Testimonials: Respected by Faculty, Trusted by Students, Valued by Staff
Faculty - Respected for Integrity. Trusted for Collaboration.
"From a University Senate perspective, he was really open to counsel. ... He wanted different perspectives, point of view."
"President Kennedy has accelerated...change guided by a set of goals and values that UND's students, staff, and faculty have helped shape."
Thank you very much…for your candor and clarity about the uncertainty of things to come. The…pay reductions for you and other senior leadership sends a critical message to all of us that we are truly parts of a system and underscores the need for shared sacrifice. I don’t know how often people express gratitude to you, so I wanted to make sure that I share mine.
"I learned a tremendous amount from you in terms of managing many many different stakeholders...You were always a great diplomat in navigating...so many different viewpoints."
“Almost all progress and innovation at UND currently flows from the work you started.”
Thank you for your steadfast leadership through these turbulent times. I see a bright future for the University of Colorado with you at the helm.
Students & Parents
"I am proud to have a student at this university. And, also, the communication, the stages/phases, the messaging as you all developed the CU approach - very well done in my opinion. Bravo......seriously, Bravo."
"I can't describe how much I have learned from deep insights, intelligence and Midwestern values of Professor Kennedy"
Staff - Empowering Talent. Building Trust. Driving Results.
“Your support of staff… really means a lot to us and inspires us to do more to serve our university. We greatly appreciate your transparency and the concern you show for creating an environment that fosters excellence.”
"I want to genuinely thank you for communicating consistently with the University Community through this pandemic. I imagine with everything happening, it might be easy to lose sight of the need to communicate frequently with our community, and it’s apparent that you have not lost sight of this need and have made communication a high priority. I am grateful for what you, your team. I know we have rocky roads ahead, and I feel fortunate for you and your team’s leadership."
System and Campus Leadership
"As I look back on what we accomplished, it is really nothing short of phenomenal. We have positioned the University to weather the next 10 years. I hope you think at times about the impact that you made at UND and smile."
"You are what a leader should be: inspiring, listening, pushing. I truly appreciate what you are doing for this institution."
"You have brought the leadership and direction to the university that I believe we need, and never more than now. I look forward to continuing the journey."
“Mark left every institution stronger than he found it. He built trust, expanded opportunity, and respected our role in the process.”
“A strategic thinker with the stamina and vision to drive transformation—always focused on results.”
“When faced with challenges, he prioritized the institution over ego. That’s rare—and powerful.”
"He had the capacity to work unlike anyone I’ve ever seen—and he kept us focused and moving.”
I want to thank you for the incredible leadership that you demonstrated at the Board of Regents meeting today. It made me proud to be a member of your team.
“Even when he faced unfair treatment, he responded with professionalism and grace.”
“Thank you for donating and forgoing your $200k bonus. It is generous and means a lot to the CU community. Although you certainly had no obligation to do so, it shows strong leadership."
Alumni & Donors
"Thank you for your strong leadership, temperament and approach. It’s very much appreciated, and I know that its being well received at many levels."
"We all owe you a tremendous thank you for your vision and your energy that is keeping CU a first-class university as well as a big asset to our state. We strongly support you in your future with CU!!!"
"Your plan to rejuvenate the geography of the campus is stunning...making the campus one of the most attractive in the upper Midwest."
