Changes to central administration structure

Colleagues,

We are writing to inform you about changes in leadership roles serving the Lawrence and Edwards campuses.

As described earlier this week, budget challenges require us to examine our administrative structure and pursue means to provide essential services as efficiently as possible. We have also asked deans and vice provosts to look more closely at the operations of their units and make changes accordingly.

Changes are taking place within Strong Hall that help address these fiscal constraints. Beginning July 1, to flatten the financial administrative structure, the responsibilities of the vice chancellor and chief financial officer will be combined with those of the long-serving vice provost of finance and administration, Diane Goddard, who will become CFO and vice provost for finance. In this role, Diane will work directly with both the chancellor and provost.

Leisa Julian, current vice chancellor and CFO, is assisting with the transition and will serve until June 30.

The Administration and Finance structure will be separated into two chief areas with Diane maintaining oversight of KU Public Safety, Budget, Comptroller, Shared Service Centers, Purchasing and the KU Card Center. Mike Rounds will be elevated to vice provost for administration responsible for Human Resource Management; Facilities Services; Facilities Design and Planning; Parking and Transit; Environment, Health and Safety; and Sustainability.

Shannan Nelson, who currently oversees Campus Operations, will now focus on large capital opportunities such as securing alternative revenue streams and will report to Diane Goddard in her role as CFO. Our new chief information officer, Mary Walsh, will report to the provost, as had been previously announced to deans and vice provosts.

Stuart Day will step away from his position as senior vice provost for academic affairs and return to his role on the faculty in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. The senior vice provost position will remain unfilled. Academic Affairs staff will work with Interim Provost Lejuez to ensure key tasks and responsibilities continue uninterrupted. Leadership of Undergraduate Studies, International Programs, Graduate Studies, the Lied Center, the Spencer Museum of Art, the Center for Online and Distance Learning, and the University Press of Kansas will now work directly with Provost Lejuez.

These changes flatten our central administration structure while still ensuring KU remains true to our core goals to improve the student experience, expand our outreach to the state, and grow our research enterprise.

The University of Kansas has talented faculty and staff who are dedicated to this institution, and we are grateful for their service. We appreciate their continued contributions to the university and the state.

Sincerely,

Douglas A. Girod
Chancellor

Carl Lejuez
Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor