Low-tech edition
Low-tech edition
Lawrence, Kansas
David Shulenburger had already been at KU for more than 15 years before taking his current position in 1996.
It's a position that has made him a lightning rod for criticism about student tuition increases, which were implemented in the fall of 2002.
The business professor has been compared to Abraham Lincoln by some, carrying a quick, dry wit and strong intellect in a tall, gangly frame.
Shulenburger joined the business faculty in 1974. He held various positions including associate dean and undergraduate-program director in the School of Business before being named associate vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1988. Shulenburger was named vice chancellor in 1993.
Hemenway created the provost position to combine the responsibilities Shulenburger had in academic affairs with the duties of executive vice chancellor for the Lawrence campus.
Shulenburger was named to the position after Hemenway interviewed some 200 candidates.
As provost, Shulenburger is the chief academic officer and chief operating officer of KU's Lawrence campus. All academic units, graduate programs, research, student affairs, computing, human resources, facilities, fiscal operations, design and construction management activities on the Lawrence campus report to Shulenburger.
Upon taking the position, Shulenburger said his priorities were to providing appropriate academic advice to freshmen and sophomores and to reduce the time to earn a degree while keeping educational quality.
In late 2001, Shulenburger announced that KU would seek a tuition increase. And over the period of the next few months, he held meetings with students to explain why it was needed.
In March, students held a rally outside Wescoe Hall and move it to Shulenburger's office to complain that they weren't adequately informed about the tuition increases and that such increases would impose a financial burden on them.
Shulenburger has responded that KU's tuition was lower than most other universities of its size. He also promised to seek state financial aid for students to help counteract the tuition increases.
Tuition rally closes in on Provost's Office (3-13-02)
6News video report: KU students take message directly to provost (3-13-02)
KU, KSU provosts promise aid to counteract tuition hikes (2-21-02)
Provost ponders the 'essence' of KU (8-12-2000)
