News
KU chapter of Phi Beta Kappa initiates new members
The University of Kansas Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society has initiated 87 new members. Election to Phi Beta Kappa recognizes a student’s high academic achievement while pursuing a broad and substantive liberal-arts curriculum.
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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.
Thu, 02/12/2026
KU lands funding to expand center helping educators use AI, create more ed tech leaders
The Center for Innovation, Design & Digital Learning at the University of Kansas has received a five-year, $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, to expand its work in helping educators across the country keep up with rapidly evolving technology like artificial intelligence.
Thu, 02/12/2026
2026 cohort of University Scholars announced
The 45th class of University Scholars and their faculty mentors were recognized during a reception hosted by the University of Kansas Honors Program.
Thu, 02/12/2026
KU, Kansas Department of Transportation to host 31st annual Kansas Transportation Safety Conference in April
The 31st annual Kansas Transportation Safety Conference will take place April 21-22 at the Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan Conference Center in Manhattan.
Thu, 02/12/2026
KU student organization wins 'Big Event of the Year' at national conference
The Big Event at KU, a student organization that is centered on non-need-based community service, was awarded “Big Event of the Year” during the 2026 One Big Thanks Conference at the University of Florida.
Wed, 02/11/2026
School of Music to present 2nd annual Latin American Art Music Festival
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.
Wed, 02/11/2026
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.
Wed, 02/11/2026
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.
Tue, 02/10/2026
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.
Tue, 02/10/2026
Two KU Debate teams qualify for 80th National Debate Tournament
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.
Tue, 02/10/2026
KU School of Business launches personal finance certificate program with $1.5M gift
The KU School of Business will expand its academic offerings with the Bicknell Certificate in Personal Finance, a program supported by a $1.5 million gift commitment from Marty and Cheryl Bicknell. Launching in fall 2026, the certificate will prepare students for careers in financial planning, personal finance and wealth management.
Tue, 02/10/2026
KU Engineering’s Tiberti Lecture returns with a focus on leadership in the field
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.
Tue, 02/10/2026
Study explores how women in public sector regulate their emotions at work
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.
Mon, 02/09/2026
KU to host Sovereign Futures Series on AI, data and tribal sovereignty
The Office of Sovereign Partnerships & Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Kansas will host the AI & Data Sovereignty Across the Southern Plains Symposium. The March 3-4 event will facilitate AI and data-driven systems discussions that examine opportunities and risks, data governance, and how Native Nations can assert sovereignty, consent and governance in digital futures.