Representing diverse academic fields and countries from around the world, 15 University of Kansas second-year students have been selected as the 2025 cohort of Global Scholars.

In its 14th year, the Global Scholars Program recognizes and encourages undergraduate students who have an interest in international studies and a strong academic record.

The 2025 cohort represents students in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and schools of Business, Engineering and Music. The students are from around the world, including Brazil, India, Nepal, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia, as well as Kansas, Missouri and Colorado.

>> Read more about the Global Scholars program and the 2025 cohort

Alumna Isabel Keleti is the first-ever KU graduate to be named a finalist for a highly competitive national fellowship that provides merit-based funding for new Americans, immigrants and children of immigrants who are poised to make significant contributions to U.S. culture. Keleti was a Fulbright Scholar in the Czech Republic.

>> Read more about Keleti and the Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

KU has also nominated an outstanding senior, Charlie Johnson, for the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program offered through the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP). CEIP offers 15 one-year fellowships to graduating seniors to work as research assistants for Carnegie’s senior scholars. Johnson has studied abroad in Jordan and Morocco.

>> Read more about Johnson and the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program

Megan Greene, professor of history, has been named associate vice provost for international and global engagement. Her appointment became effective Jan. 1.

This new position was announced last summer when KU realigned the Institute for International and Global Engagement and KU’s five Area Studies Centers under KU International Affairs. The faculty administrative position is housed in KUIA and will lead international and global engagement efforts by overseeing the university’s five area studies centers.

Greene has been with the Department of History since 2002. Administratively, she has previously served as provost fellow for internationalization since 2022, associate chair of the Department of History (2020-2022), director of faculty programs in International Affairs (Jan. 2017- July 2020), and director of the Center for East Asian Studies (Jan. 2009- Dec. 2015), as well as University Senate president (2011-2012). She also served as co-chair of KU's ACE Internationalization Lab (2020-2022). In her various roles she has developed considerable institutional knowledge and experience pertaining to internationalization.

>> Read more about Megan Greene's background and new position

Greene's transition into this role will be gradual, starting at 25% for the spring 2025 semester and increasing to 50% in summer 2025. This semester, she will generally be in her KUIA office (Strong 300G) on Wednesdays. You can reach her at mgreene@ku.edu.

International Short Programs (ISP) held an open house last week for their new office space. They have moved across the hall from the Strong Hall 308 suite to Strong 307 (classroom) and Strong 309 (staff offices). Congratulations on your new home, ISP team!

One Day One KU — when Jayhawks from around the world come together to give during a 24-hour period — is almost here. This year’s campaign brings a few changes, so here are three things you should know:

The money raised on One Day One KU promotes international education by funding study abroad scholarships, providing free passports, aiding international students in crisis and supporting joint programming for our area studies centers.

>> Learn More

KU International Affairs is accepting proposals and applications for travel grants that support faculty and graduate student research and collaboration abroad. 

The deadline for submitting proposals and applications is March 5. Grant recipients will be notified by the end of April. 

Faculty travel grants will support international travel expenses for interdisciplinary, humanistic research projects, as well as academic collaborations in Asia and Latin America. Travel grants for graduate students support internationally focused academic or training opportunities and preliminary dissertation field activities in Latin America and Africa.

The most compelling proposals will align with Jayhawk Rising strategic priorities of expanding KU research and its influence, furthering student success, and promoting healthy and vibrant communities. 

>> More information on application process

The Tinker Field Research Grant provides support to graduate students at KU to conduct pre-dissertation or master’s thesis field research in a Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking Latin American country or countries. Students pursuing professional degrees are also eligible. The amount of the individual awards will depend on project design and budget; the maximum award is $3,500. The deadline is February 10, 2025.

>> More information on application process

Applications for Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships are open. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. this Friday, February 7, 2025. FLAS fellowships provide financial support for students to immerse themselves in language study.

>> More information on application process

The Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies (CLACS) and the Center for Global & International Studies (CGIS) are co-sponsoring a panel discussion with faculty members who focus on migration to take place today, February 4, 2025, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Big 12 Room at the Kansas Union. They invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to join this forum to share information on current events affecting immigrants and refugees.

Panelists:

Join the KU Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS) for an evening of food, festivities, and friendship to ring in the Year of the Snake. This year's Lunar New Year Festival will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kansas Memorial Union (4th and 5th floors). Enjoy a sample of Asian finger foods, musical performances, dance, and poetry. There will be coloring and kamishibai (Japanese storytelling) for children and adults alike. Bring the whole family!  

The event is free and open to the public, but red envelope giveaways and food are first come, first served.

This is CEAS's biggest event of the year, and they need the support of volunteers to make it all happen. Please contact LaGretia Copp at lagretia.copp@ku.edu if you are interested in volunteering.

The Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREES) is thrilled to host its 2025 Spring Festival at Liberty Hall! Join CREES on Sunday, March 2, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. for an afternoon celebrating East European and Eurasian culture.

The festival will feature live performances, including Ukrainian folk dance with Olathe's dance troupe Mavka and traditional Turkish music by Kansas City ensemble Jambaroque. There will a photo booth with East European and Eurasian themed props, and free bliny (East European crepes) to snack on while you enjoy the festivities.

The event is free, open to the public, and family-friendly. There will be a craft table for kids (and adults!) where you can try your hand at some traditional crafts from the region.

Save the date! The Ninth Annual International Jayhawk Festival will return on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Burge Union. All are welcome.

Student groups and academic units will offer intercultural activities, demonstrations and/or global trivia. Students can meet with advisors from study abroad, discuss academic programs with area studies representatives and language departments, connect with foreign language clubs, explore international career opportunities and learn about international student organizations.

The international musical performances and fashion show are highlights of the Festival. If interested in performing a song or dance and/or participating in the fashion show, please email mmward@ku.edu.

> > Visit the Festival's webpage

> > Sign up to volunteer

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