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A gift from Tom and Jann Rudkin will support the construction of a new accessible entrance from Jayhawk Boulevard to Dyche Hall. Remaining funds after construction will go toward partial restoration of the historic and beloved Panorama exhibit, including taxidermy specimens and other items on display.
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Other featured news
Cleaner ship fuel is reducing lightning in key shipping lanes, KU research shows
A University of Kansas researcher found lightning-stroke density — the number of individual lightning discharges, or “strokes,” per square kilometer — to be about 36% lower than before the 2020 IMO sulfur cap. Findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Climate and Atmospheric Science.
Professor’s ‘Complete Works’ preserves music of pioneering African American bandleader
KU Music scholar Colin Roust has published the first “Complete Works” of early 19th century African American bandleader and composer Francis Johnson. The work includes 282 songs, cotillions, quadrilles, waltzes and quick steps that comprised the popular dance music of Johnson’s day.
Fractured family relationships increase susceptibility for polydrug use, study finds
In a new study, Jarron Saint Onge, professor of sociology at the University of Kansas, examines the relationship between using multiple types of drugs and social inequality among low-income Mexican American women.
Long-running research center in Kansas City celebrated in scholarly journal
Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, part of the Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas, is the focus of a special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Education and Treatment of Children.
Research
A University of Kansas researcher found lightning-stroke density — the number of individual lightning discharges, or “strokes,” per square kilometer — to be about 36% lower than before the 2020 IMO sulfur cap. Findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Climate and Atmospheric Science.
Kansas Communities
A streamlined credentialing system is helping Kansas get firefighters and emergency personnel into the field faster through computer-based assessments. KU‘s Assessment and Technology Solutions (ATS) and Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute (KFRTI) are partnering on the project.
Economic Development
A recent report from the Institute for Research on Innovation & Science shows more than 7,000 KU research-funded employees leveraged their experience to build careers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from 2011 to 2023 — and nearly 40% found employment in Kansas.
Student experience and achievement
As part of ongoing efforts to broaden collections, provide unique learning experiences and incorporate student feedback, KU Libraries will unveil two new student-curated collections. The opening reception for “The Nature of Being Human: Ecology, Identity, and the Stories in Between” will take place Feb. 5 in Watson Library’s Haricombe Gallery.
Campus news
KU Memorial Unions has announced renovations under way at the Kansas Union, including the Level Four lobby and the Jayhawk Ink space located on Level Two. The union team is partnering with Dimensional Innovations, a design team based in Overland Park.
Latest news
KU School of Architecture & Design announces spring 2026 design lecture series schedule
The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design Spring 2026 Design Professional Lecture Series begins Jan. 29 with a lecture by graphic designer and arts preservationist JD Hooge.
Renovations begin at Kansas Union
KU Memorial Unions has announced renovations under way at the Kansas Union, including the Level Four lobby and the Jayhawk Ink space located on Level Two. The union team is partnering with Dimensional Innovations, a design team based in Overland Park.
KU Dining announces sustainability initiative for spring 2026 semester
Starting in January 2026, KU Dining will introduce Better Earth bamboo fiber cutlery at its Courtside location as part of efforts to prioritize sustainability and responsible dining on the University of Kansas Lawrence campus.
KU Libraries showcase student-curated collections in Watson Library exhibit
As part of ongoing efforts to broaden collections, provide unique learning experiences and incorporate student feedback, KU Libraries will unveil two new student-curated collections. The opening reception for “The Nature of Being Human: Ecology, Identity, and the Stories in Between” will take place Feb. 5 in Watson Library’s Haricombe Gallery.
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