A senior associate to the president of the University of Nebraska is the first announced candidate for Kansas University’s new position of vice chancellor for public affairs.

Dara L. Troutman, before working as the Nebraska president’s chief of staff, worked in various public relations roles at the university, and served as press secretary to then-Nebraska Gov. Ben Nelson. She also worked as the deputy press secretary for U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey.

Troutman has also worked as a radio journalist and has a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska.

She was on campus Friday for an open question-and-answer session. Three other finalists for the position will be announced soon.