Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

A national leader for the study of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe since 1959

About Us

Our Mission

CREES is dedicated to advancing the interdisciplinary study of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia among students, faculty, and community members in Kansas and beyond. We aspire to serve as the leading resource on our world area in the Great Plains by supporting innovative outreach programs in schools, community colleges, and universities, sharing our expertise with partners in business, media, the military, and government, and providing world-class opportunities for research, language training, professional mentoring, and study abroad. We seek to showcase the diverse histories, cultures, and societies of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia, explore the region’s relevance to global affairs, train the next generation of experts, and promote international understanding on campus and in our community.

Our Numbers

1 of 12
National Resource Centers for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
50
Affiliated Faculty Members
$2.9 million
Federal and Private Grant Awards Since 2022
College student working at her laptop outside in front of a Jayhawk statue in front of Strong Hall. She is wearing a KU t shirt

Academics

CREES, in collaboration with the Department of Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies, oversees undergraduate and graduate degrees. CREES offers language training, study abroad opportunities, and internships that help students gain expertise in the history, culture, and politics of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia.

Academics

KU Business School in Slovenia

Funding

Thanks to the support of the US Department of Education and private donors, CREES is able to offer funding to help both students and faculty advance their knowledge of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia.

View Funding Opportunities

CREES director, assistant director, associate director, and outreach coordinator. CREES logo below.

People

The Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies is made up of a diverse team of individuals here to help support our students, faculty, and regional educators.

People

Howard Solomon (1987) photographed with President Obama, during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to the US in 2010.

Alumni & Friends

We are proud of our alumni and their accomplishments. Our graduates have gone on to become leaders in a wide range of fields, ranging from higher education and government service to work in NGOs and the private sector.

Alumni




Latest News

LAWRENCE — The Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies (CREES) at the University of Kansas will have its annual Spring Festival from 4 to 7 p.m. March 3.
LAWRENCE — An anthropologist and historian from Lviv, Ukraine, with expertise in the cultural exchange and culinary traditions of Eastern Europe has joined the University of Kansas for the 2024-25 calendar year.



Upcoming Events

Additional Resources

teacher calling on students. elementary school students in her class raising their hands. seen from the back so teacher is prominent and students are seen from the back.

Resources for Educators

Woman in traditional Turkmen dress reading a story to a group of young kids and their parents at a library

CREES in the Community

People sitting at a lecture. Screen says: How Russia's War is Changing Ukraine

Advancing Interdisciplinary Research

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