Featured news at KU


Our top featured stories

An empty chair sits overlooking the view from a corporate office.
Past research has found that some subpopulations — including immigrants and veterans — who experience disproportionate exposure to trauma are more likely to become entrepreneurs. New work from a KU School of Business researcher introduces a trauma-informed approach as an evidence-based tool to mitigate trauma's effects on functioning and entrepreneurial success.

Other featured news

Detail from the cover of ‘Song of Spores.’

Author offers hope in ‘mushroomy’ sci-fi novel ‘Song of Spores’

Science fiction writer Bogi Takács Perelmutter's “Song of Spores” was recently published by Broken Eye Books. The KU faculty member’s novel addresses questions like the persistence of prejudice, the possibilities of international cooperation and what happens when reality doesn’t match the high-minded slogans you’ve been taught to uphold.
An empty chair sits overlooking the view from a corporate office.

New research supports ‘trauma-informed lens’ for entrepreneurship community

Past research has found that some subpopulations — including immigrants and veterans — who experience disproportionate exposure to trauma are more likely to become entrepreneurs. New work from a KU School of Business researcher introduces a trauma-informed approach as an evidence-based tool to mitigate trauma's effects on functioning and entrepreneurial success.
Cameron Piercy (at left) and Wenrong Cui shown in Piercy’s Bailey Hall office

One size does not fit all when it comes to return-to-office policies, study finds

New University of Kansas research shows which personality types are most affected by communication overload in the workplace and how that corresponds with in-office versus remote work preferences.
A toolbox with tools is positioned next to a globe

From Kansas to the world: KU’s WHO collaboration works to promote global health

By delivering a digital “toolbox” to 300 countries, researchers at the Center for Community Health and Development are bringing life-saving lessons back home to Kansas.

Research



New University of Kansas research shows which personality types are most affected by communication overload in the workplace and how that corresponds with in-office versus remote work preferences.
A new book from KU researcher Misty Heggeness titled "Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy” pairs rigorous data with humor, personal anecdotes and Taylor Swift song titles as chapter subheadings to tell the story of women who have survived and thrived in overlooked ways. It also shares policy prescriptions for a more sustainable workforce.
An illustration of several round buttons with drawn-on faces depicting a range of emotions such as happiness, sadness and frustration.
New research from the University of Kansas investigates how women employed in the public sector regulate emotions in professional settings. The study found respondents suppress negative emotions more than positive but that efforts to suppress such emotions for professional reasons are not always effective, stifling authenticity.

Kansas Communities



A streamlined credentialing system is helping Kansas get firefighters and emergency personnel into the field faster through computer-based assessments. KU‘s Assessment and Technology Solutions (ATS) and Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI) are partnering on the project.
KU is among select U.S. colleges and universities honored for demonstrating a commitment to partnership and collaboration with the larger community.
A toolbox with tools is positioned next to a globe
By delivering a digital “toolbox” to 300 countries, researchers at the Center for Community Health and Development are bringing life-saving lessons back home to Kansas.

Economic Development



The University of Kansas is a powerful engine of economic growth and job creation for the state of Kansas, according to a new study detailing the university’s impact.
The University of Kansas School of Business received a $10 million gift commitment from an anonymous donor that ensures the construction of a new entrepreneurship hub building that benefits the greater KU community by teaching students to solve problems in meaningful ways. The new gift supplements the donor's lead gift of $50 million in 2023.
Kalin Baca shown working in a KU lab in 2023 with professional portrait superimposed over main image.
A recent report from the Institute for Research on Innovation & Science shows more than 7,000 KU research-funded employees leveraged their experience to build careers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from 2011 to 2023 — and nearly 40% found employment in Kansas.

Student experience and achievement



Over winter break, 18 Jayhawks traveled to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to volunteer with three community-based organizations as part of KU Alternative Breaks. Established in 1995, KU Alternative Breaks is a student-led program dedicated to fostering a lifelong commitment to service through volunteering and education.
After years of seeing strong student theses go unpublished, a KU faculty member started an undergraduate journal to showcase international studies research.
Big Jay and the Campanile
Two University of Kansas debate teams — Rose Larson, Milwaukee, with Luna Schultz, Houston, and Owen Owings, Lee’s Summit, with Zach Willingham, Topeka — were selected as automatic qualifiers for the 2026 National Debate Tournament to take place March 26-31 in Houston.

Campus news



Katie Schultz, vice president of engineering resources at Black & Veatch, will deliver this year’s J.A. Tiberti Family Lecture on March 10 at the University of Kansas School of Engineering.
The University of Kansas earned top national recognition in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report online graduate program rankings for programs in the School of Education & Human Sciences. KU’s online graduate education program ranked No. 2 (tie) overall and No. 1 nationally for veterans, with specialty rankings including No. 1 in special education.
a group of people standing with instruments
The University of Kansas School of Music invites the community to experience the second annual Latin American Art Music Festival, a three-day celebration of Latin American classical music taking place March 1-3 in Swarthout Recital Hall.

Latest news

a group of people standing with instruments

School of Music to present 2nd annual Latin American Art Music Festival March 1-3

The University of Kansas School of Music invites the community to experience the second annual Latin American Art Music Festival, a three-day celebration of Latin American classical music taking place March 1-3 in Swarthout Recital Hall.
Two dozen people look through boxes filled with records at the Lawrence Library.

Audio-Reader Network set to host next Audio Sale

The Audio-Reader Network will host its next highly anticipated Audio Sale on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13–14, in the auditorium of the Lawrence Public Library, offering music lovers and audio enthusiasts a wide selection of items at bargain prices.
Detail from the cover of ‘Song of Spores.’

Author offers hope in ‘mushroomy’ sci-fi novel ‘Song of Spores’

Science fiction writer Bogi Takács Perelmutter's “Song of Spores” was recently published by Broken Eye Books. The KU faculty member’s novel addresses questions like the persistence of prejudice, the possibilities of international cooperation and what happens when reality doesn’t match the high-minded slogans you’ve been taught to uphold.
Allison Kirkpatrick, Jonathan Brumberg and Claudia Dozier

New provost fellow and chair program fellows join the Office of Faculty Affairs

Allison Kirkpatrick, Jonathan Brumberg and Claudia Dozier join the Office of Faculty Affairs this spring as provost fellow and chair fellows. They will support priorities in policy revision and educational programming for campus leaders and the broader University of Kansas community.