News
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.
Thu, 07/05/2018
A new leader for Kansas Athletics
I am excited to report that Jeff Long, one of the most experienced and respected collegiate athletics administrators in the country, will soon be joining the University of Kansas as our director of athletics.
Tue, 07/03/2018
Trump administration announcement on race and admissions
Earlier today, it was reported that the Trump administration is rescinding guidance to colleges and universities on the use of race as a factor in admissions decisions. I am writing this message to assure you that the University of Kansas will continue its efforts to create a diverse community of scholars across our campuses.
Tue, 06/05/2018
Getting to a position of strength
Last week, we announced a budget reduction on the Lawrence campus to address fiscal constraints for the upcoming year. Today, as summer classes begin, I’d like to share a few additional thoughts about this reduction and why I am confident KU will continue to excel in all aspects of our mission.
Fri, 06/01/2018
Changes to central administration structure
Interim Provost Lejuez and I are writing you today to discuss changes to KU's central administration structure.
Mon, 05/21/2018
A leadership change for Kansas Athletics
I am writing to inform you of a leadership change in Kansas Athletics. This morning I met with Director of Athletics Sheahon Zenger and informed him that I am relieving him of his duties, effective immediately.
Fri, 05/11/2018
My first year and your great work
Thank you for making my first year so rewarding. Across our university and nation, Jayhawks welcomed me into their classrooms, boardrooms and living rooms to discuss KU. These conversations were productive and honest, and they shaped my thinking about our university’s direction.
Thu, 04/26/2018
Rodolfo Torres to become interim vice chancellor for research
Beginning May 1, Rodolfo Torres will become our new interim vice chancellor for research. John Colombo — who has served in this role since last summer — will remain in the Office of Research to assist Rodolfo as an interim associate vice chancellor for research while gradually reducing his involvement with that office as key vacancies are filled.
Tue, 04/17/2018
Carl Lejuez to become interim provost and executive vice chancellor
I am pleased to announce Carl Lejuez, dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, as our interim provost and executive vice chancellor. Carl will begin his new role April 30 as current provost Neeli Bendapudi leaves KU to become president of the University of Louisville.
Thu, 04/05/2018
Join me for the Chancellor’s Inaugural Research Symposium on April 19
The mission of the University of Kansas is to educate leaders, build healthy communities and make discoveries that change the world. Two weeks from today, we have an opportunity to see this mission on display in a special way.
Tue, 04/03/2018
Provost Bendapudi named president of University of Louisville
I am writing to let you know that a key member of our executive team will be leaving the University of Kansas for a new opportunity. Earlier today, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Neeli Bendapudi was named the new president of the University of Louisville. She is slated to begin her new role in May.
Fri, 03/16/2018
Addressing challenges in the Interfraternity Council community
In recent weeks, a number of our fraternities have made headlines for being investigated, sanctioned or shut down. These and additional investigations suggest a systemic issue with misconduct that warrants our full attention and focus. And now we have an opportunity to launch a collaborative effort for multi-stakeholder engagement to aggressively address these issues together.
Mon, 02/12/2018
Your work inspires our friends and supporters
On Tuesday, February 20, friends around the world will come together to support the University of Kansas’ first-ever 24-hour giving campaign, One Day. One KU. In advance of this event, I want to thank you for the crucial role you play in our fundraising efforts. Donors support KU because they believe in the work you do to improve our state and society. For that, you have my sincere appreciation.
Mon, 01/29/2018
Building relationships in Topeka and across Kansas
As we begin another semester at the University of Kansas, I want to update you on our efforts in Topeka and how we are fostering relationships across Kansas.
Tue, 01/16/2018
Starting a new semester for our university
Welcome back, Jayhawks! I hope you had a joyful holiday season, and I trust you are ready for another productive year. With classes beginning today, I want to take a moment to look ahead to some of the highlights for the upcoming semester.
Mon, 01/15/2018
Fulfilling Dr. King’s dream
As our nation comes together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I find myself reflecting on the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, last August. It was a terrible weekend for our nation and a reminder that we have a long way to go if we are to fulfill Dr. King’s dream.