Matching a priority identified by Kansas University’s incoming chancellor, KU Endowment officials have been planning for a new capital campaign.
Dale Seuferling, president of KU Endowment, said on Monday that the organization is asking schools and departments throughout the university to put together lists of needs to forward to Bernadette Gray-Little when she starts her new job as chancellor on Aug. 15.
When the Kansas Board of Regents introduced Gray-Little on Friday, she spoke of the need for a capital campaign at KU. She said she looked forward to a campaign to fund scholarships, professorships and other programs.
“I believe that fundraising can be a major asset and has to be a major component of funds for a modern research university of the complexity of KU,” Gray-Little said.
Seuferling said Gray-Little, upon arriving at KU, could look at the lists provided and determine the goals and objectives of a new campaign, and the campaign would be tailored to her priorities.
KU’s last major fundraising campaign, KU First, ran from 2001 to 2004 and raised $653 million for the university.
Seuferling said that, although donors aren’t necessarily interested in replacing dwindling state support, they often recognize that a campaign is the only way in tight economic times to fund some programs for students and faculty.
A specific timetable for the upcoming campaign has not yet been set, he said, and will likely be determined by KU’s new chancellor.
Gray-Little will play an important role by articulating her vision for the campaign clearly, Seuferling said.
“The leadership that the chancellor gives is absolutely critical for the donors,” he said, as she will be instrumental in setting goals and building consensus.
“It’s a relationship-building business,” he said. “People give to people.”
While the exact nature of the campaign has not yet been set, Seuferling said that most campaigns are structured around the educational mission of the school, raising funds for things like student scholarships, endowed professorships and costs related to buildings and teacher equipment.
And, from early indications, Seuferling said he thought Gray-Little has the traits necessary to be a successful fundraiser.
He said her warm personality, her confident demeanor and clear articulation for a vision for KU have all been positive signs.
A capital campaign, Seuferling said, would represent one of the earliest opportunities for Gray-Little to have a major impact on moving forward with some of her priorities for KU.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
toe (anonymous) says…
Step One: Raise money.
Step Two: Complain about not having enough money.
Step Three: HIre new CEO.
Repeat.