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?  

By Tamara Falicov

Our new video series, I am Seeking, highlights what our faculty are seeking with their research. From elevating African-American playwrights, to looking for signs of alien life in rocks on earth, or finding new ways to treat addiction, our faculty are innovators and explorers seeking answers and solutions to a myriad of questions. Learn how Foundation Distinguished Professor of chemistry Steven A. Soper’s research is benefiting Kansas and the world as he and his team seek to develop new tools to diagnose cancer.

KU professor of Film & Media Studies Kevin Willmott has had a busy awards season. As a co-writer on Spike Lee’s newest film, “BlacKkKlansman,” Willmott has received numerous industry award nominations for his work on the script.

The biggest recognition Willmott received came during the Academy Awards at the end of February when Willmott took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. The award capped off a wild month for Willmott who accepted the award onstage during the telecast with co-writers Spike Lee, Charlie Wachtel, and David Rabinowitz

Elizabeth Schultz, professor emerita of english, shares her history with novel that influenced her career, professorship fund.