Colleagues,
Welcome to "3, 2, One KU," a weekly memo in which I'll share updates and thoughts for the week ahead. The title of the memo is derived from the format: each edition will include three things to know, two things to share, and one reflection on how our "One KU" initiative is enhancing collaboration across our campuses. I hope you find this weekly communication informative.
Respectfully,
Doug
Three things to know
Finalist presentations for Provost/CAO and EVC position to begin this week
Beginning this Thursday, each of four finalists for the position of Provost/Chief Academic Officer for the University of Kansas and Executive Vice Chancellor of the Lawrence Campus will give a presentation to the KU community. These presentations will enable community members to engage with candidates, hear their vision and share feedback with the search committee. Candidate names will be announced two days before their forum.
For now, you can mark your calendars as follows:
- Candidate 1 - January 22; Burge Union, Forum D; 3 p.m.
- Candidate 2 - January 26; Burge Union, Forum A & B; 3 p.m.
- Candidate 3 - February 2; Kansas Union, Woodruff Auditorium; 3 p.m.
- Candidate 4 - February 4; Kansas Union, Woodruff Auditorium; 3 p.m.
Presentations will be live-streamed and recordings will be posted on our position search webpage.
Kansas Legislature convenes for 2026 session
The Kansas Legislative gathered last week to open the 2026 session. This year, we expect lawmakers to address various topics impacting higher education, including curriculum, tenure, deferred maintenance and budgets. As always, we look forward to the opportunity to visit with elected officials to discuss how KU benefits Kansas students, families and communities and drives economic growth across the state.
Additionally, now is a good time to remind you of our guidelines and best practices for KU employees who wish to engage with lawmakers. Feel free to contact our Office of Government Relations if you have questions.
Congress appropriates funds to complete KU Cancer Center facility
The U.S. Congress last week approved $36 million for the University of Kansas Cancer Center to complete construction of its new facility. This appropriation was made possible thanks to Sen. Jerry Moran, who has been a tireless supporter of our efforts to strengthen the KU Cancer Center’s status among the best cancer centers in the nation. Once complete, the new facility will enable the KU Cancer Center and its partners to further integrate research and clinical care to benefit patients fighting cancer.
Two things to share
The value of public flagship universities
In a recent Chronicle of Higher Education opinion piece titled “Why flagships are winning,” commentator Ian F. McNeely argues that large public universities are, on the whole, more frugal and resilient than elite privates.
College enrollments are up … at least for now
A recent NPR story discusses how college enrollment in the United States continued to rise last fall, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
"One KU"
Enhancements to travel planning
For the past few years, Lawrence campus employees have been able to book university-related travel using Collegiate Travel Planners (CTP), a full-service travel agency, and Concur Travel, an easy-to-use online booking system. Now, as part of our One KU initiative, we are extending our partnership with CTP and Concur to enhance trip planning and travel for KU Medical Center employees. For more information, medical center employees should view last week’s announcement from Jeff DeWitt and Steve Stites, as well as the follow-up email from Lori Gutsch, which has more details.