We are ONE KU
The One KU initiative strives to better align all KU campuses and position us to work more collaboratively in pursuing our mission of education, service and research.
Historically, KU Lawrence and KU Medical Center have operated as largely separate institutions, with different structures, systems, and priorities. This separation has created silos that limit collaboration and our ability to leverage all of our resources towards unified priorities as one university.
One KU is designed to break down these barriers and align the full strength of our campuses behind shared strategic priorities. By working together more intentionally, we can focus our collective resources on clear goals in research, education, and service.
This unified approach will unlock new possibilities for interdisciplinary research by removing administrative obstacles that have made collaboration difficult. For example, researchers in the School of Pharmacy at KU Lawrence will be able to partner more easily with colleagues at KU Medical Center on drug discovery projects—advancing innovation in the health sciences.
Operationally, One KU will improve efficiency by reducing duplication, aligning policies and procedures, and sharing best practices across campuses. We will also explore system integrations that enhance effectiveness and create a more seamless experience for students, faculty, and staff.
Why One KU?
Aligned Strategic Priorities
Increase Institutional Resilience and Efficiency
Mitigate Risks and Clarify Responsibility
Align with Leading Institutions
One KU Leadership
As part of the One KU initiative, the University of Kansas has adopted a unified leadership structure that values, respects and holds responsibility for the whole of KU.
At the heart of this structure is the University Cabinet, a leadership team composed of individuals who oversee key functional areas - such as human resources, finance, operations, strategy, data, academics, and research - across KU Lawrence and KU Medical Center. These leaders are responsible for aligning their work across the university, identifying opportunities to streamline policies and processes, and fostering greater consistency and collaboration between campuses.
The Cabinet also includes senior leaders from the KU Alumni Association and KU Endowment, integrating core partners into strategic decision-making.
Together, the University Cabinet sets KU’s priorities in research, education, and service. They work collectively to guide institutional direction, coordinate resource allocation, and ensure KU operates as one unified university with a shared mission and collective accountability.