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KU chancellor stepping down

By Staff Reports - | Dec 8, 2008

Kansas University Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway announced Monday morning that he will step down from the post effective June 30, 2009.

“As of June I will have completed 14 years as chancellor — an unusually long tenure in these times,” Hemenway said in a university news release. “I am grateful to the members of the Kansas Board of Regents for this opportunity and their continuous support. Being KU chancellor has been a great honor and a demanding job.”

Hemenway, who joined the university in 1995, said there is no “good” time to step down. But in light of the university’s many recent achievements, “I will return to the classroom knowing the University of Kansas is in excellent shape and ready for the challenges that face our nation’s leading public universities,” he said in a statement.

Donna Shank, chair of the Kansas Board of Regents, said, “The people of Kansas and KU alumni worldwide have benefited tremendously from Bob Hemenway’s service. The accomplishments of the university during his firm and progressive leadership speak for themselves. KU has grown in size, strength and reputation.”

Shank said the regents would appoint a committee to begin a national search for Hemenway’s successor.

In a personal message sent earlier to faculty, staff and students, Hemenway said he will be on sabbatical leave next academic year to work on a book about intercollegiate athletics and American values, and then return to teaching and scholarly research at KU.