KU strengthening national defense partnership with new office

U.S. flag flying atop Fraser Hall. Credit: KU Marketing

Wed, 01/15/2025

Mike Denning

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas is reinforcing its commitment to national security and strengthening its partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) by launching a new Office of National Defense Initiatives (ONDI).

The new office will serve as KU’s central hub for DoD engagement to focus KU capabilities to better serve the state of Kansas and the nation. ONDI combines the expertise of the former Office of Graduate Military Programs with KU's three Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs. Organizationally the new office resides within the Office of Academic Affairs.

This restructuring recognizes the DoD as an academic partner and emphasizes the importance of national security research and education as core components of the university’s strategic plan. By centralizing these efforts, KU enhances both current and future contributions to the nation’s national defense.

“The creation of ONDI amplifies the message that national security research and education are not just important, but vital to our academic mission,” said Jen Roberts, senior vice provost for academic affairs. “With the recent hiring of Dr. Kurt Preston, a former senior leader within the DoD research enterprise, and the promotion of Trent Williams to director of National Defense Education Initiatives, we are demonstrating our commitment to bridging KU's expertise with real-world security needs.

“This restructuring, which includes bringing KU ROTC programs under ONDI, creates a powerful synergy and a single point of contact for the DoD.”

Mike Denning, who has served as the director of the Office of Graduate Military Programs since 2011, will lead ONDI as the assistant vice chancellor for national defense initiatives. His leadership ensures continuity and deep institutional knowledge of both KU and the DoD.

“This restructuring represents a significant step forward in KU's steadfast commitment to supporting the DoD and national security,” Denning said. “In a time of rapid technological advancement and evolving global threats, ONDI will place KU's exceptional faculty, talented students and cutting-edge research at the forefront of numerous DoD opportunities.”