Haskell/KU Joint Committee launches to strengthen collaboration, support for faculty and staff

LAWRENCE — Haskell Indian Nations University and the University of Kansas have announced the formation of the Haskell/KU Joint Committee, a collaborative body established to review, accept and enhance initiatives that serve the mutual benefit of both institutions, their faculty and staff.

The Joint Committee, composed of administrators and representatives recommended by the leadership teams of both universities, has officially commenced regular meetings. Its mission is to identify opportunities for partnership, streamline existing collaborative efforts, and foster a supportive environment that promotes shared goals and success.

In its initial phase, the committee is actively collecting and analyzing survey responses related to current initiatives between Haskell and KU. These insights will help shape the committee’s priorities and guide the development of future projects designed to maximize impact and resource sharing for both institutions.

"This partnership enables the sharing of resources to create a greater impact at both institutions — for our students, faculty and the broader community,” said Mackie Moore, interim president at Haskell Indian Nations University.

Similarly, Alex Red Corn, associate vice chancellor with the KU Office of Sovereign Partnerships & Indigenous Initiatives, added, “By working together through this joint committee, we can create more effective programs and opportunities that uplift our faculty, staff and the broader academic community.”

The Haskell/KU Joint Committee encourages faculty, staff and stakeholders from both institutions to participate in the survey process and share their work on current collaborative initiatives. The survey is now open.

Members of the committee:

Haskell

• Milford Muskett, vice president of academics, committee co-chair
• Phillip Marshall, dean of natural and social sciences
• Marisa Mendoza, dean of students
• Lou Hara, university registrar
• Bridgett Chapin, faculty, environmental science.

KU

• Lori Hasselman, director, Office of Sovereign Partnerships, committee co-chair
• Casey Wallace, university registrar
• Laura Ramirez, associate professor of practice, School of Social Welfare
• Melinda Adams, assistant professor, geography & atmospheric science
• Melissa Peterson, assistant research professor, Office of Sovereign Partnerships.

The work is part of a longstanding partnership between KU and Haskell. The universities signed memorandum of understanding in 2012 to codify key opportunities for partnership and serve as a framework for cooperation in areas ranging from education to service to research. The MOU was renewed in 2024.