The newsletter for the WKU community -- May 6, 2026 | |
President's Message:
Commencement This Week
| |
Dear Colleagues,
Commencement celebrations this Thursday and Friday will bring a significant number of visitors and increased traffic to campus. If you do not plan to attend Thursday’s Commencement, I encourage you to conclude your workday early and depart campus by 3:30 p.m. Additionally, I ask that supervisors implement flexible work arrangements on Friday to the extent possible. Offices should remain operational with minimal on-site staffing, while the majority of employees work remotely. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to ease campus congestion so that our guests can have an enjoyable experience.
I also want to extend my appreciation to everyone who has worked diligently to plan our Commencement activities. I look forward to celebrating with our Hilltopper family.
Go Tops!
| | Michael E. D’Eramo, DHA, MHA, ACI, has accepted an appointment as a Community Scholar with the Institute for Rural Health at WKU. Learn More | |
Provost's Message: Celebrating Our Students and the WKU Community
As the Spring 2026 semester comes to a close, I would like to express my gratitude for your dedication and commitment to our students. Your passion for teaching, scholarship, and service has been evident throughout the semester, and it is a privilege to work alongside such a talented and purposeful community of faculty and staff.
| | | | | Graduate student in Mathematics earns John D. Minton Award | |
Zoe Brown, a mathematics graduate student from London, Ky., is the 2025-26 recipient of WKU’s John D. Minton Award.
Brown’s research has applications in structural and electrical engineering and focuses on the control and stabilization of systems consisting of interconnected vibrating cables or beams with point masses. Brown is earning a Master of Science degree in Mathematics with a concentration in Computational Mathematics through WKU’s Joint Undergraduate-Master’s Program (JUMP).
| | | #WKUGrad: Spring 2026 Commencement | | WKU to recognize class of 2026 | Western Kentucky University will celebrate more than 3,300 graduates and recognize top scholars during 2026 Commencement on May 7 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. | | WKU grad builds community | Finding a home away from home can feel challenging for many college students. But as Ikechukwu Micheal Diugu shares, building a community of support can make all the difference. | | Macy elevates WKU experience | Graduating senior Jay Macy knew he wanted to work in healthcare at a young age, and earning his bachelor’s degree from WKU continues his path toward achieving that childhood dream. | | Wilkinson’s degrees prepare him for a life of service | Earning bachelor's degrees in International Affairs, Chinese and Spanish, Rowen Wilkinson shares how life as a student-athlete and Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadet is preparing him for a career of public service. | | Grad turns connections into opportunities | From building friendships to engaging in applied learning opportunities, graduating senior Karlee Powell’s experience on the Hill would not have been the same without all the connections she has made across campus. | | Grad brings light to connections between art and science | |
The research laboratory or the art studio? For graduating senior Maria Elena Carmichael, the exploration of science and art created a unique educational pathway for her journey on the Hill.
| | | |
Ogden Foundation Scholar builds leadership skills through service
Chaise Bethmann said she didn’t come to WKU as a leader, but she’s leaving as one. “I arrived with potential, and WKU helped me grow into someone who leads with more confidence, intention and heart. More than anything, my experience taught me that leadership is not something I hold. It is something I live every day in how I serve others." Bethmann is WKU’s spring 2026 recipient of the Ogden Foundation Scholar Award., t Link
| | |
WKU in Glasgow celebrates Class of 2026
On Thursday, WKU in Glasgow proudly honored its Class of 2026 graduates during Graduand, a special pre-commencement recognition ceremony for students who have completed their degree requirements.
| | |
WKU in Somerset celebrates Class of 2026
WKU in Somerset celebrated its 2026 graduates during a special recognition ceremony held Monday at Somerset Community College’s Meece Auditorium.
| | |
2026 First-Generation Alumni in Residence
The WKU Alumni Association, in partnership with the WKU Office of the Provost and F1rstGen Initiatives, has announced the 2026 class of alumni to serve as Alumni in Residence.
| | |
ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship
Madison Gardner, a senior in computer science, has been awarded a ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship to conduct AI and robotics research at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) in Switzerland.
| | |
FirstToppers wraps up first year
WKU proudly celebrates the formation and successful inaugural year of the First-Generation Student Association —a student‑led organization advancing belonging, service and support for WKU’s first‑generation students.
| | | May 2026 Staff Star Award Recipients | | The WKU Staff Senate recognized the Christopher Ware Staff Star Award recipients during its meeting this morning. The May 2026 recipients are Jenny Clauson, Biology Department; Reece Pratt, Housing & Residence Life; and Bethany Smith, TRIO Upward Bound & Educational Opportunity Center. The Staff Senate's next meeting will begin at 10 a.m. June 3 at Downing Student Union, room 2081 More: Submit a Staff Star nomination. | |
Connie Foster Student Scholarship
This year, WKU Libraries recognizes Skylar Vacanti and Taylor Niggl as recipients of the 2026–2027 Connie Foster Student Scholarship.
| | |
Meteorology students and alumni find career success
Alumni and current students from the WKU Meteorology program have found success over the past year with the National Weather Service and other federal agencies.
| | |
Innovation Campus Newsletter
Check out the latest newsletter from the WKU Innovation Campus.
| | | |
| |
Board of Regents
WKU Regents will conduct a special called meeting Thursday, May 7 at 1 p.m. in the Martin Regents Room of Jody Richards Hall. Following the special called meeting, the Regents will conduct committee meetings. Learn More
| | | |
| |
Gatton Academy Graduation
Graduation for The Gatton Academy Class of 2026 will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at Van Meter Hall.
| | | |
| |
Faculty Senate
The WKU Faculty Senate will meet at 4 p.m. May 14 at Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More
| | | | | |
