The newsletter for the WKU community -- October 1, 2025

President's Message: Free Game Tickets and Pregame Concert on October 14

Dear Colleagues,


Recently, we celebrated a truly historic moment for our university with the dedication and ribbon cutting of Amy and David Chandler Hall, the new home of our Gordon Ford College of Business. This remarkable facility is more than just a building; it is a symbol of what’s possible when vision, generosity and determination come together. It reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation of business leaders and stands as a reminder of the bold future we are building together.


As nearly 400 individuals from across our campus and community gathered to celebrate with us, I was reminded of what it means to be part of the Hilltopper family. When we show up for one another – whether at a ribbon cutting, a student showcase or an athletic event – we demonstrate the strength of our community and send a powerful message of unity and pride that resonates well beyond The Hill.


I want to encourage each of you to keep showing up for WKU. Every event, every performance and every game present an opportunity to support one another, to celebrate the talent and dedication of our students, faculty and staff and to deepen the bonds that define our Hilltopper spirit.


One of those opportunities is just around the corner. On Tuesday, October 14, we will host a weeknight home football game against FIU at 7 p.m. As a reminder, all faculty and staff receive two free game tickets, two complimentary drinks (bottled water or soda) and two free food items (hotdog or popcorn) for this game. You can pick up your tickets and concession coupons at the Diddle Arena ticket office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or on game day until noon. I hope you plan to join me in filling the stands and showing the nation what Hilltoppers are all about. Also, as WKU Athletics recently announced, we will welcome Blanco Brown to campus that evening for a high energy pregame concert. This free, one-hour show, fusing country and hip-hop, will begin at 5:30 p.m. on South Lawn.


I also want to remind you that Fall Break is Monday, October 6, and Tuesday, October 7. These days of rest remain an important part of our overall compensation package and serve as a vital reminder of the value we place on balance, renewal and well-being. I encourage you to take full advantage of this time to recharge so that you can return ready to finish the semester with enthusiasm.


I am also pleased to announce that we will be extending the 2025 Winter Break by two additional days, giving our Hilltopper family three full weeks to enjoy the holiday season. This year, Winter Break for employees will begin on Monday, December 15, with work resuming on Monday, January 5. I hope this time away with friends and family provides you with rest, joy and the opportunity to refocus as we prepare for the spring semester. 

Bowling Green downtown development coordinator receives 2025-26 Talisman Award


Three educators to join Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame


SoKY’s Choice: Bowling Green International Festival celebrates culture, food, and community


WKU names new multi-purpose facility after Tim and Sarah Ford


WKU Student Support Services offers inclusive programs to help students succeed


Topper Tuesday: XC and T&F head coach Lee Wood

CLIMBING HIGHER

As Artificial Intelligence becomes more commonplace in school settings, the WKU College of Education and Behavioral Sciences has developed a new graduate certificate for educators of all grade levels to learn the skills to provide effective implementation and use of artificial intelligence (AI), educational technology, best practices in online learning, and cybersecurity in education. Learn More

The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs invites the campus community to submit nominations for recipients of honorary degrees. Nominations may be made by students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, or friends of the University. Nomination deadline is Monday, November 3. Learn More

Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse


At a special-called WKU Board of Regents meeting last Thursday, the philanthropic naming of the new state-of-the-art Hilltopper Fieldhouse was approved as the Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse in recognition of a $3 million gift from the Fords.

October 2025 Staff Star Award Recipients

The WKU Staff Senate recognized the Christopher Ware Staff Star Award recipients during its meeting this morning. The October 2025 recipients are Crystal Bufano, Academic Advising & Career Development Center; Katie Bush, WKU Global; and Jarrett Murphy, WKU Transfer Center. The Staff Senate's next meeting will begin at 10 a.m. November 5 at Downing Student Union, room 2081. More: Submit a Staff Star nomination

3 to join Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame


Three life-changing Kentucky educators will be joining The Louis B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame this year. The late Lois Chandler, Julie Cowan, and Jennifer Fritsch are the members of the 17th class.

WKU TRIO awarded new federal funding


WKU has received renewed federal funding for two cornerstone TRIO programs that provide first-generation, income-eligible, and students with disabilities the tools they need to succeed in higher education.

Mesonet adds station in Hancock County


The Commonwealth’s official weather and climate monitoring network, Kentucky Mesonet, continues to grow. The network officially cut the ribbon on its 83rd station last Thursday in Hancock County near Lewisport.

Spotlight: Alejandro Ramirez

When Alejandro Ramirez came to WKU from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, he wasn’t sure how far his ambitions would take him. Now, as a double major in Psychological Sciences and Biology in the Ogden College of Science & Engineering, he is charting a path toward a PhD in neuroscience and pharmacology, blending curiosity, persistence and a passion for understanding human behavior.

2025 Campus Safety and Security Report


The 2025 Annual Campus Safety and Security Report is now available on the WKU Police website. In addition to crime and fire statistics for 2024, this report also details policies about the police department and how to report fires and crimes to the police.

2025 Fall on the Hill


WKU Housing & Residence Life and WKU Campus Recreation & Wellness will host Fall on the Hill today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on WKU South Lawn.

WKU Jazz Band to present outdoor concert


The WKU Jazz Band will present Jazz at the Colonnades on Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Colonnade.

PCAL to host award winning journalist


PCAL will welcome multi-award winning journalist, Caitlin Dickerson, to campus as a part of their Cultural Enhancement Series on October 16, at 7 p.m. in the Jody Richards Hall Auditorium.

Reminder: “Heroes on The Hill” Oct. 10-11


WKU will welcome the Louisville Slugger Warriors, the nation’s first and only competitive amputee baseball team, to the Hill for a powerful two-day event celebrating courage, perseverance and the love of America’s pastime.

OCSE to celebrate 60th Anniversary


The Ogden College of Science and Engineering at WKU will celebrate its 60th anniversary during the 2025-2026 academic year.

WKU Week in Photos

Check out the latest WKU Week in Photos from Clinton Lewis, WKU Communications & Marketing and WKU Athletics for some images of last week's highlights.

Athletics

WKU Football Heads To Delaware For Friday Night Matchup; Wright, Jackson Earn CUSA Weekly Awards


Hilltopper Basketball Home Game Against Jax State Moved to February 5; Battle 4 Atlantis: 60 Days Out


Men's Golf Finishes Seventh at Virtues Intercollegiate


Home Tilt Between WKU Soccer and Blue Raiders Ends in 1-1 Draw


WKU Volleyball Continues Receiving Votes in Week 5 AVCA/Taraflex Poll; Tops Finish Opening Weekend With Second-Straight Sweep

October

6

Monday

Fall Break


WKU will be closed for Fall Break Monday and Tuesday. Learn More (More: WKU Restaurant Group fall break hours of operation)

 

October

11

Saturday

WKU Preview Day


WKU Admissions will host WKU Preview Day, an open house event for prospective students, at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, October 11 at Diddle Arena. Learn More

 

October

11

Saturday

Hammer-In


The Kentucky Museum will host Hammer-In, a free, family-friendly event celebrating the metal workers' trade, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 11. Learn More

 
 
 
 
 
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