A message of thanks to Kansas lawmakers for helping KU recruit its largest freshman class in history

Kansas Legislators,

Earlier today, the University of Kansas announced that this year’s freshman class includes 5,259 new students — a jump of 18% from last year — making it the largest class in KU history. This is terrific news for KU and the state of Kansas.
 
I’m writing to say THANK YOU for helping make today’s enrollment news possible. This record-setting freshman class wouldn’t have happened without the support that you and the Kansas Legislature have provided higher education.
 
In recent years, your investment in base funding enabled us to keep tuition flat for four straight years. Most recently, Legislative enhancements to the Kansas comprehensive grant program and need-based student financial aid played a huge role in our ability to recruit this year’s historic freshman class.
 
The majority of KU students stay in the region after graduation and join the Kansas workforce — and do so in high-impact fields such as health care, architecture and design, engineering and business. This means whenever you support KU’s ability to recruit students, you directly benefit the Kansas workforce and economy.
 
To put it simply, KU strives to be an engine of economic growth for Kansas, and we are fulfilling that role thanks to your support.
 
Thank you for partnering with public higher education to serve the Kansas workforce and create a more prosperous Kansas.
 
Respectfully,
 
Doug

Douglas A. Girod
Chancellor
University of Kansas