The newsletter for the WKU community -- December 4, 2024

President's Message: Fall 2024

Semester Comes to a Close

Colleagues,

As we approach the end of another semester, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your unwavering commitment to our students and our university. Together, we have accomplished much this academic term, and you continue to create an environment where learning, growth and innovation thrive.

The end of the semester brings unique challenges for our students, and your support - whether in the classroom, in student services or behind the scenes - plays a vital role in helping them finish strong. Thank you for your efforts to encourage, inspire and guide them to the finish line. In doing so, you exemplify that special WKU Spirit that can be found only on our Hill.

For many of our students, this week marks the end of their time studying at WKU. Our College Recognition Ceremonies take place this Friday, and I invite you to join me in celebrating our fall 2024 graduates.

Civil engineer tackles lift station design, garners employee of the month

Ohio County and Owensboro teachers inducted into Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame

2 new members inducted into Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame

Climate change case study to shape future growth of BRADD region

Dairy freeze: What do cow farmers do in the winter?

WKU’s Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) inducted 37 new members November 21. WKU’s Chapter President is Abby Smith. Learn More

#WKUGrad: Fall 2024 College Recognition Ceremonies

WKU to recognize fall graduates Friday in 3 ceremonies

WKU’s five academic colleges will recognize more than 1,000 fall graduates in three ceremonies at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday at Diddle Arena. Ceremonies will include remarks from college deans; graduates will be individually recognized and shake hands with President Timothy C. Caboni. (More: Parking information; parking map)

Ogden Foundation Scholar found her passion at WKU

As she prepares for graduation, Kaylie Wise of Georgetown recalls a piece of advice that guided her WKU journey: “Life’s not about finding yourself. Life’s about creating yourself.” Wise, a Finance major with a concentration in Personal Financial Planning, will be honored Friday as the Fall 2024 Ogden Foundation Scholar.

WKU engineering graduate builds career in robotics

Who knew that a fascination with remote control toys as a child could turn into a career in engineering? For WKU senior Jaxom Kitchens, an Electrical Engineering major from Franklin, that is exactly what happened. “I was fascinated by remote control toys as a kid to the point that I would take them apart. I also took apart the occasional appliance."

Sport Management graduate found home on the Hill

“Stepping foot on WKU’s campus just brought such a sense of comfort to me. I knew this was the kind of environment where I could step out of my comfort zone and attack new opportunities, while still feeling supported by a tight-knit community,” said senior Cat Taylor, a Sport Management major from Tell City, Indiana.

Interdisciplinary Studies offered support, community

As an Interdisciplinary Studies student with a focus in Health, Christopher Bussell, a graduating senior from Hopkinsville, said it allowed him to pursue multiple fields that he is passionate about - such as Environmental Science, Organizational Leadership, and Occupational Safety and Health.

Graduate crafts WKU experience in studio arts, animation

From exploring cutting-edge techniques to delving into traditional art forms, graduating senior Laryn Bishop crafted a unique experience on the Hill in the WKU Department of Art & Design with majors in both Animation and Studio Arts to express her creativity across a range of physical and digital media.

December 2024 Staff Star Award Recipients

The WKU Staff Senate recognized the Christopher Ware Staff Star Award recipients during its meeting this morning. The December 2024 recipients are Spencer Anderson, Mahurin Honors College; Jim Clark, University Athletics; and Catherine LaRoche, Housing and Residence Life. The Staff Senate's next meeting will begin at 10 a.m. January 8 at Downing Student Union, room 2081. More: Submit a Staff Star nomination

WKU Week in Photos

Take a look back at the last full week of November on the Hill in the WKU Week in Photos from Clinton Lewis, WKU Communications & Marketing

Innovation Campus Events

Check out a list of upcoming events from the WKU Innovation Campus. More: Metals Innovation Initiative newsletter

WKU Football at Jax State on Friday in CUSA Championship

WKU Football Signing Day Central; Carneiro Named CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week For Third Time This Season; Hilltoppers Heading To CUSA Championship Game With Win Over Jax State; Summers Named Broyles Award Nominee; Wheeler Named To 2024 CUSA Football All-Academic Team

WKU Volleyball to Face Minnesota in First Round of 2024 NCAA Tournament; Undisputed Conference USA Champions, Again; 8 Hilltoppers Honored in CUSA All Conference Awards, Cox Wins Alyssa Cavanaugh Player of the Year; Cox Drafted 18th Overall in Pro Volleyball Federation

Cross Country’s Kinley Kunkel Named to CUSA All-Academic Team

Strong Second Half Guides Tops to 90-82 Win Over Marshall; Thedford Named CUSA Freshman of the Week; Hilltopper Basketball Announces Signing of Armelo Boone, Lawson Rice

Lady Topper Basketball 7-0 After Win Against Miami (OH)

WKU Athletics Registers Record-High Graduation Rate In Latest NCAA Report

WKU Soccer Signs Six for 2025