A new era

Bernadette Gray-Little KU's 17th chancellor; Atkinson selected to lead university in interim

Bernadette Gray-Little will walk to the top of Mt. Oread on Aug. 15. Currently the executive vice chancellor and provost at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Gray-Little was appointed May 29 by the Kansas Board of Regents following a national search for a successor to Chancellor Robert Hemenway, who has served since 1995 and steps down June 30.

“She rose to the top of an exceptionally talented and competitive pool of applicants," said gent Donna Shank of Liberal, chair of the Board of Regents. "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, who will become the first woman and African-American to be KU chancellor, has held her current post since 2006. She previously was dean of UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences and executive associate provost at UNC. Gray-Little earned a doctorate and a master's from St. Louis University and a bachelor's from Marywood College (Pennsylvania).

The Kansas Board of Regents announced June 4 that Barbara Atkinson, executive vice chancellor of the KU Medical Center, will serve as interim chancellor. She will lead during the period after Hemenway steps down until Aug. 15, when Gray-Little will begin the position full time.

“I congratulate Dr. Gray-Little on being selected for the best job in the world," said Hemenway. "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 ceremony was held May 30 in the Kansas Union to greet the incoming chancellor and her husband, Shade Keys Little, who is interim dean for academic services at UNC. They have two children and one grandchild.

“I certainly want to thank Drue Jennings, the Chancellor Search Committee chair, and the members of the committee for their time, hard-work and dedication to the search process. They have served KU and this Board very well,” said Shank. “I also want to thank Bill Funk of R. William Funk and Associates for the assistance he provided throughout the process. This is an exciting time at KU, and I’m confident that Dr. Gray-Little’s leadership abilities will serve the university, the Lawrence community, the state of Kansas and the region well for many years to come.”