Monday messages

KU Works for Kansas

Dear Colleagues,

While much of the state’s attention in recent days has been devoted to the Jayhawks’ yearly run through the NCAA Tournament, the attention of the men and women of the University of Kansas has remained focused on our mission of teaching, research and service.

This mission reflects the values of the state we serve. Even in trying times, Kansans share a sense of optimism about the future. They possess a willingness to take risks and break new ground, and they believe in the power of working for the common good.

As the state’s flagship university, KU has a responsibility to reflect those values.

Through the more than 6,000 students who earn degrees from KU each year, we demonstrate our commitment to the future and provide educated workers for the economy of Kansas.

Through the cutting-edge research that takes place here, we challenge old ideas and make new discoveries that improve all our lives.

And through the countless ways KU works for Kansas, we embody the spirit of community that has bound us together as a state for nearly 150 years.

Those stories of service don’t always receive the acclaim they deserve, which is why for the second year in a row we have produced a publication highlighting the ways KU works on behalf of the people of our state.

KU’s students and graduates, faculty and staff are working every day to improve the health and well-being of our state and you can read some of their stories at www.kuworks.ku.edu.

You’ll read about KU students who came together to build an arts center for a town that had lost everything except its spirit. There are stories about the work KU scientists are doing to defeat cancer and the service our doctors and students provide to patients at clinics around Kansas.

You can also read about researchers who are working with families whose children have autism and others who invented a tool that helps premature babies grow and thrive. And you’ll learn about the work being done at KU to study the health of our land, as well as read inspiring stories of wounded warriors going back to school in order to continue their service to our nation.

These and other stories of how KU works for Kansas through its mission of teaching, research and service are what make KU such an asset to our state.

They’re also part of the reason it has been such a distinct honor to serve as chancellor these past 14 years and why, when I step down from the post June 30, I will do so knowing that the University of Kansas’ commitment to the values of our state is stronger than ever.

Sincerely,
Bob Hemenway
Chancellor