Launching the search process for our next Provost/Chief Academic Officer for the University of Kansas and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence Campus
Colleagues,
Following our recent announcement of Barbara Bichelmeyer’s decision to step down from her leadership role, I am writing to share next steps in our process to identify her successor.
Today, we are launching an internal search for our next Provost/Chief Academic Officer for the University of Kansas and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence Campus. This position represents a momentous opportunity for a new leader to shape the university’s academic direction, enhance alignment among KU's campuses through our One KU initiative, and lead strategies to fulfill our mission of education, service and research.
Internal candidates from all KU campuses are invited to apply for the position by November 16. The full position description, eligibility criteria and process timeline are available on our leadership search webpage.
Process
I will appoint a search committee to help advise this search process and make recommendations to me. Individuals who would like to be considered for this committee, or who would like to nominate a colleague to be on the committee, may send a brief statement of interest to provostsearch@ku.edu by 5 p.m. on October 29. I will announce to campus the search committee members by November 3.
Our goal is to have the selected leader in place by the beginning of the spring 2026 semester.
Thank you
As I shared previously, KU is fortunate to have exceptional talent among our faculty and leadership community, and I am confident we will identify a candidate who brings the vision to build on the terrific progress we’ve made during Barb’s tenure.
Again, I am grateful to Barb for her leadership and her continued service during this transition. I am also thankful to the many faculty and staff who will participate in this important process. Thank you for your continued commitment to KU.
Respectfully,
Doug
Douglas A. Girod
Chancellor