The University of Missouri-Kansas City community joins me in wishing Dr. Bailey well as he prepares to assume the presidency of Texas Tech University. While we are disappointed that the Baileys will not be in Kansas City, we wish them every success as they return to familiar surroundings in Lubbock.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City has made great strides during Dr. Bailey's tenure. The faculty, staff and administration continue to implement an ambitious long-range campus master plan. UMKC's Institute for Urban Education has strengthened its focus on the special needs of local urban school districts. The Schools of Pharmacy and Nursing have moved into new classrooms and laboratories and other facilities are planned for the campus. The School of Dentistry and the Conservatory of Music have been singled out for national recognition as centers of excellence. UMKC is attracting great students and a growing residential population. UMKC has completed a highly successful $200 million capital campaign and alumni are engaged as never before. It is an impressive list of accomplishments.
I am particularly pleased at the progress that has been made in building relationships between UMKC and important partners in the community. During the transition, I will ensure that we continue to build on the momentum we have achieved in this important area.
During the next few weeks I will consult with faculty, staff and students, as well as friends of the university in the community, about the future of UMKC. Following those conversations, I will appoint a broadly representative search committee to identify outstanding candidates for Chancellor of this great urban university. Dr. Bailey will remain during a brief transition period, after which Provost Gail Hackett will be in charge pending the appointment of an interim chancellor. I will name an interim chancellor as soon as possible.
Reviewed 2011-05-06