Messages
October 26, 2009
Fighting the Flu Takes All of KUhe start of the school year two months ago meant a return to campus for students, faculty and staff. But it also meant the return of an unwelcome visitor - the H1N1 flu virus.
October 12, 2009
The University for KansasKansas is a big state. It's easy to see that on a map, but only when you start to travel do you fully appreciate its size and diversity.
That's what I've spent many days doing these first two months as chancellor - traveling the state that our university was founded to serve. These trips not only help me get to know Kansas but also serve as an opportunity to help Kansans better know KU.
September 14, 2009
Meeting the Governor's ChallengeThe state constitution calls for educational institutions dedicated to the "intellectual, educational, vocational and scientific improvement" of Kansas. That's where we derive our mission of teaching, research and service to the people of Kansas. Our work in these areas provides our state with educated graduates, life-changing research and service projects that benefit Kansas communities.
August 31, 2009
Setting goals for KU's futureI've officially been chancellor of the University of Kansas for a little more than two weeks now and I can tell you I'm more excited about this university and this job than when I started.
August 19, 2009
New chancellor gives first formal address to university communityThe following are University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little's prepared remarks for convocation, held Aug. 19.
August 14, 2009
Closing thoughts from Interim ChancellorIt has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as interim chancellor of the University of Kansas for the past six weeks. I thought that as I finish my "term" it would be a good time to share my observations about this experience.
July 27, 2009
Stimulus funding boosting KU researchYou likely have heard about the stimulus funding that is being provided to KU and the KU Medical Center via the Board of Regents. In the current and previous fiscal year, the two campuses combined will receive $15.8 million in stimulus funding.
July 13, 2009
Furloughs not imminent, but plans must be developedOur goal throughout the state budget crisis has been to be as open and transparent as possible, letting you know what we know and getting your feedback on how the University of Kansas can continue to fulfill its teaching and research missions during these challenging times.
July 2, 2009
Upcoming budget forumToday, Gov. Mark Parkinson announced an additional 2 percent cut to the Kansas Board of Regents' budget. This will amount to a $2.2 million cut in KUMC's state general fund and $50,000 reduction for the Kansas Medical Student Loan program, which will not affect students enrolled for the next academic year. On the Lawrence campus, it will amount to a $2.77 million cut from the state general fund.
July 1, 2009
A time of transitionToday it is my honor and privilege to begin my service as the interim chancellor of the University of Kansas for the next six weeks. Yesterday marked the close of Robert Hemenway's tenure as the 16th KU chancellor. He will be on or near campus enjoying a sabbatical year after which he will return in the fall of 2010 as a professor of English.
July 27, 2009
Stimulus funding boosting KU researchYou likely have heard about the stimulus funding that is being provided to KU and the KU Medical Center via the Board of Regents. In the current and previous fiscal year, the two campuses combined will receive $15.8 million in stimulus funding..
July 13, 2009
Furloughs not imminent, but plans must be developedOur goal throughout the state budget crisis has been to be as open and transparent as possible, letting you know what we know and getting your feedback on how the University of Kansas can continue to fulfill its teaching and research missions during these challenging times.
July 2, 2009
Upcoming budget forumToday, Gov. Mark Parkinson announced an additional 2 percent cut to the Kansas Board of Regents' budget. This will amount to a $2.2 million cut in KUMC's state general fund and $50,000 reduction for the Kansas Medical Student Loan program, which will not affect students enrolled for the next academic year. On the Lawrence campus, it will amount to a $2.77 million cut from the state general fund.
July 1, 2009
A time of transitionToday it is my honor and privilege to begin my service as the interim chancellor of the University of Kansas for the next six weeks. Yesterday marked the close of Robert Hemenway's tenure as the 16th KU chancellor. He will be on or near campus enjoying a sabbatical year after which he will return in the fall of 2010 as a professor of English.
May 7, 2009
Jayhawks: Stay safe this Stop DayOne of the traditions at the University of Kansas is "Stop Day" - a day when we pause to prepare for the finals to come.
This Stop Day, let's stop the consumption of dangerous amounts of alcohol. We have seen all too well the toll that excessive alcohol consumption imposes on KU students, as well as their friends and families.
April 21, 2009
New revenue figures change budget pictureAs you may have read this weekend, the state's new revenue forecast indicates very challenging times ahead for the Kansas economy. This forecast changes the budget situation faced by state agencies and universities.
April 13, 2009
Spring brings excitement to campusEven though it appears to be coming in windy fits and starts, with the Kansas winter reluctant to give up its hold on us, you can tell from the activity on campus that spring is here.
March 25, 2009
KU Works for KansasWhile much of the state's attention in recent days has been devoted to the Jayhawks' yearly run through the NCAA Tournament, the attention of the men and women of the University of Kansas has remained focused on our mission of teaching, research and service.
March 9, 2009
KU research has benefits far beyond Mt. OreadDuring a time when the news seems inundated with talk of economic woes, it may be easy to forget about all the good news that KU has received in recent days and weeks.
February 16, 2009
New details on KU's budget situationLike you, I have been closely following the discussions in Topeka regarding the state's budget crisis and how it will impact the University of Kansas.
February 9, 2009
2009 CommencementThe 137th Commencement of the University of Kansas is scheduled for Sunday, May 17,2009. Again this year we will host a Commencement lunch for graduates and their families from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m on Commencement day at the Outlook.
February 2, 2009
Recruiting the Next Generation of JayhawksThis year enrollment at the University of Kansas exceeded 30,000 students for the first time in our history, also setting KU records for academic achievement and diversity.
January 14, 2009
Update on Governor's BudgetOn Tuesday, Governor Sebelius issued her recommendations for the current and FY 2010 budget years. We are still analyzing the impact on KU, but clearly the state's poor economic condition has led to budget cuts to higher education.
December 15, 2008
Holidays a time for givingDuring a time of uncertainty and worry, this message of hope and of giving is more important than ever. Fortunately, the desire of the members of the KU family to give back is as strong as ever.
December 8, 2008
A special message from the chancellorI believe it is time for me to take a new role. That role can be simply stated. I believe June 30, 2009, will be an appropriate time for me to step down as Chancellor. I will continue as Chancellor until June 30, after which I will transition to scholarly duties, writing and teaching. I have spoken with the Board of Regents and they will develop a transition plan. I will be on sabbatical for the 2009-10 school year, working on a book about intercollegiate athletics and American values.
November 17, 2008
Sharing knowledge part of KU's missionHow do you measure the value of the University of Kansas?
One way would be to look at the number of degrees granted - almost 6,000 last year - and the lives and livelihoods enhanced by the knowledge gained during the pursuit of those degrees.
November 13, 2008
Update on Kansas' budget situationAs you know, the national economy has continued its downturn this fall. As a result, Governor Sebelius recently revised her request, asking that state agencies reduce current year spending by 3 percent instead of the original 2 percent and warned that, "Deeper reductions in FY 2010 will almost certainly be necessary." The "deeper reductions" means that 2010 may see cuts of 7 percent.
October 24, 2008
KU Endowment provides record support to UniversityKU Endowment announced that it had its best year ever, not only in terms of the amount of financial support it provided to the university, but also when it comes to the number of Jayhawks who pledged their support to KU.
October 20, 2008
Higher education key to economic recoveryThe United States and much of the world is in an economic downturn, with economic indicators such as consumer spending, home construction and unemployment showing us the problem goes far beyond a turbulent stock market.
October 6, 2008
Make your voice heardOne of the great things about living in the United States is the fact that we have the right to elect those who will represent us in government. This is a right that many have fought and died for, and that many more around the world still seek.
September 15, 2008
Our thirst for knowledgeThis morning we celebrated the $20.2 million National Institutes of Health award to medicinal chemistry professor Jeff Aubé and his research team. The grant establishes a Specialized Chemistry Center at KU as part of a major initiative in the NIH national "roadmap" to transform medical research during the next decade. Aubé and his team will work within a prestigious national network to identify new molecules for fighting disease and advancing human health.
September 1, 2008
KU's budget situationAs you all know, the United States is currently experiencing an economic downturn. While the Kansas economy has benefited from high commodity prices and has not been hit as hard by declining home prices, budget forecasters in Topeka remain concerned about the revenue outlook for state government.
August 25, 2008
A Great Place to Be a ChampionAs I write this, students are returning to campus, with Hawk Week already in full swing. Faculty and staff are preparing for the first day of classes and all that entails. Freshmen are looking for classrooms, while new faculty members are finding their way around campus. Throughout the entire community there's a buzz in the air.
May 12, 2008
Initiative 2015Last January, we launched a strategic planning process for KU called Initiative 2015. Three task forces were created - Teaching and Learning, Discovery and Innovation, and Working for Kansas. During the spring, more than 60 faculty, staff and students from throughout the university met to discuss these key issues and draft recommendations for addressing them.
January 7, 2008
KU looks aheadIt's a great time to be a Jayhawk. In football, men's basketball and women's basketball KU is currently a combined 37-3, with the biggest win being an Orange Bowl victory that was a true team effort and a testament to the hard work and dedication of all our student-athletes.
The Orange Bowl gave us an opportunity to tell KU's story to a wide audience, and what a story it is.
December 21, 2007
Improving the Quality of Health Care in KansasFor more than a century, Kansans have looked to the University of Kansas as a source of healing and hope. Our health science schools in Kansas City and Wichita and our hospital in Kansas City have consistently worked for the people of Kansas by training health-care professionals and offering excellent care to patients.
I am pleased this week that the University of Kansas Medical Center, the University of Kansas Hospital and the doctors of KU Physicians, Inc., reached an agreement that will advance our KU mission of improving the quality of health care in Kansas.
November 27, 2007
Our shared successKU has experienced a magical football season with our beloved Jayhawks going undefeated for most of the season, accomplishing things never before achieved in KU history.
Coach Mark Mangino, his staff, and the team have given us memories that will be treasured for a long time. They have taught us the value of hard work and dedication.
November 1, 2007
KU-Fort Leavenworth ProgramYou may have noticed the recent press release announcing the new KU-Fort Leavenworth Program, to be directed by former Ambassador David Lambertson. I want to describe the new program and its antecedents a bit more fully, to give you some idea of what we hope it can achieve.
October 15, 2007
Accomplishments on and off the fieldAutumn is in the air, and football is on many people's minds. KU's national ranking has attracted much attention.
We are certainly proud of the team, and its success reminds us that KU makes big plays in the classroom and breakthroughs in the laboratory as well.
June 4, 2007
Legislative updateAt this time of the year people always ask how KU did with the Kansas Legislature. The session was marked by spirited debate that at times turned into tumult. But as the session drew to its close in late May, we found much support for the University of Kansas, and consequently, many people to thank.
May 18, 2006
Legislative updateWithout question, the 2005-06 school year has been a very successful one for the University of Kansas. Today and tomorrow, I will be summarizing accomplishments of the school year for two very important audiences: first, to the Kansas Board of Regents in my annual presentation and, second, to the university community at large in my remarks at the All University Supper. Because these remarks will be available to you on the KU Web site, I won't elaborate further on the Big Picture. However, I do want to take this opportunity to review a subject of great importance to all of us: the recently completed session of the Kansas Legislature.
Mar 20, 2006
Shelter from the StormAs all the Jayhawk nation knows by now, a ferocious wind storm hit campus on Sunday, March 12. It pummeled 74 of the Mount Oread campus buildings, destroyed 100 trees, blew out windows in buildings and cars, twisted the KJHK radio tower, cracked red roof tiles and hurtled them across lawns, and knocked out our electrical power for the better part of the day. In the storm's wake, we were left with $6 million to $7 million in damages.
Jan 19, 2006
Governor's Budget RecommendationsNew Year's greetings and welcome back to those of you who are returning to campus after semester break.
Sep 26, 2005
Evolution StatementSix years ago the Chronicle of Higher Education published a column I wrote on the evolution controversy. My point of view then, and remarks I have made publicly many times since, should surprise no one: Evolution is the central unifying principle of modern biology, and it must be taught in our high schools, universities and colleges.
Mar 23, 2005
Budgets and BasketballsAs we enjoy Spring Break, two matters weigh heavily on the mind — the Kansas Legislature and the Kansas basketball team.
Feb 7, 2005
World Economic ForumMany of you may have noted that recently I attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
Dec 15, 2004
'Mankind was my business'The holidays are a time for taking stock, both of our work lives and the "common welfare."
Aug 30, 2004
KU CommunityWe are encouraging students this year to obtain the vaccine that protectsagainst some--not all--of the strains of meningitis.
Jun 23, 2004
International
universitiesJune is always a time to pause, catch our breath, and settle in for the summer heat.
Dec 17, 2003
Holiday Message The holidays encourage us to count our blessings, and this last year has been bountiful for KU.
May 20, 2003
Legislative Update and Merit Salary Increase Last year at this time, the Legislature and the Governor were still hard at work hammering out a very contentious state budget.
Dec 16, 2002
Take
notice of all those who make your success possibleIn my last memo, I said I would follow-up by talking about the November budget cut of 3.9 percent and our ability to deal with it.
Oct 22, 2002
RankingsOne of the privileges of being Chancellor is sharing KU's excellence with others.
Oct 2, 2002
Budget
CutsI have been slow to begin my e-mail messages this school year, and for that I apologize.
Aug 20, 2002
The
New Academic YearGreetings to all of you at the beginning of a new and exciting academic year!
Jul 8, 2002
Dealing
with the State's Financial CrisisKU's finances have been in the news a great deal lately, so I am using this memo to keep you informed about how the university has dealt with the state's financial crisis.
Jun 6, 2002
State
Budget: Outcome and Outlook for KUThe longest legislative session in Kansas history came to an end May 31.
May 7, 2002
Budget
ConcernsAs finals week arrives and the academic year comes to an end, I want you to know how proud I am of the faculty and staff of the University of Kansas.
Mar 4, 2002
Tuition
UpdateFor the last five months, KU has been engaged in a dialogue about tuition.
Feb 4, 2002
Key
Legislative ConcernsThe Governor's statutory budget proposal contained the largest cuts ever recommended for higher education in Kansas.
Dec 20, 2001
The
State BudgetLast week Governor Graves took the unusual step of describing, before Christmas, the fiscal year 2003 State budget that he will submit to the legislature on January 14, 2002.
Nov 19, 2001
KU's
Budget OutlookThe newspapers have been full of dire economic news lately, and experts have concluded that the country is in a recession.
Oct 8, 2001
Responding
as a University to the WarWe were waiting for the other shoe to drop, and now we hear the tramp of combat boots.
Sep 3, 2001
The
New SemesterKU has had an eventful summer and a successful beginning to the new semester.
May 14, 2001
Budget
OverviewExcept for formal adjournment on May 31, the Legislature has concluded its 2001 session.
Apr 16, 2001
Legislative,
Budget UpdateYou have all heard by now that the State of Kansas has a budget problem -- a $200 million problem.
Mar 12, 2001
Legislative,
Budget Update; men's swimming and tennisI want to bring you up to date on the Regent's budget in the legislature.
Feb 19, 2001
Current
Fiscal Year Budget CutsTwo weeks ago I shared with you information about the state's budget recommendations for FY 2002.
Jan 29, 2001
Governor's
Budget RecommendationsOn January 8, Governor Bill Graves submitted his budget recommendations to the 2001 Legislature.
Dec 4, 2000
Admission
and Graduation For more than a century, KU has required of Kansans only one credential to be admitted-a degree from a Kansas high school.
Nov 20, 2000
KU's
Budget Request for SalariesI want to thank all of you who responded to my message about rankings.
Nov 6, 2000
Technology
Creates Opportunities by Encouraging Information SharingSome of KU's greatest challenges are the obstacles to communicating across the whole institution-the "one university" called the University of Kansas.
Contact
- Chancellor's Office
- University of Kansas
- 230 Strong Hall
- Lawrence
- chancellor@ku.edu
- Office: (785) 864-3131
- Fax: 864-4120
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