The newsletter for the Western Kentucky University community | August 12, 2026 | | Morton Electric welcomes 2 interns at its Automation Lab | |
Morton Electric recently hired two WKU Electrical Engineering students, Aric Springob and Ha’ani Whitlock, as engineering interns supporting the company’s growing Automation Lab at the WKU Innovation Campus.
Springob and Whitlock are both juniors in WKU’s Electrical Engineering program. They will assist Morton Electric’s engineering team with the development of a customizable industrial energy-management software platform designed for large commercial, institutional and manufacturing facilities.
| | For the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, WKU raised more than $29.8 million in philanthropic support. This fundraising total represents the eighth-highest fundraising year in WKU history. Learn More | |
Regents to hold retreat, quarterly meeting
The WKU Board of Regents will hold its annual retreat at 8:55 a.m. Thursday in the Harbaugh Club and its third quarterly meeting at 9 a.m. Friday in the Martin Regents Room, Jody Richards Hall.
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9 new members join the Board of Directors
WKU Alumni Association recently added nine distinguished alumni to its Board of Directors. Each of these individuals brings valuable experience, insight and a strong commitment to the WKU community.
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Purpose through service, study and the world
Marcus Lum isn't a traditional college student, and that's exactly what gives him a unique perspective. Born in Hong Kong, Lum immigrated to Maryland as a teenager before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps immediately after high school. Military service led him to North Carolina, where he later worked as a police officer. Eventually, family brought him and his wife back to Kentucky, where an unexpected career transition became the beginning of a new chapter.
| | | | | Spotlight: Stephanie Knight | What began as a love for learning Spanish at WKU has evolved into a career dedicated to transforming language education. Stephanie Knight, now Senior Director of Learning at LingroLearning, credits her time as a Spanish major at WKU as the foundation for a professional journey that has taken her from the classroom to educational leadership, research, and innovation. | | |
Fall semester opening reminders
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Faculty & Staff Convocation, 10 a.m. on Monday, August 17 at Van Meter Hall; doors open at 9:30 a.m.
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M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan, Tuesday, August 18.
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Residence Halls Open, 8 a.m. Friday, August 21.
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Topper Fest, 5:30 p.m. Friday, August 21, WKU South Lawn.
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Fall semester classes begin, Monday, August 24.
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Welcome Back WKU, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, WKU South Lawn.
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Staff Leadership Institute deadline Aug. 28
Here's a reminder for WKU staff members: Applications for the 2026-2027 Staff Leadership Institute will be accepted until August 28.
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Assist with Move In
Fall move-in will be here before we know it! WKU Housing & Residence Life is looking for groups and organizations to help roll out the Big Red carpet for our newest Hilltoppers by volunteering for residence hall move-in shifts.
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WKU Restaurant Group Hours
Check out hours of operations for WKU dining facilities:
| | | The sixth annual Meijer Topper Fest, presented by PNC, will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, August 21, on South Lawn. The family-friendly event is open to WKU students, faculty, staff and the community. Admission and parking are free. Parking is available in Parking Structure 2. | | | |
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Faculty & Staff Convocation
The WKU Faculty & Staff Convocation will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at Van Meter Hall; doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Learn More
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M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan activities for the Class of 2030 will begin Tuesday, Aug. 18; move-in is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 17-18. Learn More
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WKU On-Campus & Part-Time Job Fair
WKU Career Development will host the WKU On-Campus & Part-Time Job Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, August 20, at Downing Student Union, first floor. Learn More
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