The Kansas Board of Regents today announced the appointment of Bernadette Gray-Little as the school’s 17th chancellor.

“The Board is proud to announce that Dr. Gray-Little will be the next chancellor of the University of Kansas,” Regent Donna Shank of Liberal, chair of the Board of Regents, said in a news release Friday afternoon. “She rose to the top of an exceptionally talented and competitive pool of applicants. Dr. Gray-Little’s outstanding record of academic excellence and impressive administrative leadership throughout her notable career, along with her inspiring enthusiasm and character, make it clear that she is ideally-suited to propel KU to even loftier heights.”

Gray-Little is provost and executive vice chancellor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She is a former psychology professor who served as dean of UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences before being named provost.

She will replace Robert Hemenway, who is leaving the chancellorship on July 1 to teach and do research at KU.

“I congratulate Dr. Gray-Little on being selected for the best job in the world,” Hemenway said. “Good universities always make good hires, and this is an excellent hire. I offer any assistance I can give in ensuring her transition is smooth. KU will be in good hands.”

A welcome event for Gray-Little is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday on the sixth floor of the Kansas Union.