Jayhawks for Higher Education

Be an Advocate

Jayhawks for Higher Education communicate the importance of the University and higher education to the Kansas Legislature. Alumni advocacy is a longstanding tradition of the KU Alumni Association as an independent nonprofit organization. Informed advocates help strengthen the University.

To coordinate JHE communications, Association staff members Jennifer Jackson Sanner, senior vice president for public affairs, and Heath Peterson, president, work closely with colleagues in KU’s Office of Public Affairs and Government Relations.

At key points throughout the legislative session, the Association will send email updates to JHE members, asking them to take action by calling or corresponding with their local lawmakers on issues of importance to KU and higher education. In addition to alumni advocates throughout the state, the Association welcomes the participation of KU faculty and staff members, who use their personal time and personal email accounts to contact legislators.

Our advocacy efforts also benefit from the leadership of alumni networks throughout the state. Alumni volunteers in these networks help coordinate legislative advocacy in their areas. Please bookmark this page and KU’s government relations site for the latest information on KU’s state agenda for 2024.

Kansas State Relations

The Office of Government Relations positions KU leaders and scholars to connect with elected officials, funding agencies and policymakers to benefit the university.

Kansas State Relations

The Office of Government Relations positions KU leaders and scholars to connect with elected officials, funding agencies and policymakers to benefit the university.

Jayhawk Caucus

The 2024 Kansas Legislature includes the following lawmakers who are KU graduates.

Senate
Sen. Marci Francisco, a’73, a’77, Lawrence (District 2)

Alumni Association Life Member and KU research analyst for the Center for Sustainability

Sen. Patricia Pettey, d’68, g’74, Kansas City (District 6)

Alumni Association member

Sen. Caryn Tyson, g’07, Parker (District 12)
Sen. Kellie Warren, l’94, Leawood (District 12)

Alumni Association Life Member

House of Representatives
Rep. Avery Anderson, c’20, Newton (District 72)
Rep. John Carmichael, c’80, l’83, Wichita (District 92)
Rep. John Eplee, m’78, Atchison (District 63)

KU Medical Alumni Association member

Rep. Christina Haswood, g’20, Lawrence (District 10)
Rep. Dennis “Boog” Highberger, e’85, l’92, Lawrence (District 46)
Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, g’09, Lenexa (District 17)
Rep. Kyle McNorton, c’85, Topeka (District 50)
Rep. Heather Meyer, s’18, Overland Park (District 29)
Rep. Melissa Oropeza, n’99, g’12, Kansas City (District 37)
Rep. Dan Osman, l’04, Overland Park (District 48)
Rep. Sandy Pickert, g’08, Wichita (District 88)
Rep. Tobias Schlingensiepen, c’87, Topeka (District 55)
Rep. Kenny Titus, l’14, Manhattan (District 51)
Rep. Paul Waggoner, b’78, Hutchinson (District 104)
Rep. Troy Waymaster, c’00, Bunker Hill (District 109)

Chair, Appropriations Committee

Rep. Kristey Williams, d’93, g’98, Augusta (District 77)
Rep. Laura Konecny Williams, c’15, Lenexa (District 30)
Rep. Valdenia Winn, d’72, PhD’94, Kansas City (District 34)
Rep. Brandon Woodard, c’13, Lenexa (District 30)

Alumni Association Life Member 

Message Archive

Jayhawks For Higher Education
Urge legislators to protect need-based financial aid for current students

As the Kansas Legislature prepares to finalize the state budget during the wrap-up session that begins April 29, we’re asking for your help.

Jayhawks For Higher Education
Continue to urge support of Gov. Kelly’s proposed budget

Last week, Chancellor Doug Girod visited the Kansas Legislature to showcase KU’s unmatched statewide impact as an economic engine and provider of health care for Kansans.

Jayhawks For Higher Education
Thank your legislators for investing in higher education

Last week Chancellor Doug Girod shared the happy news that KU has welcomed its largest freshman class in history: 5,259 new Jayhawks.

Contact Us for More Information

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Heath Peterson
President
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Jennifer Jackson Sanner
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs & Editor of Kansas Alumni magazine

Welcome to the University
of Kansas Alumni Association

Your membership in the KU Alumni Association is the single most powerful way to make all of KU stronger, including the value of your own degree. Through your membership, the Association: