Hilltopper Happenings

 

The newsletter for the Western Kentucky University community | November 4, 2026

Jeremy Utley, innovation expert and author, visits WKU for Presidential Speaker Series

Internationally recognized innovation expert, instructor at Stanford Online and Harvard’s DCE and bestselling author, Jeremy Utley, visited WKU on Tuesday as part of the fourth annual WKU Presidential Speaker Series.


As AI remains at the top of many conversations across industries, Utley presented his thoughts on Reimagining What’s Possible with AI. He shared how generative AI can help expand creativity, improve problem-solving, and unlock new possibilities for individuals and organizations. He also shared thoughts from his upcoming book, The Human Advantage: What AI Can’t Do Without You.

WKU IN THE NEWS

Fierce competition inspires collecting blood for a great cause with 100 Miles of Hope


WKU receives $2 million grant from DOE

CLIMBING HIGHER

WKU and KCTCS have renewed and expanded their mutual tuition discount agreement, adding a master’s degree option for KCTCS employees.

Learn More

The Center for Gifted Studies hosts over 400 for Super Saturdays


More than 400 students participated in the biannual Super Saturdays held by The Center for Gifted Studies on October 17, 24 and 31 on WKU's campus.

WKU to observe Veterans Day


WKU will observe Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Guthrie Bell Tower. The Kentucky Museum at WKU will also host a Veterans Event in the Kentucky Museum on November 11 at 5 p.m. where David Serafini, a WKU Department of History faculty member, will present "Kentuckians at War." 

WKU Homecoming 2026: A world tour to remember

Join us on the Hill for Big Red’s World Tour! Homecoming 2026 promises a weekend of Hilltopper Spirit and family fun. Presented by the WKU Alumni Association, in partnership with the WKU Department of Student Activities and WKU Athletics, the Hill will be a hub of community celebration.

WKU receives $2 million award to advance energy and disaster resilience


WKU has received a $2 million award from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Office of Energy Policy, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program, to develop a resilient microgrid at the WKU Innovation Campus. 

November 2026 Staff Star Award Recipients

The WKU Staff Senate recognized the Christopher Ware Staff Star Award recipients during its meeting this morning. The November 2026 recipients are Connie Dye, WKU Campus Childcare (Now Retired); Melinda Grimsley, Office of Scholar Development; and Blair Jensen, Housing & Residence Life. More: Submit a Staff Star nomination

WKU Regents to hold committee meetings


WKU Board of Regents will conduct committee meetings Friday, November 6, at 9:00 a.m. in the Martin Regents Room of Jody Richards Hall.

100 Miles of Hope Blood Drive continues


The annual 100 Miles of Hope Blood Drive against Middle Tennessee continues until 4:30 p.m. today in the Preston Center. Results will be shared during WKU Football's game at Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Sonic Fest 2026: Moral Chain of Custody


The Kentucky Museum will host Sonic Fest, a free afternoon of live music on Saturday, November 7, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., celebrating the first anniversary of Sonic Landscape: The Musical Legacy of Southcentral Kentucky, the museum’s flagship exhibit documenting the region’s ongoing musical history.

PCAL CES presents: K Allado-McDowell


Join PCAL for their Cultural Enhancement Series event next Thursday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m. in Jody Richards Hall Auditorium they host K Allado-McDowell.

WKU Week in Photos

From beautiful fall leaves and a rockin’ pregame concert on South Lawn, to fun Halloween activities in our Living Learning Communities, last week was one for the books. Take a look at the WKU Week in Photos album from WKU Communications & Marketing.

Athletics

WKU Football Travels to Middle Tennessee for Rivalry Game


Hilltopper Basketball Opens 2026-27 Season with 83-58 Win Over Morehead State; 2026-27 Men's Basketball Promotions


Lady Topper Basketball Opens 2026-27 Season Against Chattanooga; Lady Toppers Win Exhibition Against Young Harris


Doran, Carnell Lead Effort for Hilltoppers at CUSA Championships


WKU Soccer Clinches No. 2 Seed in CUSA Tournament; Carlson Earns First CUSA Offensive Player of the Week Honor; Carlson, Jackson power WKU to rivalry victory over MTSU


Young Named CUSA Offensive Player of the Week

Upcoming Events

 

November

6

Friday

Small Business Summit & Expo


The 6th Annual Small Business Summit & Expo will be held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the WKU Innovation Campus. Learn More


 

November

6

Friday

Physical Therapy Recruitment Fair


The Physical Therapy Recruitment Fair will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday in Downing Student Union, third floor. Learn More

 

November

7

Saturday

First-Gen Student Success Summit


The First-Gen Student Success Summit is designed to empower, inspire and connect first-generation college students. The event will be held Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Downing Student Union. Learn More

 

More events: Check WKU Events calendar or What's Happening at WKU

 
 
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