Rodolfo Torres to Become Interim Vice Chancellor for Research

Colleagues,

I am writing to let you know of a leadership change in the Office of Research.

Beginning May 1, Rodolfo Torres will become our new interim vice chancellor for research.

John Colombo — who has served in this role since last summer — will remain in the Office of Research to assist Rodolfo as an interim associate vice chancellor for research while gradually reducing his involvement with that office as key vacancies are filled. We intend for John to transition fully back to his role as director of the Life Span Institute by July 1.

As you know, John was asked to serve as interim vice chancellor of research last August, in addition to retaining his full-time responsibilities as LSI director. This was never intended to be a long-term arrangement, and the reconfiguration we are announcing today allows John to transition back to LSI in a timely manner and provides me the opportunity to name a new interim leader.

I am delighted to have Rodolfo as our new interim vice chancellor. His institutional knowledge and academic experience give me complete confidence in his ability to lead our Office of Research and guide important initiatives on behalf of the university. Many of you are familiar with Rodolfo’s work as vice president of KU Center for Research Inc., a University Distinguished Professor of Mathematics, and a past president of the Faculty Senate. In addition to his experience and expertise, he is trusted and respected by his peers, both here and across the country.

Please join me in thanking John for his willingness to pull double-duty for the past eight months — and to do so brilliantly during an important transition period for KU. And please join me in congratulating Rodolfo on his appointment as our new interim vice chancellor for research.

Respectfully,
Doug