Mary E. Ryan named interim vice chancellor for the KU Edwards Campus

LAWRENCE, Kan. – University of Kansas Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter announced today that Mary E. Ryan, KU Edwards Campus associate dean of academic affairs, will serve as interim vice chancellor effective January 1, 2013.

Ryan replaces Bob Clark who earlier this semester announced he will step down as vice chancellor December 31 after 15 years of service. Clark will become a professor of practice and continue to support KU’s presence in Greater Kansas City as KU’s community liaison for the Center for Science Education, which provides leadership, development and learning in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for K-12.

According to Provost Vitter, “Mary Ryan has been an integral part of Bob Clark’s team, which has been responsible for a number of excellent initiatives at the KU Edwards Campus during his tenure. Her knowledge of the campus will provide needed continuity of leadership during this transition.”

Ryan has provided service to the university for more than 20 years. Prior to her appointment as associate dean in 2001 she held the position of director of new student orientation for six years.

The Edwards Campus has 2,000 students attending classes each semester. Ryan has been instrumental in collaborating with Lawrence campus student services units to create a student-focused atmosphere where enrollment and retention take priority. Most notably, Ryan oversees academic affairs, working with Lawrence campus Schools and the College to deliver new programming to Greater Kansas City.

Marilu Goodyear, director of the School of Public Affairs and Administration, will be working on special assignment with Ryan to advance the Changing for Excellenceinitiatives at the Edwards Campus and act as an adviser to the campus.

Ryan, a native of Nebraska, holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Nebraska in Omaha and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from KU. She recently was honored in the 2012-13 KU Women of Distinction Calendar for her outstanding leadership in the area of student advancement and was named the KU Outstanding Woman Staff Member in 1999 and 2009. Before coming to KU, Ryan worked for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Ryan will serve as vice chancellor while the university conducts a national search for a permanent vice chancellor. Details about the search can be found on the Provost’s website.