You Are Invited

Dear Staff and Faculty,

I want to invite you to be an essential part of our efforts to build the new future of the University of Kansas by sharing KU’s foundation of the strategic plan, known as Jayhawks Rising.

Before I arrived on campus in February 2020, you had already started work on this important strategic planning process. In the months since, hundreds of faculty, staff and students have continued working on ideas and strategies that helped form the foundation for the strategic plan. As a result, three institutional priorities have been identified: Student Success, Healthy & Vibrant Communities, and Research & Discovery. This foundation will redefine KU as we fulfill our vision to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society.

I recently sat down with Spencer Museum of Art Director Saralyn Reece Hardy to discuss what has taken place since the process launched in November 2019 and what our next steps as a community are. You can follow that discussion here.

After you’ve watched the video, please visit jayhawksrising.ku.edu to further familiarize yourself with the foundation of the strategic plan. In the fall we will refocus on strategic doing by aligning our work to be an exceptional university. We urge you to explore the ways you can be part of our transformation. Team leads have been identified for each institutional objective. They will provide focus and leadership beginning this fall as we work together to identify, maintain and grow KU’s excellence now and for generations to come. If we are to be successful, we need you to bring your ideas, strategies and energy.

I know the past year has not been easy. People all across campus have worked so incredibly hard and were amazingly creative. Thank you. I know you care deeply about this institution and the students we serve. That passion, thoughtfulness and intellectual investment are what will convey this institution to a higher level.

Thank you for your exceptional work this year. Please take time to celebrate Commencement with our graduates, restore your energy over the summer and, come this fall, be ready to share your ideas and participate in the strategic doing that will help change the trajectory of KU.

Rock Chalk!

Respectfully,

Barb

Barbara A. Bichelmeyer
Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor