The newsletter for the WKU community -- May 13, 2026

Western Kentucky University leadership reflects on another year of success

During its May 7 committee meetings, the WKU Board of Regents took time to highlight the university’s numerous accomplishments since the 2025 Commencement exercises. Board Chair Jan West shared milestones in student success, philanthropic support, campus transformation, athletic excellence and academic recognition, illustrating one of the most accomplished years in the university’s 120-year history.


Student success during the past year remains at the center of WKU’s story. Last academic year, the university set an institutional record by awarding 4,688 credentials. This academic year, WKU is poised to surpass that milestone, with more than 4,700 credentials expected to be conferred, marking yet another record-breaking year for student completion and success. Additionally, nearly eight in ten first-year students returned for their sophomore year, achieving a record 79.4% retention rate. The four-year graduation rate reached 50.7%, while the six-year rate climbed to 59.1%.

WKU conferring a record 4,700 credentials; retention, graduation rates at all-time highs


WKU honors Caden Lucas with Heather Strode Circle Leader of the Year Award


WKU student contributes to Pulitzer-winning coverage


WKU academic colleges recognize 2026 graduates

CLIMBING HIGHER

A graduating senior and two alumni were honored with Pulitzer Prizes this week as members of teams winning the highest awards in American journalism.

Learn More

WKU celebrates Class of 2026


WKU graduates started Thursday evening with one last walk across campus during Topper Walk and ended it with a fireworks display at Big Red Bash as Western Kentucky University gathered the Class of 2026 for WKU’s 199th Commencement at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. 

ODK Circle Leader of the Year

The WKU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, proudly announces Caden Lucas as the recipient of the 2026 ODK Circle Leader of the Year Award. 

Academic colleges recognize graduates


WKU’s five academic colleges -- Gordon Ford College of Business, Potter College of Arts & Letters, Ogden College of Science & Engineering, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and College of Health and Human Services -- recognized their spring and summer 2026 graduating classes during ceremonies on Friday at Diddle Arena.

Gatton Academy honors Class of 2026


On Saturday, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science graduated 82 students from across Kentucky in their nineteenth graduating class. 

English celebrates Outstanding Graduate


In the Spring of 2026, graduate student in the M.F.A. English Program Heather Neidlinger spoke at the annual Associations of Writers and Writers’ Programs Conference, which took place this year in Baltimore, Maryland. 

WKU honors ONE WKU Award recipients


WKU recently announced the 2026 recipients of the ONE WKU Award for faculty and staff. The ONE WKU Award recognizes members of the university community who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to fostering a culture of dignity, respect, collaboration and opportunity across campus and beyond. This year’s faculty recipient is Dr. Kimberly J. Green, Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Program Director for the graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology. The staff recipient is Ryan Jones, Academic Advisor in the Ogden College of Science and Engineering. 

H4 Orientation leadership team announced


The Mahurin Honors College at WKU has announced its student leadership team for H4 Orientation 2026, the college’s signature extended orientation experience designed to welcome incoming honors students to campus before the start of the academic year.

Follow Bike4Alz Team 14


Here's a reminder to follow WKU’s Bike4Alz Team 14 on its cross country ride to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease research. More: WKU Bike4Alz Team XIV to begin cross country ride May 17

2026 Small Business Person of the Year


Join the WKU Innovation Campus for An Evening of Impact: 2026 Small Business Person of the Year Celebration on Tuesday, May 26, at 4:30 p.m. at the WKU Innovation Campus to honor John Harnage, Small Business Person of the Year. More: RSVP

WKU Commencement Photos

Check out the latest WKU Spring 2026 Commencement Photo Album from Katie Corbin, WKU Communications & Marketing. More: WKU Spring 2026 College Recognition Ceremonies Photo Album; Graduating from WKU video

Summer Intersession Parking

Permit and paid parking regulations will be enforced as outlined for Summer Intersession Parking. More: Summer Intersession Parking Map

Athletics

Women's Golf Finishes Second Day of NCAA Regional; WKU Women's Golf Earns Five CUSA Awards


Fernandez, Sobieski Named To CSC Academic All-District Team; WKU Tennis Signs Madison Hill


WKU Baseball Wins Offensive Battle Over DBU in Home Finale


WKU Softball Ends 2026 Season in Conference USA Tournament Semifinals; Houge, Mauck Named CUSA All-Tournament Team


Plona Adds South Carolina Transfer EJ Walker

 

May

14

Thursday

Faculty Senate


WKU Faculty Senate will meet at 4 p.m. Thursday at Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More

 

May

14

Thursday

Planetarium Show


The Hardin Planetarium will present “The Motion of the Spheres: How Everything Stays in Orbit”at 7 p.m. Thursday. Learn More

 

May

15

Friday

High School Graduations


Warren County Public Schools will host graduation ceremonies Friday night and Saturday at Diddle Arena. Learn More

 
 
 
 
 
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