Rockhurst News

Summary

Hoping to offer another unique opportunity for students and further enhance the gameday experience for spectators, Rockhurst University athletics today announced the addition of pep band to its slate of offerings starting in fall 2026.

Rockhurst University and Spring Hill College, located in Mobile, Alabama, are launching a strategic alliance that will create academic opportunities for students on both campuses.

Yu Liu, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, knows that organic chemistry has a bit of a reputation. It’s an innately difficult subject; a crucible for generations of science majors at Rockhurst. Despite being the face of what many consider Rockhurst’s most difficult class, Liu was named Faculty of the Year by students at the Festival of Student Achievement in April. How does he do it?

Each spring, a handful of students in the University’s criminal justice program are invited to be part of the Innocence Project course. This small group spends their semester reviewing a case where an incarcerated person has raised questions of innocence. Their goal is to review the case and report to the Kansas City-based Midwest Innocence Project whether they believe a case for innocence exists.

Recommitting itself to its students, staff, faculty and alumni, and redefining its place in higher education, Rockhurst University has unveiled updated branding and messaging including its new tagline, “Lead with Courage. Live with Purpose.”

Students, faculty, staff and community members alike are invited to take part in a recognition Friday, Jan. 24, of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

This week Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced $5 million in grant funding for 13 Missouri colleges and universities, providing additional resources for nursing education programs statewide. On the list is Rockhurst University, which will receive $630,000, the second-highest grant award for this round.

“Holiday Touchdown: a Chiefs Love Story” is an all-new Hallmark Channel feature film that, as the title implies, is set in and around Kansas City and revolves around the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s set to premiere Nov. 30, complete with a red-carpet premiere, and features familiar locations in the city. Among them is an antique store on the Independence, Missouri, Square called The Keeping Room that has a connection to Rockhurst.

The Best Colleges 2025 list from U.S. News and World Report is out today, and in it, Rockhurst University has entered the top 10 on the list of best universities in the Midwest.