Mary Lee Hummert named interim leader of Student Affairs at KU this year

LAWRENCE - An award-winning University of Kansas professor and researcher will temporarily succeed David Ambler when the 25-year vice chancellor for student affairs retires next month, the university announced today.

Mary Lee Hummert, professor of communication studies and a research associate in KU's Gerontology Center, will assume interim leadership of the division effective Aug. 1. She will serve in that position until a permanent successor is named following a national search that will begin during fall semester.

"I feel fortunate that someone of Professor Hummert's background and skills is willing to assume leadership responsibilities in the Division of Student Affairs while we pursue the challenging task of finding a successor for David Ambler," said David Shulenburger, executive vice chancellor and provost. "The division is full of talented, dedicated and experienced staff who will work closely with her to ensure that the work of the division is carried out in the best possible way."

Hummert will oversee the Division of Student Affairs, which includes the Kansas Memorial Unions, Student Health Services, Student Housing, Student Financial Aid and the Department of Student Life. The student life department includes Recreation Services, Legal Services for Students, Hilltop Child Development program, Services for Students with Disabilities, University Career and Employment Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Multicultural Affairs, the Student Development Center, Emily Taylor Women's Resource Center, Student Organizations and Leadership Development Center, and the University Information Center.

She will provide leadership for the development of student support services and non-classroom opportunities and serve as an advocate for student needs within the university community.

Hummert received her bachelor's degree from Fontbonne College in St. Louis, her master's degree from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and her Ph.D. from KU. She received a W.T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence in 2000, and the Giles-Nussbaum Distinguished Scholar Award from the National Communication Association's Commission on Communication and Aging in 1997.

Hummert, an expert in interpersonal and organizational communication, began her faculty career at KU in 1987. She presently teaches research methodology, statistics, advanced interpersonal communication, and communication and aging. She also advises doctoral students in gerontology.