The Black Faculty and Staff Council (BFSC), is here to serve as a resource and support for all members of the African/African American KU Jayhawk family. Founded in 1975 as a way to network professionally, socially, and culturally for the relatively few Black faculty members, professional staff, and support staff found on the KU campus at that time, this continues to be the primary mission of BFSC in its overall effort to make the University of Kansas a more welcoming and supportive environment for all who come here. We encourage you to contact any of our officers, committee chairpersons, and members with the hope that we can make your stay here at KU a more warm, friendly, and professionally supportive environment in which to work. We encourage you to become an active member of BFSC.

As a founding member of BFSC, over the years, I have met many colleagues from all the various departments and professional units on the Lawrence campus, as well as the Edwards campus, and the Medical Center with whom I might otherwise have never crossed paths. It is always heartening to find myself in a context where some sense of isolation is replaced by a feeling of inclusion and being surrounded by a group of colleagues with shared backgrounds, interests, and social camaraderie. The annual opening social event, and those held throughout the academic year, bring everyone together for a great time to meet and greet new and old friends and colleagues.

Throughout the year, the officers meet with KU officials to discuss important issues pertaining to the African/African American faculty, staff, and students here. Every year we celebrate the academic achievements by KU students at the BFSC Annual Awards Banquet, held on the second Saturday in April. This event brings together students and their families, faculty and staff members, administrators and alumni, in possibly our most prideful and fulfilling event of the year.

I encourage you to talk with one of our members and plan to attend a meeting, social event, or the spring banquet to learn more about the organization. I invite you to meet with me over coffee or tea at the Kansas Union sometime to get acquainted. Take pride in being a Jayhawk by being a part of the BFSC.

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Hobart Jackson