Bernadette Gray-Little will step down as chancellor of the University of Kansas in summer 2017, according to an announcement today.
She announced her plans to the Kansas Board of Regents recently and in a campus-wide email at KU.
“It has been an honor to lead the University of Kansas,” said Chancellor Gray-Little in a news release. She came to Lawrence in 2009 as a highly regarded administrator and researcher. “KU has always been a special place with terrific people and an instinctive spirit to change our world for the better. During the past seven years, we have made tremendous strides as a university and positioned KU for even greater achievements in the future. Leading this remarkable institution is a privilege I always will cherish, and I’m grateful to the entire KU community for believing in our mission.”
Chancellor Gray-Little said the timing of her decision makes good sense for the university.
“With many critical initiatives either completed or nearing completion – including a $1.6 billion Far Above campaign and our transformational Central District project – now is an ideal time for the University of Kansas to identify a new chancellor to guide the next chapter in the university’s history,” Chancellor Gray-Little said. “Additionally, by announcing my decision now, we give state and university leaders a full academic year to conduct the important work of recruiting the next chancellor without the need for an interim, which will ensure a smoother transition.”
The university, in conjunction with the Kansas Board of Regents, will announce details of the search process for Chancellor Gray-Little’s successor in the coming weeks.
“Chancellor Gray-Little has been a transformative figure for the University of Kansas and has ably guided the university during the past seven years,” said Zoe Newton, chair of the Kansas Board of Regents. “On behalf of the Board of Regents, I want to thank her for her service and leadership and wish her the very best.”