KU continues provost search as finalists give public presentations
Clarissa Rodriguez | @clarissa.rodriguez
Four finalists have been selected for the role of provost/chief academic officer and executive vice chancellor at KU. This is a critical leadership role that will shape the university’s academic future and the advancement of One KU.
On Oct. 14, 2025, Barbara Bichelmeyer decided to step down as provost/chief academic officer at KU and the executive vice chancellor of the Lawrence campus. Following an internal search, the finalists were selected and identified to replace Bichelmeyer. Each finalist participated in a public presentation and a reception between Jan. 22 and Feb. 4. These presentations and receptions allowed faculty, staff, and students to have an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about their vision for KU.
The presentations were live-streamed, with video recordings and online feedback forms made available following the presentation of the candidate. Candidate names were announced two days prior to their scheduled public presentation.
The provost/chief academic officer and executive vice chancellor serve as KU’s senior academic leader and as the strategic leader of the Lawrence campus. By reporting directly to the chancellor and serving on the University Cabinet, the provost plays a central role in advancing KU’s mission of education, service, and research across all campuses.
The provost works closely with the chancellor, chief health sciences officer, executive vice chancellor of KU Medical Center, deans, vice provosts, and shared governance bodies to focus on academic priorities, ensure student success, and strengthen KU’s position as a university.
The key responsibilities of the role include overseeing academic affairs, faculty and student affairs, enrollment management, accreditation, interdisciplinary programs, and graduate studies.
Presentation Schedule:
- Jennifer A. Roberts: January 22
- Michelle Mohr Carney: January 26
- Arash Mafi: February 2
- Donna Ginther: February 4
When I spoke to each candidate about what their biggest challenge might be if they were selected as provost, these were their responses:
Roberts’ main point that she wanted to get across was that “we are all researchers.”
“I think that the biggest challenge right now is ensuring that we are able to build trust and cultivate a connected community, because that’s the way we are going to be together be able to meet all of the challenges that we are facing,” Roberts said.
Carney’s message focused on strengthening and community advancing One KU.
“I think learning that all of the intricacies of the Med Center campus, and then telling our One KU story in a way that excites people and resonates with our communities,” Carney said.
Mafi emphasized the importance of leading a great American public university.
“I want to make sure that people who come into KU every day, feel excited, feel embraced, and make sure that they belong,” Mafi said.
Ginther’s core message was how to achieve higher education in difficult times.
“The biggest challenge, it always comes down to money and getting our budget on firmer footing since we can build and grow and do more things for our undergraduate students,” Ginther said.
After the public presentations and reception, faculty and staff had the opportunity to speak to each other. While speaking to the candidates, I had the opportunity to interview two faculty members and ask what they are looking for in a provost.
“I think being the provost in this particular moment is a really tall order, and I think the critical pieces for somebody in this position, great communication, a pretty clear vision,” said Katie Batza, associate professor and chair of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Dave Tell, professor of communication studies, added, “I want our next provost to protect the university, to enable the university to thrive in a climate that does not take research seriously.”
The committee that was selected by the chancellor will recommend one of these four candidates to become the next provost/ chief academic officer by March 1. Individuals looking to submit feedback can do so before 4 p.m. this Friday, February 6.
Listen to what each candidate had to say below:
