Kansas University has promoted Mary Lee Hummert, associate vice provost for research, to the post of vice provost for faculty support.

Hummert will earn $160,000. She will develop programs to help new faculty prepare for the promotion and tenure process. She also will develop programs to train department chairs for their administrative duties.

Hummert fills the position last held by Sandra Gautt, who stepped down in May after 17 years.

Hummert will retain her position as professor of communication studies and research associate in the Gerontology Center at KU’s Life Span Institute.