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
Kansas Geological Survey lab expansion
Last Thursday, we had the pleasure of hosting a ribbon-cutting for our Kansas Geological Survey’s newly renovated Watney CORELAB. The facility more than doubles the amount of space dedicated to analyzing and storing the state’s collection of rock core, which is used by industry, communities, scientists and policymakers involved in energy, water, critical minerals and related areas. I want to congratulate Jay Kalbas and his team on this facility, which enables the KGS to better serve Kansas while making discoveries and training the next generation of scientists. We look forward to the meaningful scientific work and economic development this lab will facilitate in the years ahead.
A college degree is a sound investment
A new study from the Brookings Institution shows that college remains a financially sound investment, even after accounting for student loans. The report found that, after accounting for debt, degree holders earned an average of $8,000 more per year than those who did not complete a degree. Without accounting for debt, degree-holders earned $10,400 more per year than those without a degree. The report’s findings are consistent with previous studies that have shown that a degree provides a solid rate of return for most students. The Brookings Institution’s analysis comes at a time when citizens and lawmakers are increasingly skeptical of the value of a college degree.
KU establishes strategic partnership
Last week, KU signed a landmark strategic partnership agreement with the University of Regensburg, establishing the first comprehensive, institution-wide international collaboration of its kind for KU. Building on nearly two decades of cooperation with the German university in chemistry and American studies, the agreement expands joint efforts across business, law, economics and engineering, as well as immunology and cancer research through KU Medical Center. The partnership will encompass student and faculty exchanges, joint research initiatives and online learning projects.
Two things to share
KU expertise showcased in national media
Each week, we have scholars and researchers who share their expertise with the broader public, shining a light on KU as one of the nation’s leading research universities. A recent study about the history of legislation to help low-income households pay for energy positioned KU researcher Uma Outka, William R. Scott Professor of Law, as an expert source to comment on the risks posed to a federal energy aid program. Both TIME and E&E News (Politico) quoted her in their coverage.
Serving students
KU’s Transition to Postsecondary Education program has proven successful at bringing students with intellectual disability to Lawrence as full-fledged Jayhawks, where they can engage in the college experience. Recently, we announced that our principal investigators have been awarded a five-year, $1.9 million grant that will support KU in engaging more Kansas K-12 students, families and teachers in the possibilities at KU. Demonstrating our impact across the state, the team will help develop similar programs at Wichita State University Tech and Benedictine College.
"One KU"
We’ve spoken a lot about our “One KU” initiative, which strives to enhance alignment among all KU campuses and units. Additionally, the initiative strives to better integrate KU Medical Center and our long-time clinical partner, The University of Kansas Health System.
A great example of how these two entities collaborate is a new initiative from KUMC and TUKHS, supported in part by a $12 million grant, that will enhance healthcare access in underserved communities by bringing together research, rural outreach and clinical care from both organizations. Beyond increasing health care to rural Kansas, the project also seeks to enhance workforce development, therapy and testing in the Kansas communities we serve.