Announcing KU's first Director of Faculty Recognition & Awards

From: Simon Atkinson, Vice Chancellor for Research
Sent: Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, 11 a.m.
To: Deans, directors & department chairs

Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to report that Robin Lehman has been selected as KU’s Director of Faculty Recognition & Awards.

When she begins her duties on Sept. 6, she will become the university’s first full-time employee dedicated to helping KU Lawrence-Edwards faculty earn accolades for their outstanding achievements in research, scholarship and creative activity. The new role is part of a strategy that supports the Jayhawks Rising objective to Recruit, Retain and Recognize Top Researchers.

Although Robin will report to the Vice Chancellor for Research, she will work closely with central administrative units, the Office of Faculty Affairs, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and other schools, research centers and academic departments that will be active partners in creating a culture that supports recognition and celebration of faculty achievement.

Robin joins the Office of Research from the Provost’s Office, where she has played key roles in the implementation and communication of Jayhawks Rising, the strategic alignment process and several rounds of HLC reaccreditation. Her strengths in strategic planning and process design will be assets as she builds a blueprint for the complex job of increasing faculty awards and recognition. Her approach will be informed by data, equity and national best practices tailored for KU’s unique needs.

As a novelist who once served as communications director in the Office of Research, Robin is excited to build relationships with all of the characters in KU’s rich scholarly ecosystem and work with folks across campus to ensure we share stories about the impact of their work and the recognition it deserves.

Please join me in congratulating Robin and wishing her well in this important new role.

Respectfully,
Simon

Simon Atkinson
Vice Chancellor for Research