About the Office of the Provost

Administrative Units | Academic Units | Other Units/Departments

The transformative power of higher education is truly phenomenal. It does more than simply elevate the standing of the one who learns; it touches all those around — staff, faculty, family, community, country, and world.

The University of Kansas faculty and staff excel at providing students with opportunities to transform their lives. Through high-level instruction, public engagement, discovery and creativity, KU prepares students to address the burning issues of the day as well as identify challenges and opportunities ahead.

As faculty and staff, our job is to educate and inspire as we investigate and innovate. It’s a point of pride that KU is a major research institution and a member of the Association of American Universities, a group composed of 62 leading public and private research universities in the United States and Canada. From discovering the element of Helium on Earth to showing that art can enhance student literacy, KU faculty and students are partnering together to positively impact our world. 

The Office of the Provost is committed to building an environment that fosters the success of all members of our campus community. We also have a duty to work with the public and leaders in government, business, and industry to demonstrate the value KU brings to the state and nation and involve them as our partners.

My goal is to recruit and retain talented faculty, staff and students to KU so they can explore and grow through research, engagement, entrepreneurship and artistic and cultural expression. That means securing the resources and tools for success as well as providing an environment that reduces barriers and supports all in their academic pursuits. KU is dedicated to advancing academic freedom while also embracing the diverse backgrounds, ideas and opinions of its people. The combination brings about true advances for our lives. 

Take a moment to browse around this website and learn about our people and our endeavors. 

Perhaps more important, take a moment to let me know your ideas on how KU can be an even stronger leader in higher education. As an alumna, I’m personally invested in ensuring KU continues to stand out as an amazing institution. I promise to keep open lines of communication. If you have a concern, I want to know.  If you see a better way, I need to know.  That’s how we excel as a world-class university and that’s the power and beauty of the Jayhawk family. My email address is provost@ku.edu.  You can follow and interact with me on Twitter at @KUProvostNeeli and with the office at @KUprovost. You can also share your thoughts confidentially through this form.

Neeli Bendapudi
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor