The newsletter for the WKU community -- August 20, 2025

WKU Student Alumni Ambassadors welcome new members and leadership

WKU’s Student Alumni Ambassadors are excited to welcome 30 new members for the 2025–2026 academic year, bringing the total membership to 43. Alongside these new members, SAA is proud to introduce a new Executive Team committed to connecting students and alumni through service, leadership and philanthropy.


SAA collaborates with the WKU Alumni Association to serve as the primary bridge between current students and Hilltopper alumni. The group plays a key role in alumni engagement initiatives, helping students build meaningful relationships with alumni and understand the impact of alumni support on the Hilltopper experience.


“The students in our program are going to form lifelong relationships with alumni and other students—that’s a given,” said Zach Marcum, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy and adviser to SAA. “I hope they also develop the soft skills to nurture those relationships and maintain a network of Hilltoppers dedicated to ensuring one another’s success.”

Mahurin Honors College at WKU names Dr. Lindy Grief Davidson as new director


A look inside the newest WKU building



Communication tool library opens to the public at WKU


2025 Topper Fest takes place on the Hill


From check-in to move-in: WKU turns hotel into hall

CLIMBING HIGHER

Vecteezy recently announced the launch of Vecteezy for Education, a new initiative designed to give schools, teachers and students free access to over 60 million royalty-free creative assets. Learn More

Spotlight: Dr. Lindy Davidson

The Mahurin Honors College at WKU is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Lindy Grief Davidson as its new director. A Paducah native, Dr. Davidson brings a wealth of experience in honors education, curriculum development and international programs, and she's thrilled to return to her home state of Kentucky. "I'm honored to be selected as the new director of the Mahurin Honors College," said Dr. Davidson. "An honors college is the most exciting place at a university because it's where all disciplines come together, allowing new ideas to form. It's a great place for anyone who wants to explore, collaborate and take on the big issues facing the world."

Hardin Planetarium celebrates anniversary 


In 2025, the Hardin Planetarium, located on WKU’s campus, celebrates the 58th anniversary of its opening, making it the oldest continuously operating planetarium in Kentucky.

2025-2026 Staff Leadership Institute


Here's a reminder for WKU staff members: Applications for the 2025-2026 Staff Leadership Institute will be accepted until August 29.

World Council for Gifted and Talented


Dr. Julia Link Roberts and Dr. Tyler Clark recently presented at the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children conference in Braga, Portugal.

WKU Career Readiness Guide 2025-2026


WKU Advising & Career Development Center recently distributed the WKU Career Readiness Guide 2025-2026, which is a comprehensive guide designed to support students and alumni at every stage of their career journey.

Office of Institutional Equity Newsletter


As the new semester begins, check out a newsletter from the Office of Institutional Equity for updates, processes, reporting forms and supportive services that may be helpful.

Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame


The Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame seeking nominations for the Class of 2025. Nominations must be submitted by August 31, 2025.

15th Eric D. Yates Memorial Run is Sept. 13


The WKU Army ROTC program will host its 15th Eric D. Yates Memorial Run on September 13. The 5K Run and 2-Mile Walk will begin at 10 a.m. at Chaney’s Dairy Barn, 9191 Nashville Road. In-person registration begins at 9 a.m. Proceeds from the event benefit the 1LT Eric Yates Scholarship Fund.

Office of the Registrar Fall 2025 Newsletter


Check out the Fall 2025 newsletter from the Office of the Registrar. Highlights include information about the attendance policy, the fall 2025 regalia vendor, reading day, change of grade procedure, grad fair and college recognition ceremony details, as well as noteworthy dates for the fall semester.

All Things Research Compliance Workshop


WKU Office of Research Integrity invites all faculty and staff involved in campus research to register for the All Things Research Compliance Workshop on September 9 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in DSU, Senate Chambers room 2081.

Honors & Gatton Academy Research Fair


Here's a reminder for WKU faculty members: Gatton Academy and the Mahurin Honors College invite you to sign up to showcase your program openings at the upcoming research fair on September 5 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the HCIC 1011.

WKU Varsity Esports to host tryouts


WKU Varsity Esports is hosting walk-on tryouts on August 22 at 5 p.m. (Overwatch Tryouts), August 25 at 6 p.m. (Rocket League Tryouts) and August 27 at 6 p.m. (Valorant Tryouts) in McCormack Hall.

WKU Student Activities to host DiscoverFest


DiscoverFest is August 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the DSU Courtyard Law. Students will learn about different clubs/organizations, university departments, campus partners and community organizations that make student life and involvement possible at WKU.

WKU Innovation Campus Events


Check out the latest newsletter from the WKU Innovation Campus for information on upcoming events and more.

Big Red Rush is Saturday


Calling all first year students! Join us for the Big Red Rush fan tunnel at Hilltopper Football’s season opener this Saturday. Meet outside of gate 6 at 5:15 p.m. - the first 500 freshmen get a red towel.

WKU Week in Photos

As we kick off the fall semester, take a look back at last week's Convocation, M.A.S.T.E.R Plan and Topper Fest activities in this WKU Week in Photos album from Clinton Lewis, Jadin Smith and Cristina Betz, WKU Communications & Marketing.

Athletics

WKU Football Opens 2025 Season With Week 0 Conference Game Against Sam Houston; McIvor Named To 2026 Senior Bowl Top 300 Watch List; Kali James Included On 247Sports 30Under30 List


WKU Soccer Gets First Win of Season in 10-0 Win Over Rio Grande; WKU Falls to Ohio in Season Opener


Hilltopper Highlights

August

23

Saturday

WKU Football vs. Sam Houston


The Hilltoppers open their 2025 home schedule against Sam Houston on Saturday. Fans are encouraged to wear red to support the Hilltoppers in the 6 p.m. season opener against the Bearkats in Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Learn More

 

August

26

Tuesday

Gallery Reception & Guest Lecture


WKU School of Media & Communication will host Visual Journalism: How Local Stories Can Unite Global Communities featuring Sarah Sinclair at 5 p.m. in Jody Richards Hall Atrium & Auditorium. Learn More

 

August

27

Wednesday

Market on the Avenue


WKU Sustainability and WKU Restaurant Group will host Market on the Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. August 27 at Centennial Plaza in front of PS2. Learn More 

 
 
 
 
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