Hilltopper Happenings

 

The newsletter for the Western Kentucky University community | July 29, 2026

Preparing for the fall semester; Convocation and Topper Fest reminders

Dear Colleagues,



I hope you’ve had an opportunity to enjoy some time away this summer with family and friends. The pace on our Hill certainly hasn’t slowed as we welcomed thousands of visitors through camps, conferences, workshops and youth programs, and I want to thank our faculty and staff who made those experiences memorable. Every visitor who spends time on our campus leaves with an impression of WKU, and your efforts continue to showcase our university’s best.


This summer also brought significant progress on several important institutional priorities. We reached financial close on Elevate WKU, our innovative public-private partnership with Gilbane Development Company that will transform the residential experience for generations of Hilltoppers while modernizing campus housing in a fiscally responsible way. This milestone represents significant planning and collaboration, and I’m excited to see this vision take shape.

WKU IN THE NEWS

Glasgow McDonald’s to honor 2 employees with graduation celebration


WKU students complete cross-country cycling fundraiser for Alzheimer's research


WKU Athletics extends contract with Nike, BSN Sports

CLIMBING HIGHER

WKU received a $100,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to lead a collaborative effort aimed at improving access to mental health services for autistic adults living in rural Kentucky. Learn More

Volunteer as a M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Facilitator


Dear Faculty and Staff,


Each fall, WKU's M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan program helps new students navigate their first weeks on campus — and we need your help to make it happen. I am inviting faculty and staff from across the Academic Colleges to volunteer as M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Class Facilitators.

WKU Summer Dance Intensive 2026


The WKU Summer Dance Intensive is celebrating another sold-out year. Since 2016, this special week on the hill has become a summer highlight, resulting in a long waitlist after reaching registration capacity. 

New leaders announced for WKU Alumni Association Board of Directors

Selected by their peers, the newly elected leadership team for the WKU Alumni Association Board of Directors will serve through June 2027.

On-Campus & Part-Time Student Job Fair


WKU Career Development will host the WKU On-Campus/Part-Time Student Job Fair from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20 at DSU, first floor. Departments can reserve a table by contacting Jolee Campbell at jolee.campbell@wku.edu.

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.

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.

Submit events for Parent & Family Weekend


If your department, office or organization will be hosting an event, activity, open house, performance or other experience that may be of interest to parents and family members, submit your event details for inclusion on the official Parent & Family Weekend schedule. Please send submissions to julia.johnson@wku.edu by September 1.

Beyond the classroom

This summer, aspiring educators traveled across England as part of the Innovation Along the Colonnade study abroad program, exploring the intersection of education, innovation, history and culture. Check out photos from the trip. Photos provided by the students participating in the program.

Athletics

Vote For Big Red In USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards


WKU Athletics Extends Contract With NIKE, BSN SPORTS


WKU Volleyball Announces 2026 Single Game Tickets; WKU Volleyball Announces 2026 Promotional Schedule; WKU Volleyball Earns AVCA Team Academic Award


Three From WKU Football Named To 2027 Shriners Children’s 1000 Watchlist


Five From Women's Golf Named WGCA All-American Scholars

Upcoming Events

 

July

30

Thursday

Planetarium Show


The Hardin Planetarium will present Hubble Space Telescope's 30th Anniversary at 7 p.m. Thursday; admission is free. Learn More

 

August

5

Wednesday

Staff Senate


WKU Staff Senate will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More

 

August

17

Monday

Faculty & Staff Convocation


The WKU Faculty & Staff Convocation will begin at 10 a.m. August 17 at Van Meter Hall; doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Learn More

 

More events: Check WKU Events calendar or What's Happening at WKU

 
 
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