College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
KU College Stories
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences is the heart of KU. We are home to more than 50 departments, programs and centers, offering more than 100 majors, minors and certificates. We are a collaborative and creative community, committed to making the world better through inquiry and research.
With so much variety, we have a lot of stories to tell. Our students, faculty and alumni constantly amaze us with what they’re doing. We are questioners, seeking answers to challenges yet to be solved. We are explorers, investigating the past and the present to find solutions for the future. We are creators, experimenting, performing and sharing, to bring new ideas to others. At our core, we are a curious and compassionate community, interested in learning about the world from multiple perspectives and making a difference.
We’re excited to have this outlet to share the experiences and perspectives that develop from the College at KU.
Dr. Arash Mafi: Executive Dean of the College!
Dr. Arash Mafi is the new — and first — Executive Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. We let him settle into his new role for a week, then asked a few questions to get to know him better. What excites you most about KU and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences?…
Sydney Pursel, curator for public practice
Why Sydney is a Hawk to Watch:Sydney Jane Brooke Campbell Maybrier Pursel graduated from the University of Kansas in 2017 with an MFA in Expanded Media with honors after earning a BFA in Painting from the University of Missouri. Self-described as an "interdisciplinary artist specializing in…
Emily Lew Fry, director of interpretation
Why Emily's a Hawk to Watch: If a picture is worth a thousand words, the person shaping the stories they tell must be worth millions. Emily Lew Fry, University of Kansas School of Fine Arts alum and director of interpretation at the Art Institute of Chicago, does just that. Emily’s…
Hawks to Watch: Tracey Lien, author
Why Tracey is a Hawk to Watch:Oftentimes schoolwork is enough for a passing grade, and usually it's good enough for a degree. On rare occasions though, it's good enough to be published — which is where this Hawk to Watch comes into play. Tracey Lien's thesis for her Master of Fine Arts in…
Hawks to Watch: Rabin Valluri, sustainability consultant
Why Rabin's a Hawk to Watch:As the consequences of climate change are felt throughout the United States along with the rest of the world, some people are making it their life’s work to combat its effects. Whether their premiere focus is on water availability, the reduction of greenhouse gas…
Winter Session 2021 - KU Core Classes
Ready to tackle a class this winter? We've laid out what classes are in the KU Core to help you make the most of this four-week, fully online session. Not sure which class will help you meet your goals? Reach out to your advisor before enrolling!Critical Thinking and Quantitative ReasoningGoal 1.1…
11 Top 2021 KU College Moments
2021 was a year full of excitement in research advancements, plenty of student and faculty awards, and just trying to get used to our "new normal" after the previous year taken over by a pandemic. As we say goodbye to 2021 and look ahead to a year full opportunities, we're recapping 2021 with 11…
Hawks to Watch: Kris Kennedy, associate creative director
Why Kris is a Hawk to Watch:Kris Kennedy has made a name for himself within creative circles with big ideas, ambitious media stunts and an unapologetic weirdness that’s become his signature style — The moon as a Corona beer lime wedge. Mini donkeys and Heinz ketchup bottles. A chicken nugget TV…
Unwinding: Brandon Davis examines police reform
Police reform has been at the forefront of the social justice conversation for much of the last year following the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota and the subsequent protests around the country. For Brandon Davis, assistant professor in the School of Public Affairs & Administration, this…
Hawks to Watch: Brent Lind, web developer
Why Brent's a Hawk to Watch:You’ve heard of Childish Gambino, My Morning Jacket, and Foster the People — now meet the Jayhawk who’s been backstage at nearly every show, making them sound flawless around the world for the last 15 years. Brent Lind graduated from the University of Kansas in 2003…