As Chief of Staff, Ken Kipps supports the provost, sets leadership meeting agendas and tracks follow-through, and manages the administrative and communications teams for the Provost Office. He staffs a range of committees and initiatives, responds to emerging issues, conducts research, and writes briefings. 

During his 30 years at U.Va., Ken has held public relations and administrative roles in Arts & Sciences, University Advancement, the Darden School of Business, and the College Foundation. Previously he worked in public relations for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Busch Entertainment Corporation and the Crawford Agency. His photo blog, LawnLife, captured life on the U.Va. Lawn—one picture a day—for a decade.

Ken graduated from the College of William & Mary with a degree in Botany. He is interested in fixing broken food systems, especially elevating the role that small family farms play in providing local food. He studies the architecture of the early 20th century, has experience in landscape design, and is the temporary steward of a healthy white ash that stands more than 100 feet tall.