University announces Jeff Chasen will oversee KU accessibility and inclusion initiatives

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has announced that Jeff Chasen will lead accessibility and inclusion efforts at KU. As assistant vice provost for employee growth, development, accessibility and inclusion, Chasen also will play a key role in defining the university’s strategy and approach to operational excellence as it relates to employee growth and efforts to create and maintain a positive relationship with employees.

“We had a key opening within Human Resource Management at KU, so we took the opportunity to reimagine and realign several areas to best support the university’s strategic priorities to increase workplace satisfaction and improve diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion. Jeff has the knowledge, experience and campus relationships to successfully champion those efforts,” said Mike Rounds, vice provost for human resources, public safety and operations.

The new position within Human Resource Management at KU replaces Catherine Johnson, who served as director of KU’s ADA Resource Center for Equity and Accessibility. Johnson was named executive director of Disability Rights Iowa in May. As the new leader of KU’s accessibility and inclusion initiatives, Chasen will work to grow community partnerships, oversee accommodation inquiries and provide training and events for campus and community participation. He also will focus on creating and maintaining a national presence for KU as a recognized thought-leader on accessibility, disability and inclusion.

Chasen also will oversee the employee relations and learning and development areas within Human Resource Management. He will lead efforts to elevate and sustain employee experience and engagement, with a focus on learning, development, growth and retention to reinforce KU’s brand as a preferred employer.

“After more than nine years collaborating across campus on behalf of our institutional integrity and compliance efforts, I am excited to focus on opportunities for growth, development and inclusion for the entire KU workforce,” Chasen said. “Faculty and staff are KU’s most valuable resource and, now more than ever, we need to value them in meaningful and measurable ways.”

Chasen has led the Office of Integrity and Compliance at KU since 2012. Prior to joining the university, Chasen was president of In2vate LLC, a risk management consultancy organization. He previously served as senior counsel for School, College, & University Underwriters Ltd., where he led a diverse risk management program for public educational institutions. Chasen also has worked as an employment attorney in private practice and as an adjunct university instructor of communications.

Chasen earned a juris doctor and bachelor’s degrees in communication and political science from George Washington University.

“This new position is an ideal capstone for my work throughout my career, and the responsibilities align with my personal priorities of helping create an engaging and compassionate university community. I look forward to serving all KU employees in support of our students and institutional priorities,” Chasen said.