Richard Morrell was used to working at lightning speed during his first 14 years as a Kansas University administrator.

He’s been taking things a little slower the past 2 1/2 months, easing back into work after a Christmas Eve car accident nearly cost him his life.

“I have to interpret a lot of enrollment-related and student records-related problems,” Morrell said. “Often there are federal laws, state laws, university policy, past practice and colleague’s opinions — and mine — that have to be considered before a certain decision can be made. It just takes me longer now than it did in the past to process all the information and make a sound decision.”

Morrell, associate vice provost for student success, was driving with his wife, Kerry, when the accident occurred. They were broadsided on 27th Street by a sport utility vehicle traveling south on Iowa Street when it crossed two lanes of traffic and jumped the median to land on 27th Street.

The SUV’s driver, 24-year-old William P. Moore IV of Lawrence, suffered from an undisclosed medical condition that led to the wreck.

Morrell, 49, suffered eight broken ribs, a fractured scapula and skull and a ruptured spleen. He was in the hospital for a month, including three weeks in intensive care.

His wife suffered a broken collarbone. She was treated and released the night of the accident.

At the direction of his doctors, Morrell returned to work two hours a day in early June and gradually worked his way back to full time in mid-July.

“It was the right advice and I have been doing very well,” Morrell said. “My physical health is pretty good now, although I still have to take pain medicine. I am told I may have to be on that until January.”

Doctors also have told him that at the one-year anniversary of the accident, he can count on knowing that any lingering ailments from the wreck will be permanent.

Morrell said he’s been “coming back up to speed” on issues he missed during his more than five months away from the office. He said he hadn’t taken a full day of sick leave during his time at KU and had six months of sick time accumulated.

When the wreck occurred, he had just started his new position after serving as registrar 14 years. Now, the registrar and the directors of the Memorial Unions, admissions, new student orientation and financial aid report to him.

“Everybody was so pleased to see him back on campus and in good health,” said David Mucci, who directs the unions. “His reputation on campus is that you couldn’t have a more genuine, caring, feeling, considerate person. He’s a rock. You can rely on him.”

Morrell said the accident has given him a new appreciation for the people of Lawrence.

“It has been wonderful to work again with so many of my colleagues and to get back to the task at hand of helping build a better university,” he said. “Some colleagues, I had not seen or talked to since before Dec. 24

“KU and Lawrence has always been a special place for me to work and live. I didn’t go to school here, but I can understand better why and how students are drawn here and continue to have a lifelong love affair with the institution. Although the beauty, the traditions and the experience are part of what makes it a great place, it is the people who set it apart and make it truly special.”