The newsletter for the WKU community -- July 23, 2025

2 to join WKU's Hall of Distinguished Alumni during Homecoming 2025

Two dedicated and proven leaders from the fields of education and health care will join WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni this fall.



George Nichols III and Connie Moreland Smith will be honored during WKU’s 2025 Homecoming Celebration.


George Nichols III is the 10th President and CEO of The American College of Financial Services, an accredited, nonprofit institution located in King of Prussia, Pa., with more than 18,000 students serving the financial services industry.


Connie Moreland Smith serves as President and CEO of Med Center Health, a premier health system headquartered in Bowling Green. Throughout her tenure, which began in 1981 and culminated in her appointment as President and CEO in 2011, Connie has strategically expanded Med Center Health’s reach and impact across south central Kentucky. Under her leadership, the system has grown to encompass more than 30 locations, including seven hospitals and a comprehensive network of more than 500 providers representing 50+ specialties, making it the largest healthcare employer in the region.


The 34th class of noted alumni will be inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni during the Hilltopper Excellence Awards on Thursday, Oct. 30 at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center.


Presented by Franklin Bank & Trust, the Hilltopper Excellence Awards will include additional recognitions for alumni and supporters of WKU, which will be announced at a later date. For more information, contact the WKU Alumni Association at (270) 745-2586.

Music, Sam Bush concert to mark Kentucky Museum exhibition


Bowling Green teen advocates for cancer research


JA of South Central Kentucky announces Griffing as new president


First responder training at WKU Ag Expo Center


2 to join WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni during Homecoming 2025

CLIMBING HIGHER

Dr. Rheanna Plemons has been appointed as the new Assistant Provost for Accreditation and Assessment. Dr. Plemons has twenty years of experience in higher education, including roles as Assistant/Associate Registrar, Interim Registrar, and Special Assistant to the Provost with work on curriculum, new programs, accreditation, and more.  Learn More

Sam Bush to perform at Sonic Music Fest


The Kentucky Museum and PCAL Cultural Enhancement Series at WKU will welcome Bowling Green native and internationally recognized bluegrass artist Sam Bush to campus as part of the Sonic Music Fest on September 6. The event takes place in two parts: a daytime festival at the Kentucky Museum from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and an evening concert with Sam Bush at Van Meter Hall at 7 p.m.

Spotlight: Debs Ishimwe

For Debs Ishimwe, studying Chinese wasn’t just an academic choice – it was a calling rooted in curiosity and cultural appreciation. “During COVID, I dabbled in Chinese dramas, and it got to a point where I was like, I need to understand without subtitles,” she said with a smile. Visits to WKU during high school, including two trips to learn about the Chinese Flagship Program, solidified her path.

3 to be honored for alumni achievement


Regis C. Pearson (’15, ’17) will be honored for Young Alumni Achievement, and Phillip W. Bale, M.D. & Kristen T. Bale will receive the designation as Honorary Alumni this fall at the 2025 Hilltopper Excellence Awards.

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan seeking volunteers


WKU Housing & Residence Life is seeking volunteers to assist with move-in. Move-In Volunteers will: 

  • Greet residents as they arrive to their designated unloading spots
  • Collect and distribute moving carts
  • Unload resident’s belongings from their vehicles
  • Assist residents with physically moving their items to their room

Shaping the next generation of caregivers


This summer, 100 students from across the region attended Camp CARE (Career Awareness and Readiness in Healthcare), hosted at The Medical Center WKU Health Sciences Complex.

Innovation Campus Newsletter


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

A summer abroad is changing everything


A WKU student in the Chinese Flagship Program is spending her summer in New Taipei City.

Follow Bike4Alz Team 13

WKU Bike4Alz Team 13's cross country ride to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease research is scheduled to end July 27 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Professional Food Service Design Certificate

Students from around the country are learning the skills needed to become successful foodservice designers at WKU.

Athletics

WKU Announces Return Of Big Red Bundle In 2025


WKU Football Single Game Tickets On Sale Now; Jackson Named 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee; Hilltoppers Have 5 Named To CUSA Preseason Watch List


WKU Soccer Announces 2025 Schedule


WKU Volleyball Single Game Tickets on Sale Now; WKU Volleyball Earns 19th Straight AVCA Team Academic Award


Lady Toppers Earn ITA Academic Awards


San Diego Padres Select Ryan Wideman in Third Round of 2025 MLB Draft; Peters Signs with Pittsburgh Pirates


Hilltopper Basketball 2025-26 CUSA Schedule Announced; NABC Selects WKU for 2024-25 Team Academic Excellence Award


Lady Topper Basketball 2025-26 CUSA Schedule Announced; Graham-Blincoe Joins Lady Topper Basketball Staff As Assistant Coach

July

23

Wednesday

Summer Dance Intensive


The WKU Dance Program will host Summer Dance Intensive 2025 through July 26 at Gordon Wilson Hall. Learn More

 

July

25

Friday

Planetarium Show


The Hardin Planetarium will present Pink Floyd’s ’The Dark Side of the Moon:’ 50 Years in a Heartbeat at 6 p.m. Friday; Tickets are $15. Learn More

 

August

11

Monday

Save the Date: Convocation Reception


Med Center Health at WKU Health Services will host a post Faculty-Staff Convocation reception at The Commons on August 11 immediately following Convocation. Learn More

 
 
 
 
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