If you follow news from the KU Jewish Studies Program, you may have noticed that we have had several changes in directorships in the past few years. This is normal.

Unlike professional organizations with full-time executives, academic departments such as the Program in Jewish Studies rely on faculty members for leadership. Shorter periods of administrative service (one, two or three years) are the best way to allow faculty to serve the program before returning to full-time teaching and research responsibilities. We think of this as building a “deep bench” of capable leaders that will ensure the success of the program into the future. While rotating leadership presents challenges, particularly in terms of continuity in community relations, it also signifies strength. It demonstrates that we have a team of Jewish Studies faculty members who are prepared and willing to lead the program. Additionally, it allows faculty to continue their professional growth as researchers and teachers.

This is where I came in last January when I was appointed as interim director to allow the former director, Dr. Rami Zeedan, to take a sabbatical. He launched research this year on a ground-breaking study of minority identity in Israel. Now, as I take leave to finish a book about Jewish heritage tourism in Spain, Dr. Ari Linden steps this month in to continue as interim director for the 2025-2026 academic year.

You could say our leadership is shared, just like our commitment to the program. As a team, the faculty and staff of the Jewish Studies program had significant achievements in the 2024-2025 school year. We welcomed a record number of students to the program as majors and minors. We established the “Jewish Studies Learning Community,” a select cohort of students dedicated to their pursuit of Jewish Studies.

We celebrated Shelley Rissien’s illustrious career at the University of Kansas and extended our best wishes for her well-deserved retirement. Noa Savir, known to many here from her former role at KU Hillel, is joining the program as our newest full-time faculty member. Under Savir’s guidance, we expect the Hebrew program to continue to grow and connect students to their passion for the Hebrew language.

We also welcome Dr. Samantha Cooper, the Robert M. Beren Assistant Professor of Jewish Studies, whose expertise in Jewish culture will enrich our program immensely. New courses planned for our curriculum include courses on Jewish American literature and culture, the Jewish American experience, and United States–Israel relations.

With support from our donors, we continue to offer student awards and a regular schedule of academic, social and career-enhancing events.

While academic programs in Jewish Studies and its students and faculty face challenges both locally and nationally, our program’s success is a testament to our robust leadership and the support of students. Challenging and relevant courses, comprehensive Hebrew language instruction and enriching learning and career events form the foundation of our program and the community we have cultivated. I am honored to have served the University of Kansas Program in Jewish Studies this year and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue my contributions in the future.

Mechele Leon is a professor of Theatre at the University of Kansas.