St. Sophia's Cathedral Kiev from the height of St. Sophia's Square cityscape

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 2020
2018 Graduates

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

The Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies (CREES) at the University of Kansas has announced that this year’s Roy D. and Betty Laird Essay Contest winners are undergraduate student John Lubianetsky for his essay.
Nearly a year since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, a new series will explore the war and its effects on Ukraine and its people as well as inform community members on Ukrainian culture and history.



Upcoming Events

Additional Resources

Cultural Arts Day 2019

Resources for Educators

People dancing at the Spring Festival

In Our Community

people gathered for a lecture

Advancing Interdisciplinary Research

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