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
KU, Johns Hopkins leaders urge NIH to release appropriated research funds
Last week, I had the opportunity to co-author a Wall Street Journal opinion piece about the importance of keeping approved research funding moving. The op-ed explains why it’s essential for NIH and other federal agencies to distribute research funds efficiently and on time so universities can continue advancing discovery, innovation and economic prosperity.
KU shares tuition proposal with Kansas Board of Regents
Last week, we presented the Kansas Board of Regents with a proposed 5% increase in tuition and fees for the average student next school year. The proposal is driven primarily by inflationary pressures and reductions in state funding, while also helping us continue to prioritize market pay enhancements for KU employees. The Board is scheduled to act on the proposal next month.
KUMC to receive $5 million to build Kansas Brain Health Assessment Network
The KU Medical Center will receive $5 million from the state to establish the Kansas Brain Health Assessment Network, which will be housed at the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Launching in July 2026, the program will bring specialist-level dementia diagnostic capabilities into primary care practices across Kansas, with a particular focus on rural communities facing shortages of dementia specialists. KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is one of just 35 NIH-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers in the country.
Two things to share
Commencement video celebrates Class of 2026
On May 17, our university came together at Commencement to celebrate and confer degrees upon our 2026 graduates. Check out highlights from the day in the latest video from our Marketing team. I promise, it’ll give you the feels.
Faculty and staff will soon have a new gathering space option
Opening this summer inside Allen Fieldhouse, the Naismith Club is a new private social club managed by Oak View Group. Memberships will be available to faculty and staff, alumni, professionals, families and fans looking to connect while enjoying the traditions of Kansas basketball. Academic departments, teams and offices will also be able to secure memberships. At the center of the club is the Jayhawk Lounge, which will offer coffee, light breakfast and lunch in a comfortable setting designed for both casual conversations and focused work or collaboration
"One KU"
Share your feedback
Your ideas are needed as we continue the One KU initiative to work more collaboratively and align the full strength of our campuses in pursuing our mission. Please share your insights that might help reduce silos and increase our ability to leverage more of our resources toward unified priorities as one university. Your response will be anonymous unless you choose to share your contact details.