Douglas A. Girod to be inaugurated as chancellor April 20

LAWRENCE —The University of Kansas will celebrate the inauguration of Douglas A. Girod as the university’s 18th chancellor at an installation ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday, April 20, at the Lied Center.

The installation ceremony will include remarks from various KU leaders, as well as Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer and Board of Regents Chair Dave Murfin. The ceremony will culminate with Girod’s inaugural address in which he will discuss his vision and priorities for the university.

Those interested in attending the installation ceremony must register for tickets by Tuesday, March 27, at inauguration.ku.edu.

“Last summer, I was honored to be named the 18th chancellor of KU,” Girod said. “I have spent the past seven months visiting with students, faculty, supporters and policymakers to hear their thoughts on KU’s future and learn more about this great institution. It’s been a whirlwind of a schedule that has included Rotary lunches, university governance events, donor appointments, department meetings, advisory boards and volleyball matches — and I have loved every minute of it. These visits have confirmed for me that KU is blessed with remarkable people who care deeply about this university, and I look forward to working with Jayhawks everywhere to move KU forward.”

The April 20 installation ceremony is part of two weeks of inauguration activities that include community service opportunities, social activities, music concerts, a TED Talk-style research symposium and building dedications. For a full list of inauguration events, visit inauguration.ku.edu.

“There have only been 18 leaders in the history of the University of Kansas, so this installation ceremony and associated inauguration events are truly special and historic,” Murfin said. “The Kansas Board of Regents selected Dr. Girod as chancellor because of his tremendous expertise in higher education, his commitment to serving the state and nation, and his passion for KU. He is the ideal person to honor KU’s traditions and history while leading this great university into the future.”

Girod began as the 18th chancellor in July 2017. Before becoming chancellor, he served as executive vice chancellor at KU Medical Center. A head-and-neck surgeon, Girod first joined the Medical Center faculty in 1994 and quickly rose through the academic ranks, becoming chair of the otolaryngology department in 2002. Girod earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Davis and his medical degree from the University of California at San Francisco. He served in the United States Navy Reserve from 1982 until 1997, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander and earning the Meritorious Service Medal.

For Girod’s full biography and a photo album of highlights from his first year as chancellor, visit inauguration.ku.edu.