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
University leaders sound alarm over slow release of federal research funds
I recently co-authored a Wall Street Journal opinion piece urging NIH to distribute research funds on time so universities can continue driving innovation and economic prosperity. Since then, the Association of American Universities and its member institutions have echoed this message, calling on Congress to use its oversight authority to ensure federal agencies release funds that have already been approved. You can visit the AAU summary of this issue to learn more.
University chooses developer for Gateway District hotel
The university has selected the developer and operator for the planned Gateway District hotel. Kansas City industry leader Chuck Mackey will develop the 150-room Marriott hotel connected to our stadium and conference center. The hotel is expected to open in summer 2028.
As a reminder, the first phase of the Gateway District project included renovations to the west and north portions of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and construction of the KU Conference Center, which opened last fall. We are now advancing Phase II, which includes retail, dining, parking, residential facilities, the hotel and the east side of the stadium. Together, these additions will create a vibrant district that attracts visitors year-round for conferences and events that support our academic mission and drive economic growth for the region.
University announces 2026 Kemper Fellows for Teaching Excellence
KU instructors elevate society through innovative teaching, disciplinary expertise and mentorship of future leaders. This spring, five Lawrence campus faculty members were named recipients of the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence. The honorees are:
- Gerrit de Boer, associate professor of ecology & evolutionary biology
- Angela Gist-Mackey, associate professor and associate chair of communication studies
- Chad Kraus, professor of architecture
- Meggie Mapes, associate teaching professor of communication studies
- Ward Thompson, professor of chemistry
Learn more about these outstanding educators in our recent announcement.
Two things to share
KU launches Center for Workplace Excellence to empower KC organizations
The KU School of Professional Studies has launched the Center for Workplace Excellence, an initiative designed to help businesses and nonprofits strengthen workforce skills, improve organizational effectiveness and navigate today’s rapidly changing workplaces. Supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle, the center will serve as a direct pathway for organizations to access the extensive expertise of KU faculty through customizable professional development programs, organizational consulting and leadership coaching.
Kansas Baseball punches ticket to NCAA Super Regional
Kansas Baseball is headed to an NCAA Super Regional for the first time in history after a 13-10 victory over Arkansas on Sunday in front of 4,000 fans to win the first-ever Lawrence Regional. Visit our Lawrence Regional website to relive the sights, sounds and stories from an unforgettable weekend at Hoglund Ballpark.
"One KU"
Board alignment enables collaboration, unified strategy
To strengthen the One KU research enterprise, the university recently unified the boards of the KU Center for Research (KUCR) and the KU Medical Center Research Institute (KUMC RI) to bring both organizations under shared leadership for the first time.
The Center for Research and the Research Institute are nonprofit foundations that support KU research and clinical trials, operating under the administrative jurisdiction of the Office of Research on the Lawrence campus and Research Administration at the KU Medical Center. Aligned membership ensures decisions about research strategy, finances and governance are made collaboratively and with a unified view of KU’s research priorities.
Bringing the boards into alignment reduces duplication, improves coordination and creates a clearer path for consistent decision making. For KU researchers, this means more streamlined processes and a stronger ability to invest resources strategically to enhance focus on discovery, innovation and impact.