The University of Kansas School of Law community is remembering the life and legacy of Douglas Wheat, B’72, L’74, a devoted Jayhawk whose leadership, generosity and professional accomplishments left a deep and enduring impact on the school he loved. Wheat, who died July 9, 2025, at age 74, often described himself as “just a poor kid from Liberal, Kansas,” but his life’s trajectory told a different story — one defined by ambition, generosity and a steadfast commitment to giving back.

Wheat earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from KU, completing them in record time before heading to Dallas to begin a career in corporate and securities law. After a decade in practice, he pivoted to investment banking at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, becoming a founding member of the firm’s merchant banking group and earning induction into the DLJ Hall of Fame. 

His later work in private equity, including leadership roles with Haas Wheat and Partners and Southlake Equity Group, introduced him to his true calling: public board leadership. Wheat went on to serve as board chair for numerous major corporations, including AMN Healthcare Services, Inc., Playtex Products, Inc., International Seaways and Overseas Shipholding Group. Known for sharp deal instincts and deep integrity, he mentored CEOs, students and rising professionals for decades, ending every session with a simple charge: “Pay it forward.”

For KU Law, Wheat’s commitment was transformative. His and his wife Laura’s $1 million gift established the Douglas D. and Laura L. Wheat Law Library, now the largest law library in Kansas and a cornerstone of the school’s academic excellence. His leadership roles in Campaign Kansas, the KU First Campaign Steering Committee and the KU First Law Campaign helped propel KU forward during pivotal moments in its history. 

Beyond KU, the Wheat family supported causes ranging from cancer support services to adoption, education and child advocacy, reflecting Wheat’s deeply held belief in lifting others as he climbed. His legacy endures in the institutions he strengthened, the people he mentored and the KU Law students who continue to learn every day in the library that bears his name.­

-By Julie Francisco