Washburn University Faculty Members Reappointed to State Boards

Topeka, Kan. - Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has reappointed three Washburn University faculty members to serve on boards overseen by the Kansas Historical Society.

Dr. Alexandra Klales, professor of forensic anthropology, director of the Washburn University Forensic Anthropology Recovery Unit (WU-FARU) and forensic anthropologist (ABFA Diplomate #123), was appointed to a second term on the Unmarked Burial Sites Preservation Board.

Klales, along with eight other appointees, reviews permit applications, maintains a state registry of unmarked burial sites and determines the course of action when human remains or unmarked burial sites fall under the law.

"I am happy to continue serving in this role and to continue the important work of the board. I truly believe in the mission of the board and the importance of protecting Kansas' rich cultural history and ensuring ethical and responsible treatment of unmarked burials and human remains," Klales said.

As director of WU-FARU and one of only 132 active forensic anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology in the United States, Klales oversees nearly all forensic anthropology casework in Kansas, as well as cases in portions of western Missouri.

Through WU-FARU, Klales teaches continuing education courses in forensic anthropology and works with state, regional and local agencies to comply with state and federal laws involving Native American remains and unmarked burials.

Klales also teaches biological and forensic anthropology to Washburn undergraduate students. She involves forensic anthropology students in WU-FARU casework as volunteers, giving them hands-on, real-world experience recovering and analyzing human remains.

To learn more about the Unmarked Burial Sites Preservation Board, visit the Unmarked Burial Sites Statute and Regulations webpage on the Kansas Historical Society's website.

Dr. Laura Murphy, associate professor of sociology & anthropology and director of the Center for Kansas Studies, and Dr. Kerry Wynn, professor of history and director of the Center for Undergraduate Scholarly/Creative Projects, were appointed to three-year terms on the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review. This is the second term for both Murphy and Wynn.

Murphy and Wynn, along with five other appointees, review and recommend nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and the Register of Historic Kansas Places and award preservation planning and rehabilitation grants.

The Washburn University Center for Kansas Studies promotes research, teaching and creative work on the culture, history, politics, economics and natural environment of Kansas. As active fellows at the Center for Kansas Studies, Murphy and Wynn have teaching, research and service interests tied to topics that are Kansas-related. Their expertise in various aspects of Kansas history and archaeology goes hand-in-hand with their work on the board and at Washburn.

"Serving on the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review gives me the opportunity to help preserve the places that tell the story of Kansas. I'm honored to continue working with Kerry and colleagues across the state to ensure these historic resources are recognized and protected for future generations," Murphy said.

The Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review meets several times a year, and the public is welcome to attend. For more information, visit the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review webpage on the Kansas Historical Society's website.

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