Announcing the search committee for the next Provost/Chief Academic Officer for KU and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence Campus

Colleagues, 

Two weeks ago, we launched an internal search for the next Provost/Chief Academic Officer for the University of Kansas and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence Campus. Today I am writing to announce the search committee that will help advise this process and provide recommendations to me.  

The committee members are as follows: 

• Perry Alexander – Distinguished Professor, School of Engineering; Director of the Institute for Information Sciences 
• Stuart Day – Dean, School of Professional Studies; Vice Provost of the Edwards Campus 
• David Dietz – Dean, School of Pharmacy 
• Tammara Durham – Vice Provost for Student Affairs 
• Jean Giddens – Dean, School of Nursing 
• Melissa Greene-Blye – Assistant Professor, School of Journalism 
• Misty Heggeness – Associate Professor, School of Public Affairs & Administration; Associate Research Scientist, Institute for Policy and Social Research; Faculty Senate President, Lawrence Campus 
• Ryan King – Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Support Services, Kansas Athletics 
• Sean Kumer – Interim Chair, Department of Surgery 
• Marissa Marshall – Business Coordinator, Office of Audit, Risk & Compliance; and Staff Senate President, Lawrence Campus 
• Lauren McKown – Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights & Title IX 
• Andrew Murga – Student Body President, Lawrence Campus 
• Kelly Nalani Beym – Self Graduate Fellow 
• Karrie Shogren – Distinguished Professor, School of Education; Director, Kansas University Center on Disabilities; Senior Scientist, Life Span Institute 
• Charlotte Tritch – Assistant Teaching Professor, School of Business; Director, Entrepreneurship Degree Programs 
• Jamie Walters – Professor, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; and UAKU Representative 

Please join me in thanking these committee members for their willingness to serve, as this process will require a significant time commitment. 

Additionally, please know that in constructing this committee, our goal is to ensure that all campuses, constituents, academic areas and mission components are represented — and in a way that emphasizes our One KU initiative. Given the talents and perspectives of these committee members, I am confident we will have a thoughtful, comprehensive process that enables us to identify the best candidate for this crucial role. 

For additional details about the process, visit our leadership search webpage. 

Beyond the committee, I want to thank the faculty and staff who have already shared their feedback with me, and I want to assure you there will continue to be opportunities to engage in this process in the weeks ahead. As always, I remain grateful for your commitment to KU. 

Respectfully, 

Doug 

Douglas A. Girod 
Chancellor