Thursday, February 14, 2002

Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858.

Former chancellor Gene Budig to speak at KU, sign new book Feb. 19

LAWRENCE -- The 14th chancellor of the University of Kansas will return Tuesday, Feb. 19, to speak on campus and sign copies of his new book about administration and leadership in higher education.

Gene Budig, who was chancellor for 13 years before leaving in 1994 to become president of major league baseball's American League, will give a public lecture at 4 p.m. in 150 Joseph R. Pearson Hall, the home of KU's School of Education. A reception will follow in the hall's commons area.

The former chancellor, who now teaches in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, also will sign copies of his new book, "A Game of Uncommon Skill: Leading the Modern College and University," from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Kansas Union lobby. Hardcover copies of the book are for sale in the union's Mount Oread Bookshop.

"It is an easy read," Budig said of the book. "However, navigating the often turbulent waters of a modern college or university is no easy task.

"Today's presidents and chancellors must address the sometimes complex needs of faculty, students, staff, trustees, alumni, parents and public policy makers. The book attempts to point the way for aspiring academic administrators and explain the options to the many people who have an interest in college life."

The book is being released this week at the annual American Council on Education conference in San Francisco. It is published by the ACE, the College Board and Orynx Press as part of the ACE Series on Higher Education.

While chancellor, Budig helped lead KU through Campaign Kansas, a five-year fund drive that brought in $265.3 million in gifts and commitments. Annual giving for KU's benefit rose from about $12 million to $34.6 million. He also led the effort to rebuild Hoch Auditorium after a devastating fire. The renovated building was named Budig Hall in his honor. The School of Education also has honored Budig with an annual teaching professorship and award in his name since 1994.

Budig came to KU in 1981 from West Virginia University, Morgantown, where he was president. He also served as president of Illinois State University in Normal, administrative assistant to the chancellor at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and as executive assistant to the governor of Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor's degree in English and master's and doctoral degrees in education. He also is a major general in the Air National Guard.

Budig and his wife, Gretchen, also may attend the KU-Iowa State men's basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse on Feb. 18.