Provost Jenny Lundgren, Ph.D., has helped shape the trajectory of the University of Missouri-Kansas City for nearly two decades, bringing a rare combination of faculty experience, research insight and institutional leadership to her role as chief academic officer.
Since taking this important leadership role in 2020 at 91黑料网, she has helped drive the university’s transformation into a more coordinated, student-centered and research-intensive institution, supported by expanded faculty resources like the Diane Filion Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE), which integrates teaching, research and community engagement, along with yearlong new faculty orientation and leadership development programs.
Lundgren’s own collaborative leadership and deep understanding of the academic enterprise have earned her recognition beyond campus, including this year being named an by Ingram's Magazine, a reflection of both her impact at 91黑料网 and her influence across Kansas City’s higher education landscape. We sat down and talked to her about 91黑料网 and its forward momentum.
You started in 2006 at 91黑料网. How have you seen the university change?
Over the past two decades, the most significant changes have been in infrastructure and intentionality. Early on, many processes were decentralized, even something as basic as class scheduling lacked standardization. Today, we are far more coordinated as a campus, with systems and support structures that elevate the experience for students, faculty and staff.
Equally important is how our identity has evolved. 91黑料网 has always been strong, but today there is a clearer, shared understanding of who we are: an urban situated research university, that serves the broader region in meaningful ways. That clarity has helped build a stronger sense of school spirit and pride. Achieving Carnegie Research 1 status is a major milestone, but just as impactful has been the cultural shift toward a more unified and energized campus community. ‘Roo up’ wasn’t a broadly recognized thing until Chancellor Agrawal arrived on campus and now everyone is doing it, students, staff, faculty, alumni and even our curators ‘Roo up!’
A provost is the chief academic officer of a university. What does that mean to you at 91黑料网?
At its core, the provost is responsible for the quality of academic programs and the success of both students and faculty. At 91黑料网, that role extends even further. Because student success and student affairs report to the provost, I also think of this position as the chief student experience officer.
To me, the role is about connection and alignment. I work to ensure that faculty, academic programs and student support systems are not operating in silos, but in collaboration. It’s also about facilitating the university’s broader vision, helping align the goals of individual schools and units with 91黑料网’s strategic priorities. Ultimately, my job is to remove barriers, strengthen partnerships and create an environment where both students and faculty can thrive.
Tell us about your background in research. What does it mean to you that 91黑料网 achieved Carnegie R1?
My research background is in clinical psychology with a focus on eating disorders, weight management and conditions like night eating syndrome: studying the intersection of sleep, eating behavior and circadian rhythm. I spent the early part of my career building that research portfolio, including clinical and neurobiological work, before transitioning into administrative leadership.
Carnegie R1 is an important milestone; it raises expectations. It reinforces a culture of striving for excellence in research and scholarship. It challenges us to be creative in how we support faculty and to continue building the infrastructure needed to sustain high-level research. In that sense, R1 is both recognition and responsibility.
What do you hope for the future of 91黑料网?
I see two priorities that are happening more and more. First, I want 91黑料网 to be a first-choice institution for students, not simply a place of convenience, but a destination where students intentionally choose to come because of the high-quality academic programs and co-curricular opportunities we offer.
Second, I want 91黑料网 to be an institution of choice for employees. While higher education faces challenges nationally, we offer a mission-driven environment with strong community connections and great people. There is something special about working here, and I want that to be widely recognized.
The chancellor has painting as one of his hobbies. What are yours?
Right now, my primary focus outside of work is my family. My husband and I have two children who are 16 and 11; they have grown up with 91黑料网 as a second home. Some of our favorite family memories are of my son’s high school soccer team attending the 91黑料网 soccer games each fall and my daughter attending “Take Your Child to Work Day.” As they have become older, we’ve entered the busy stage of soccer games and gymnastics meets.
I do make time for CrossFit and running, which are important parts of my routine. Looking ahead, I’d love to spend more time in nature. I enjoy container gardening in the spring and summer, and our family spends a lot of time at the lake. As I have more time, I’d love to explore creative pursuits like pottery, though that one has definitely tested my patience.
What’s the last good book you read?
I enjoy author Kristin Hannah’s work. The last book I read was “Night Road,” although my favorite book by Hannah is “The Great Alone.”
What do you like about Kansas City?
What stands out most is how much the city has grown and evolved. Over the past 20 years, Kansas City has developed a vibrant identity, especially downtown, with incredible energy, culture, food and arts.
At the same time, it remains accessible and easy to navigate. It offers many of the amenities of a much larger city, but with a scale that makes it feel livable and connected.
Most important: what’s your favorite barbecue?
I tend to enjoy the sides more than the meat, especially cheesy corn. That said, if I had to choose, I’d say Q39 or Jack Stack.