KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences announces Department of Earth, Energy & Environment
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas College of Liberal Arts & Sciences today announced plans to combine the departments of Geography & Atmospheric Science and Geology and the Environmental Studies Program into a single new academic unit: the Department of Earth, Energy & Environment. The change has been approved by the president of the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR).
The new department will take effect immediately and will bring together the rich histories, traditions and academic strengths of its three founding programs. While the formal boundaries that have separated these units will be removed, the disciplinary rigor, academic excellence and distinct identities that have defined each program for generations will continue to shape the department’s future, according to College leadership.
By bringing these disciplines together, KU is creating a more collaborative approach to addressing critical challenges such as energy resource development, water and resource management, and climate resilience.
“This new department reflects years of collaboration and shared vision among our faculty across geology, geography & atmospheric science, and environmental studies,” said Jennifer Roberts, David B. Pittaway Executive Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. “With this merger we’re creating a stronger, integrated program, one that honors what each has built while preparing students for the interconnected challenges ahead.”
The new department will also strengthen research and engagement opportunities by building on longstanding partnerships, including with the Kansas Geological Survey, the Institute for Policy & Social Research and the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research, along with other university and community partners. By aligning expertise across related fields, KU will be well positioned to expand its impact on research, innovation and service across Kansas and beyond, Roberts said.
“This merger reinforces our commitment to our students’ success. They’ll graduate with a broader set of skills and a wider network of faculty, research opportunities and field experiences than any one of our programs could offer on its own,” said Nate Brunsell, chair and professor of earth, energy & environment. “We’re committed to making sure every student, no matter which discipline brought them here, leaves with the training and confidence to go do meaningful work in the world.”
Students currently enrolled in geology, geography & atmospheric science or environmental studies degree programs will continue to complete their coursework and earn their degrees within their respective programs with no changes to degree requirements. Students will also continue to have access to discipline-specific student organizations and academic communities alongside new opportunities to connect across areas of study.
The Department of Earth, Energy & Environment will move forward by honoring the legacies that made these programs successful while expanding opportunities for future generations of students, scholars, and partners, Roberts said.
About the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
The College is the heart of KU, educating the most students, producing the most research and collaborating with nearly every entity at KU. The College is home to more than 50 departments, programs and centers, as well as the School of the Arts and School of Public Affairs & Administration.