News
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.
Fri, 01/12/2018
Reggie Robinson named vice chancellor for public affairs
It is my pleasure to announce that Reggie Robinson has agreed to serve as our vice chancellor for public affairs. We are fortunate to have a leader of his experience and talents in this critical role for our campuses.
Tue, 01/09/2018
Robert Simari named executive vice chancellor for KU Medical Center
I am pleased to announce Robert D. Simari, M.D., as the executive vice chancellor for the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Sat, 12/16/2017
Another strong class of Jayhawks
Last month, we were delighted to announce that enrollment at the University of Kansas has grown for the fourth straight year to its highest level since 2011. Additionally, this year’s freshmen have the highest average high school GPA and are the most diverse of any class in KU history. Retention and graduation rates are also higher than ever.
Fri, 12/15/2017
Reflecting on my first semester and your remarkable work
Today, as our semester comes to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on my first six months in Strong Hall and thank you for your support.
Mon, 11/27/2017
Our commitment to military-affiliated students
Last week, we were delighted to learn that KU has earned a No. 5 national ranking in the Military Times Best: Colleges 2018 rankings. The rankings recognize schools that excel in providing services to students with military ties, have a military-inclusive campus, and have high academic achievement rates among these students.
Mon, 11/13/2017
Football and our national aspirations
In September, I joined Kansas Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger to announce a fundraising project focused on football. This project addresses the reality that a competitive football program is important to our university and that our outdated facilities hamper our ability to compete in the Big 12 Conference. Today I would like to update you on this project.
Mon, 10/30/2017
Jayhawks leading the way across the globe
We often talk about how we educate leaders and how our work benefits people around the globe. This week, we will welcome Colombian Pres. Juan Manuel Santos back to campus as one of our distinguished alumni who has demonstrated outstanding leadership to end a long-running civil war in his native Colombia.
Mon, 09/25/2017
Raise the Chant
This past Friday, I joined Kansas Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger to announce Raise the Chant, a $350 million fundraising project focused on football. Today I’d like to discuss this exciting effort and why it needs to be one of KU’s institutional priorities.
Sun, 09/17/2017
Focusing on our student experience
As I meet with Jayhawks across the state and on our campuses, I am continually reminded of how much impact we have on the lives of our students during the relatively short period of time they spend with us. Today, I want to focus on thinking about how we can continue to improve the student experience at KU.
Mon, 08/21/2017
A new year for our university
I always enjoy the energy that comes with the start of the semester. This year, for the first time, I am experiencing that energy as chancellor — and loving every minute of it. I’m delighted to have all of you back on campus and look forward to the work we’ll do together as a community of scholars.
Mon, 08/14/2017
Confronting racism and hate
We are writing to share our profound sadness and concern at the events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia, beginning Friday night. Like many of you, we were horrified at the sight of white supremacists with racist and hate-filled messages marching on a university campus.
Tue, 08/08/2017
Reggie Robinson named interim vice chancellor for public affairs
I am pleased to announce that Reggie Robinson, director of our School of Public Affairs & Administration, will serve as interim vice chancellor for public affairs. Reggie will assume the role effective August 14.
Wed, 07/12/2017
Moving KU forward
I am honored to write you for the first time as the 18th chancellor of the University of Kansas. Susan and I greatly appreciate the expressions of support we’ve received in recent weeks, and I look forward to working with each of you on behalf of this great institution.
Thu, 05/04/2017
Reflecting on a year of achievement
During the past eight years, we have transformed the University of Kansas with 50 capital improvement projects totaling $700 million and launched a once-in-a-generation redevelopment of our Central District that will change the face of education and research at KU. But as I have said before, the transformation goes deeper than buildings and encompasses every aspect of our mission.
Mon, 04/17/2017
Pursuing a meaningful life
American public universities have played a special role ever since the first were chartered in the late 1700s. The founders understood that the United States would prosper only if it had strong universities that could educate the next generation of leaders and create the inventions and ideas that drive progress.