photo by: Submitted

Karla Leeper

The University of Kansas’ top executive on matters related to communication and public affairs is leaving to accept a leadership position with the University of Tennessee.

Karla Leeper, KU’s vice chancellor for strategic communication and public affairs, is leaving to become the new vice chancellor for strategic communication and marketing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, KU Chancellor Douglas Girod has announced.

At KU Leeper was responsible for launching a branding campaign at KU — Towering Toward the Blue — that highlighted the school’s research and teaching missions. Girod said she’s also worked closely with his leadership team on major initiatives including the construction of the KU Cancer Center building, the Gateway District and the university’s reaccreditation process.

Leeper came to KU in 2022 after having served as the executive vice president for operations at Augusta University and the Augusta University Health System in Georgia. Previously she was a chief of staff for the president at Baylor University.

Girod, in a message to university colleagues, said the university is “working on a naming a replacement for Karla in the days ahead.”