Leading Through Polarization
Mission First, Even When It’s Personally Costly
Polarization tests more than leadership—it tests character
Not only was the pandemic a wild ride during my tenure in Colorado - so was the ride on the stage coach with Regent John Carson during Denver's National Western Stock Show Rodeo.
- As I share in my Strategic Compass page, principled restraint can be the most courageous act of leadership in divided times. When the political makeup of the CU Board of Regents shifted, I chose not to politicize the moment or fuel division. I abstained—not from responsibility, but from escalation. That choice was not about preserving position, but preserving purpose.
A Transition Guided by Stewardship
As President of the University of Colorado System, I led through an era marked by pandemic disruption, fiscal uncertainty, and mounting political polarization. Despite those challenges, we:
- Navigated a $396 million shortfall during the COVID-19 crisis
- Developed and launched a bold, metrics-based strategic plan
- Held net tuition flat for four years while investing in affordability
- Improved graduation rates across all demographics
- Elevated research and fundraising success
- Strengthened pipelines for underrepresented students
- Diversified senior leadership through merit-based hires
- When the Regents’ political majority changed for the first time in 40 years, one campus—CU Boulder—held a nonbinding faculty censure vote focused narrowly on perceived shortcomings in DEI leadership. Despite the censure being limited, unendorsed by CU’s other campuses, and based on selective claims, it was used to justify a change in leadership.
- Rather than resist, I prioritized institutional continuity. I chose stewardship over self-interest. I understood that engaging in a public counteroffensive would destabilize the institution. Instead, I facilitated a dignified, mission-focused transition that kept CU on track.
- At my final Board meeting, the Regents unanimously approved the strategic plan I led—including its inclusive excellence components—without revision. That moment, and their vote to name me President Emeritus, affirmed the integrity of my leadership.
“Don’t fire the man who is making CU diverse.”—
- Cultural Respect in Moments That Matter
- At commencement, I paused before offering my hand to a graduating Muslim woman—waiting for her to extend hers first, out of respect for religious custom. Leadership requires cultural awareness, humility, and responsiveness.
The Fifth A: Abstaining as Leadership
- In my book Shapeholders, I outlined four strategic responses leaders can take: Avert, Acquiesce, Advance, and Assemble. Reflecting on my time at CU, I now recognize a fifth: Abstain.
- To abstain is not to retreat—it’s to act with discernment. I declined to turn the university into a battleground. That decision helped CU avoid further division and keep its momentum.
- Leadership isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s steady, principled, and quiet in the face of provocation.
A Teachable Moment, Not a Defining One
In a public forum, I once used the phrase “Trail of Tears” without appreciating its painful historical weight. When informed, I publicly apologized that same hour.
That moment became a catalyst—not a crisis. It deepened my understanding and reaffirmed a long-standing commitment to Native communities:
- At UND, I led a respectful transition from the Sioux name to the Fighting Hawks
- At UND, we initiated 2+2 transfer agreements with tribal colleges
- At CU, launched the system’s first land acknowledgment
- At CU, we extended in-state tuition for students from tribes historically based in Colorado
Everyone makes mistakes. I did—and sought to respond with humility, accountability and action.
Debbie and I participating in the annual UND UND Wacipi Powwow.
What Governing Boards Can Say with Confidence
- If asked about my departure from CU, a governing board can speak with clarity:
- “The Boulder censure was nonbinding, narrowly focused, and issued in a politically charged environment. President Kennedy’s inclusive strategic plan was unanimously approved after the censure and without revision. He was rated 'Exceeds Expectations' in performance reviews, left the university stronger than he found it, and modeled integrity and institutional loyalty throughout.”
Why I’m Even Better Positioned to Lead
What happened at CU didn’t diminish my leadership—it sharpened it. I gained:
- Greater credibility across political and ideological divides
- A sharper understanding of how to advance meaningful change while respecting institutional processes and shared governance
- A lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity without favor or exclusion
- A steadier hand to navigate controversy with humility and resolve
I remain grateful for what we accomplished at CU—and confident in the values and choices that guided how I led through turbulence.
📣 Voices of Support
Faculty & Staff
"Some of the statements that are in the current motion do not fit with reality. I find it difficult to support a motion where some of the facts are not correct."
“You are very committed to advancing DEI… in collaboration with the chancellors of each campus.”
“Thank you for your steadfastness in truth, reasonableness, and logic—many at CU support you.”
“You have not failed at anything. I stand behind you in all you do.”
“Almost all progress and innovation at UND currently flows from the work you started.”
Alumni and Community
“Your vision for the future of education is spot on.”
“We are displeased and a little sickened by the orchestrated opposition to Kennedy based not on his qualifications but on his political affiliation.”
“From my point of view, it is not personal, so just continue to do what your heart says is the right thing. As leaders, we are the natural target for their frustrations.”
“I’ve been impressed by your leadership—especially on diversity and inclusion.”