ONTOP
Chancellor Dykes listens to conflicting points of view in a staff meeting.
Staff photos by DON PIERCE
By JACK McNEELY Kansan Staff Reporter
When Archie R. Dykes became chancellor of the University of Kansas more than two years ago, he was joined by a number of other leaders.
The University was reeling from approximately equal portions of student demonstration, police riot or bombing.
Dykes had his first press conference during his second visit to campus—a at meeting in the Kansas Union under tight security, because of fears of a lawmaker's visit. He met with Student Senate allegations from activity fees.
Few people were making book that this Tennessee with the flashy smile and eager handshake would survive the slings and arrows of an outrageously demanding job.
But survive he has. And, in the words of many students, teachers and administrators, he has done more than survive. He has turned the University around.
"Increased support" also refers to less tangible things than money. It covers the attitudes of legislators, Regents and citizens toward higher education in general and KU in particular.
Dykes has, to use his own phrase, "increased support" for the University. That means more than 40 percent of students
Typically, Dykes praises the others of others and plays down his own role in building support for KU.
"We've had exceptionally good student leadership in the University, and that has been most beneficial to the improvement of public support," Dykes has said.
He also praised the efforts of faculty members who have taken educational and service programs to the people of the state, while at the same time subtly lobbying for KU.
Another group drawing Dykes' praise is the Chancellor's Associates, a group of prominent Kansans formed by Dykes shortly after he became chancellor to give him a feel for what people in the state think of KU. The group originally had 36 members. Now it has 50.
"I has been a very helpful organization," Dykes said. "The information I have had with that group has been invaluable." He made this statement under a handle called this website.
But Dykes doesn't mention his own whirlwind campaign of lauers through the state to improve
KU's image. That campaign consumed much of Dykes' time during his first year here.
It has slacked off a bit during the past year, the trips throughout the state still consume enough of Dykes' time during the week that he does paperwork in his office on Sundays and Sundays.
Dykes' bits of public relations earned him the aspicen of newborn early in his chancellorship. The 21-year-old never has anything nasty to say about anybody, skeptical reporters naturally wonder what he's
But Dykes is completely frank about his goal, which is to keep KU one of the best universities in the country, and is always happy to tell reporters that he will end, the University needs "increased support."
Dykes has gotten lots of money for KU from the legislature, and he is properly grateful for it.
When Dykes came, funding for KU's faculty salaries ranked 23rd of 23 schools in the American Association of Universities, even though KU ranked in the top 15 in many educational areas.
Dykes said that if the coming legislative session granted KU's request for a third consecutive increase of 10 per cent in faculty salaries, the salaries would be in the middle rank of the 23 schools.
Dykes noted that Kansas was one of only eight states that gave enough money to higher education and helped build a college.
In addition, KU has under way the largest capital expansion in its history. About $75 million worth of construction is in progress, including buildings for the new school, the law school and the department of visual arts.
When asked about his plans for the future, Dykes emphasized continuing education, which has given him a good chance.
"The idea of college is a place to go for four years after high school is an idea of the past, Dykes said. "The circumstances of our society today will require iflelong education." he said.
Dykes reiterated his stand on the balance be-
line of one University's three functions—teaching,
research, and service.
"Clearly there must be present within the institution a strong commitment to teaching," he said. "The quality of teaching is at the very heart of that institution, and we believe that progress has been made in that area."
Uykes presides over a breakfast meeting of his top executives.
Head buried in a report, Dykes frames a question in Executive Vice Chancellor Del Shankel's office.
Dykes reviews his messages while his personal secretary picks up the phone to return a call.
Dykes receives a call in his spacious but plain office.
Hands in pockets, Dykes confers with Max Lucas, assistant to the Chancellor.