© 2025 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

KU Chancellor Announces Retirement

Chancellor Robert Hemenway plans to step down in June 2009 after 14 years in the role.
photo: courtesy of the University of Kansas
Chancellor Robert Hemenway plans to step down in June 2009 after 14 years in the role.

Kansas City, MO – After more than a decade as Chancellor at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Robert Hemenway announced Monday he's retiring in June.

"I'll work every day," says Hemenway. "And on July 1...start a transition...scholarly duties, teaching and writing."

Hemenway says he plans to work on a book about intercollegiate athletics and American values, and return to the classroom in 2010.

Since Hemenway was named chancellor in 1995, the university saw record enrollment, higher ACT scores, and increased diversity of faculty, students, and staff. The Kansas Board of Regents plans to appoint a committee to begin a national search for Hemenway's successor.

No matter what happens in Washington D.C., Kansas City needs KCUR. And KCUR needs you.

Our ability to report local news — accurate, independent and paywall-free — depends on you. Donate now to support fact-based news.