Stuart Bell, dean of the Kansas University School of Engineering, has been one of KU’s true all-stars.

News that he is a finalist for the job of executive vice chancellor and provost at Louisiana State University is both good and bad. It’s good, and understandable, that LSU officials recognize the excellence and leadership Bell would bring to that university, but it is bad that he may be leaving his position on Mount Oread.

KU cannot afford to lose leaders like Bell. Perhaps it is the possibility of a more significant administration position at LSU, greater compensation or perhaps a belief he has achieved everything that he can here at KU.

Whatever the case, his departure would be a major loss for the university, and KU can ill afford to lose such a truly talented leader.