The Kansas University Hospital has a record probably unmatched by any hospital in the country.

Eighteen years ago, the hospital was on the verge or closing or trying to find a buyer. The other option was to do what was necessary to turn things around. The late Chancellor Bob Hemenway was successful in getting the hospital separated from the state, and a new, talented, not-to-be-stopped chief executive officer by the name of Irene Cumming, was brought in to orchestrate the makeover.

Today the hospital is truly one of the best in the country, winning national recognitions in numerous categories.

No one person can claim credit for this amazing success story because it was a true team effort — administrators, doctors, nurses, private donors and leadership from the KU Hospital Advisory Board.

Last week, one of the pillars of the turnaround stepped aside as chairman of the board. Bob Honse joined the board in 2000 and worked closely with Cumming to bring about many changes, as well as to foster a totally new, positive attitude and environment within the hospital. New goals, new attitudes, elevated quality of care and attention to details were expected of all employees. The joy of being part of a winning effort with high goals was infectious, and the results were amazing.

Cumming’s departure to Chicago left a big hole in leadership and vision, but Bob Page moved into the role as president and CEO of the hospital and has done a superior job in overseeing the continued growth in excellence and patient numbers.

Honse became chairman of the board in 2008 and he and Page worked together to sustain and elevate the hospital’s excellence. Honse has been on the board for 15 years of the hospital’s 17-year transformation effort.

Last week, the formal change in board leadership took place with Greg Graves, CEO of Burns & McDonald, a national engineering, architecture, construction and environmental firm, taking over as chairman. Fortunately, Honse will remain on the board and continue to offer his assistance and knowledge to help the KU facility become an even stronger, more highly recognized hospital and academic medial center.

Bob Honse played a significant role in the hospital’s climb to excellence, and his effort is sure to continue under the leadership of Graves and Page.