Hummert named associate vice provost

Mary Lee Hummert, professor of communication studies, has been appointed associate vice provost for research and vice president of the KU Center for Research. Her duties include leading efforts to encourage and support faculty members in applying for prestigious awards; developing stronger relationships with foundations that lead to increased support for research; and administering internal research funding programs.

Bush appoints KU chemistry professor to nuclear review board

Daryle Busch, distinguished professor of chemistry, was one of seven new members appointed by President Bush to the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board in August. The 11-member NWTRB was created by Congress in 1987 to review the Department of Energy’s technical and scientific activities related to disposing of the nation’s commercial spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste—including the review of the plan to develop the Yucca Mountain site in Nevada as a repository—and packing and transporting the waste.

Governor names KU employees to domestic violence board

Dave Warry, assistant director of the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, and Mary Dudley, associate professor at KUSM-Wichita, have been appointed to a 14-member Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board established by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. The board is charged with reviewing domestic violence-related fatalities, describing trends and patterns, recommending improvements and determining if adequate resources and training are in place for those who respond to domestic violence crimes.

American studies professor earns Chancellors Club award

American studies Professor William Tuttle Jr., one of the nation’s leading social historians and scholars of African-American life, has received the Chancellors Club Career Teaching Award for 2004. The annual Career Teaching Award honors a senior faculty member who exemplifies the university’s commitment to outstanding teaching. KU faculty members, students and alumni submit nominations for the $5,000 award.

Marrs appointed vice chair of Colleague to Colleague

Diana Marrs, associate director of instructional development for the Edwards Campus, was recently appointed vice chair of Colleague to Colleague, a professional association of faculty, staff and administrators from Kansas educational institutions. Marrs will assist in organizing events related to instructional technology and distance education and is the information source for all members. Next year Marrs will become chair of the organization. Marrs also will serve on the advisory board of Kansas Digital Learning.

Nebraska alumni association taps Cerny

Kirk Cerny, senior vice president for membership services at the Kansas Alumni Association, has been named associate executive director for membership and development at the Nebraska Alumni Association.