2009 Africana Leadership Institute - About KU

The University of Kansas (KU) is one of the most beautiful campuses in the US.

It is located in Lawrence, a very diverse and friendly city. KU has 43 nationally ranked academic programs, 24 of which are in the top 25, and 12 in the top10 among public universities, according to US News and World Reports’ “Americas Best Graduate Schools” (2007). The report also ranks special education, city management and urban policy as first in the nation among public and private schools (2008). KU is a leader among public universities in national fellowships, producing 25 Rhodes scholars and 388 student Fulbright award winners since the programs began. KU has consistently ranked among the top 100 research universities nationally in research grant awards. Colleges with a Conscience: 81 Great Schools with Outstanding Community Involvement lists KU among the select universities that excel at blending academics with community service. KU has been praised by Student Success in College: Creating Conditions that Matter as one of 20 universities and colleges nationwide that create an effective learning environment for students to succeed in their college careers. This is based on a 2004 report called “Project DEEP” (Documenting Effective Educational Practice) from the Center for Postsecondary Research at Indiana University.

In 2008, KU won the Orange Bowl Football Championship and the NCAA Basketball National Championship.

The City of Lawrence offers a pleasant and attractive social life which is all the more enhanced by its proximity to the Kansas City metropolis and Topeka, seat of the Kansas State Government.