News
Pandemic, election crises mark ‘critical events’ in declining democratic accountability standards, governance scholar writes
Christopher Koliba, University of Kansas public affairs and administration researcher, has published a new study examining how the COVID-19 pandemic response and perpetuation of false claims about the 2020 presidential election were critical events in declining democratic accountability standards. Scholars and others have important work to do in documenting such cases to learn the effects of democratic backsliding, according to Koliba.
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Tue, 02/24/2026
Pandemic, election crises mark ‘critical events’ in declining democratic accountability standards, governance scholar writes
Christopher Koliba, University of Kansas public affairs and administration researcher, has published a new study examining how the COVID-19 pandemic response and perpetuation of false claims about the 2020 presidential election were critical events in declining democratic accountability standards. Scholars and others have important work to do in documenting such cases to learn the effects of democratic backsliding, according to Koliba.
Tue, 02/24/2026
Social media discussions fueled ‘meme stock’ events and significant short squeezes, research finds
In a new article, Angel Tengulov, assistant professor of finance at the University of Kansas, examines how discussions on social media fueled the association between retail trading and subsequent stock returns during the “meme stock” events of 2021 that sparked massive short squeezes.
Tue, 02/24/2026
The Commons will host mycologist, author Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian for the Kenneth A. Spencer Lecture
The Spring 2026 Kenneth A. Spencer Lecture at the University of Kansas will feature mycologist, curator, author and educator Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian. Additionally, The Commons will partner with Haskell Greenhouse and the KU Field Station to offer two outdoor opportunities with Ononiwu Kaishian within local landscapes.
Mon, 02/23/2026
KU Debate wins Mid America Championship Tournament
Two University of Kansas Debate teams closed out the final round to win a tournament hosted by Southern Nazarene University. Additionally, KU debate members have excelled in recent British Parliamentary debate appearances.
Mon, 02/23/2026
KU, FBI hosting Fourth Annual Cybersecurity Intelligence Conference March 31, April 1
Registration is now open for the annual gathering that brings together cybersecurity experts from industry and research to the University of Kansas campus in Lawrence. This collaborative event fosters critical dialogue on cybersecurity policy, education and strategy.
Mon, 02/23/2026
The Kansas Union set to celebrate 100 years
To celebrate a century of the Kansas Union, the KU Memorial Unions team is hosting a series of events honoring its rich tradition and history, bringing together students, staff, alumni and the broader community. Be a part of the celebration by joining the events and experiencing how 100 years of tradition continues to inspire today.
Mon, 02/23/2026
Library of Congress rare books chief to return to KU for Snyder Book Collecting Contest
Stephanie Stillo’s journey has stretched coast to coast, but it was in Kansas where an extraordinary path began to reveal itself. Stillo, who graduated from KU in 2014 with a doctorate in modern European history, returns to the university April 16 as the keynote speaker for KU Libraries’ Snyder Book Collecting Contest. The contest is now accepting student entries through March 24, celebrating 68 years of encouraging student book collections.
Fri, 02/20/2026
KU communication studies expert can comment on ‘critical’ State of the Union address
Robert Rowland, a University of Kansas professor of communication studies and author of the 2021 book “The Rhetoric of Donald Trump: Nationalist Populism and American Democracy,” available to comment on the Feb. 24 State of the Union address.
Fri, 02/20/2026
Supreme Court striking down tariffs ‘foreseeable, logical,’ international trade law expert says
Raj Bhala, University Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Kansas, can talk with media about today’s Supreme Court ruling striking down President Trump’s tariffs. The ruling was “logical and foreseeable,” Bhala said, and he can discuss the ruling, what comes next and the effects it will have with media.
Fri, 02/20/2026
KU Law students offer free tax preparation
The University of Kansas School of Law students will once again assist eligible community members with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Last year, the VITA clinic filed 141 returns totaling $223,486.
Fri, 02/20/2026
Startup from School of Pharmacy seeks to redefine oral testosterone replacement therapy
SteroCore, a startup emerging from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, is developing a novel oral testosterone therapy designed to work with, rather than bypass, the liver’s natural physiology. The company’s approach aims to address longstanding challenges in testosterone replacement therapy.
Fri, 02/20/2026
KU’s online registered behavior technician certification program approved for federal funding in Kansas
Tuition assistance is now available for all qualifying Kansans for the online Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training Program at the University of Kansas. The 40-hour program has been approved statewide for funding under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity.
Thu, 02/19/2026
University of Kansas names new provost, College executive dean
Two current KU leaders will assume new leadership roles at the University of Kansas. Arash Mafi will serve as the provost and chief academic officer for KU and executive vice chancellor for the Lawrence and Edwards campuses. Jennifer Roberts will become the executive dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
Thu, 02/19/2026
Witnessing service workers being treated poorly inspires bigger tips, study finds
In a new article, Jonathan Beck, assistant professor of marketing at the University of Kansas, finds that customers who witness incivility toward service employees experience feelings of pity, followed by increased emotional support and, ultimately, an increased tip for the target employee.
Thu, 02/19/2026
Undergraduate student wins prestigious scholarship intended for graduate physics students
Lucciana Cáceres Holgado, a senior from Cusco, Peru, whose research interest focuses on planets beyond our solar system, was chosen as the recipient of a $15,000 scholarship from the Society of Physics Students intended for one graduate student nationwide. Though still an undergrad, Cáceres Holgado was picked for her track record of research and community involvement.
Thu, 02/19/2026
Japanese painting tradition meets street materials in new exhibition
The many lives of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani: The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has brought together the largest collection of work by the beloved street artist in an exhibition opening Feb. 19.
Wed, 02/18/2026
Jerry Seib to host new WSJ bipartisan polling team at the Dole Institute, will write new Bob Dole biography
The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas has announced Dole Institute Visiting Fellow Jerry Seib will return to the institute this spring to moderate “Inside the Electorate: A Bipartisan Look Ahead to the 2026 Midterms.” The event will take place at 7 p.m. Feb. 26.
Wed, 02/18/2026
Expo to showcase the wonders of KU Engineering
The KU Engineering Expo will take place Feb. 22-23, with a public open house during Sunday's events. School of Engineering students organize this annual event for K-8 students from across Kansas.
Wed, 02/18/2026
‘Corners Grove’ performances will explore the ties that bind community
A new theatre work being staged at the University Theatre gives 21st century vibes to a classic tale of belonging. Told in metatheatrical style, the play by Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin explores love, friendship and loss, showing the power of theatre to help audiences appreciate life’s daily experiences. Performances begin March 6.
Tue, 02/17/2026
Spencer Museum’s spring exhibitions explore richness of Japanese and Asian American art
The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas will open two special exhibitions Feb. 19 that feature contemporary work by Japanese and Japanese American artists.
Tue, 02/17/2026
Pioneering book aims to uplift Nigerian Hausa Muslim women
In a new book, Rahina Muazu shows how Hausa Muslim women and men are actively interpreting scripture, making families, earning livelihoods and building institutions amid rapid social change. The book is an act of decolonizing knowledge because it is written in her native Hausa language, according to the KU faculty member.
Tue, 02/17/2026
The Commons announces Red Hot Research Events for spring 2026
The Commons at the University of Kansas will host Red Hot Research sessions in February, March, April and May, including one session in conjunction with the Office of Faculty Affairs and one Red Hot Graduate Research event. The first event will take place at 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at Watson Library, 3 West.
Mon, 02/16/2026
Multinational corporations weigh ‘de-risking’ strategies for navigating political unpredictability in China
In a new article, University of Kansas political science researchers introduce an analysis of how multinational corporations might adapt to political risks in doing business with an increasingly authoritarian China.
Mon, 02/16/2026
Study finds emphasis on conversation facilitation helps journalists re-engage communities
A research project among educators, students, journalists and communities in six states has found that pairing student journalists with communities through structured conversation can help to rebuild trust while also teaching future reporters how to listen to and investigate on the needs of overlooked populations. A KU journalism faculty member is co-author of the new study, published in Journalism Practice.
Mon, 02/16/2026
University announces 2026 Staff Fellows
The University of Kansas has announced participants selected for the 2026 Staff Fellows Program, which seeks to strengthen the university by developing leaders at all levels of the institution.
Fri, 02/13/2026
First biennial Environmental Law Symposium will discuss issues and intersections of environmental law
Legal scholars and environmental advocates will gather in Lawrence on March 6 to discuss these issues at the first biennial Environmental Law Symposium hosted by the University of Kansas School of Law.
Fri, 02/13/2026
KU Natural History Museum announces spring programming
The KU Natural History Museum has a full lineup of science-themed public events this spring for both youth and adults. Programs will cover a range of topics, including STEM activities related to legendary scientists and their discoveries, as well as public presentations on digitizing natural history collections and paleontology fieldwork in Turkey.
Fri, 02/13/2026
KU disability research center nationally recognized for community partnership
The Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is among five national recipients of the 2026 Excellence in Community-Engaged Partnerships Award. The distinction from Campus Compact honors higher education programs and initiatives that make a meaningful impact by partnering with communities to address complex social issues.
Fri, 02/13/2026
KU School of Professional Studies redefines recruitment by putting career clarity first
The University of Kansas School of Professional Studies (SPS) is transforming the recruitment experience by placing students’ career goals, strengths and long-term purpose at the center of the enrollment process.
Thu, 02/12/2026
KU, K-State faculty receive 2026 Higuchi-KU Endowment Research Achievement Awards
David Farber, Ruth Welti, Kathleen Lynne Lane and X. Long Zheng will be recognized this spring at a ceremony along with recipients of other KU research awards. The Higuchi-KU Endowment Research Achievement Awards are the state higher education system’s most prestigious recognition for scholarly excellence.