also provides us with a chance to examine what lies ahead.
Fri, 12/14/2018
Reflecting on a semester of achievements
As our semester comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on our recent achievements, as well as our efforts to improve the student experience, serve Kansas communities, and grow our research enterprise. Thanks to you, we continue to fulfill our mission and move the University of Kansas forward.
Thu, 11/08/2018
Enhancing our sorority and fraternity community
With sororities and fraternities under scrutiny nationwide and at KU, we must commit to raising our standards for health, wellness and self-governance and seek new ways to meet the expectations we have for our community.
Wed, 10/24/2018
College basketball and next steps for KU
During the past three weeks in a federal courtroom in New York City, the University of Kansas and our men’s basketball program have been the subjects of testimony and speculation during the trial of three defendants accused of defrauding three universities, including KU. The trial concluded today with jury verdicts of guilty on all counts of conspiracy and wire fraud.
Mon, 10/15/2018
Accomplishing more by working together
Recently, I was in Overland Park to speak with the Board of Advisors for the University of Kansas Edwards Campus to discuss ways we can all work together to enhance the economic future of the region. It is a busy time at the Edwards Campus, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and will dedicate KU’s new location in Leavenworth next month. All of this provides good context to reflect on how our efforts in Overland Park and the Kansas City metropolitan area are helping to advance our university’s mission.
Thu, 10/04/2018
Recruiting our next generation of Jayhawks
This week, we saw good news that accompanied our annual 20th day enrollment announcement. Our new class of freshmen has the highest average ACT score and the highest average high school GPA of any class in history, and our six-year graduation rate and freshman retention rate are the highest they’ve ever been.
Tue, 09/04/2018
A giant leap forward for our science facilities
As anyone walking through campus at the beginning of this new academic year will immediately notice, we have a number of new buildings and facilities all around us. One of the more exciting ones is the new Integrated Science Building, which has the potential to improve KU’s standing in myriad ways.
Thu, 08/23/2018
An update on leadership positions
With the new semester underway, I would like to update you on two important leadership positions and share a timeline for future announcements regarding these positions.
Mon, 08/20/2018
A new year for our university
I love the energy that sweeps our university as students return to campus for the first day of classes. Today, as we kick off the new academic year, I’d like to briefly touch on a few milestones and preview some of the initiatives we will discuss this year.
Fri, 07/13/2018
Affirming our university’s values
Earlier this week, we made the necessary decision to relocate the Pledges of Allegiance public art exhibit from the area in front of The Commons at Spooner Hall to the Spencer Museum of Art due to safety concerns. This work of art has elicited strong reactions and calls for its removal. We are writing to reaffirm our full commitment to ensuring the exhibit remains in the Spencer Museum through its scheduled run.
Thu, 07/12/2018
Remembering Chancellor Shankel
I am sad to report that former Chancellor Del Shankel passed away this morning at the age of 90.
Wed, 07/11/2018
Conversation surrounding public art on our campus
There has been much discussion today about a public art exhibit on our campus featuring an artist’s depiction of an American flag. Our Spencer Museum, along with other institutions nationally, have participated in this year-long series of exhibits intended to foster difficult conversations.