The newsletter for the WKU community -- March 25, 2026

WKU Day of Giving, Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse Dedication and Commencement

Dear Colleagues,

 

At WKU, wearing red and showing up isn’t just tradition - it’s a visible expression of who we are. It reflects the pride, commitment and care you demonstrate every day as you mentor students, strengthen programs and invest in the success of our Hill. That same spirit lives on in our alumni, who continue to champion WKU long after graduation to ensure that future students have access to the same life-changing opportunities.

 

On Tuesday, March 31, we’ll unite once again for WKU Day of Giving, representing a day to celebrate what makes WKU special and to share why this university matters to you. When our community rallies together, the result is powerful. Support generated through Day of Giving fuels meaningful investments in learning spaces, student support services and engagement opportunities that keep WKU strong and responsive in a constantly evolving world. It’s how we ensure our students graduate prepared not just for their first job, but for lives of leadership and service.

 

WKU is uniquely special because so many of our faculty and staff are also alumni, many of whom also lead by providing a philanthropic example. That generosity supports scholarships that open doors, facilities and initiatives - enriching campus life and academic programs that position students for success. Thank you for the many ways you give through your expertise, your mentorship and your financial support. On March 31, I hope you join me in wearing read as we illustrate, together, what it means to be part of the WKU community.


Visit wku.edu/dayofgiving to learn more and take a moment to watch the videos created by our talented students in the Student Engagement Center within WKU Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.

Beech Bend Park exhibit opens at WKU


WKU in Glasgow selects 83 students for Early College Class of 2028


Iran-native WKU economist explains how Iran conflict could affect prices


WKU a Top Producer of foreign study Gilman International Scholars 2001–25


Photography exhibition coming Friday to WKU


WKU athletes get new home with Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse


WKU community mourning loss of long-time music professor, famed pianist


New WKU grants target suicide prevention, teen self-harm

CLIMBING HIGHER

WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences recently announced the appointment of Dr. Sarah Bonis as the Chairperson of the Department of Psychology, effective July 1, 2026. Learn More

WKU hosts ribbon cutting and dedication


WKU celebrated the grand opening of the Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse with a building dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday.

WKU recognized as a Gilman top producer


WKU has been recognized as an all-time Top Producing Institution in the Gilman Scholarship Program. In the 25-year history of the program, WKU is a national leader, ranking among the top 25 in the Medium Colleges and Universities category.

WKU Day of Giving is Tuesday, March 31

WKU Day of Giving is March 31! Wear red and show up for the Hilltopper community. Learn more at wku.edu/dayofgiving.

Provost's Message: AI Campus

Community Update


As I have engaged faculty across WKU this academic year, artificial intelligence and its impact on teaching and student learning have understandably emerged as recurring themes.

12th annual Dance Big Red breaks record


More than 750 students raised over $141,000 through Dance Big Red, an annual student-led dance marathon benefiting Norton Children’s. 

7 recognized as Fulbright semifinalists


Seven WKU students and recent graduates have been recognized as Semifinalists in the 2026-2027 Fulbright U.S. Student Program competition.  

Alumni Spotlight: Shelby Turner

Congratulations to WKU Alum, Shelby Turner.

Turner, an educator at Bardstown Middle School, has been selected to serve on the National Association for Gifted Children Literacy Task Force for the 2026–27 school year.

Greek Week activities set for April 20-26


Greekflix is the theme for Greek Week 2026 events April 20-26 at Western Kentucky University.

Early College Class of 2028 announced


WKU in Glasgow has selected 83 outstanding students from six local high schools to make up the Early College Class of 2028.

WKU to host Neurodiversity Awareness Fair


The Neurodiversity Awareness Fair will be held on Tuesday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Centennial Mall.

Part-Time Excellence in Teaching Award


Professor Roy Burkhead is the 2025-2026 winner of the Part-Time Excellence in Teaching Faculty Award.

Ohanami event is today


Join WKU Global for a celebration of Cherry Blossoms, Japanese Culture and Career Fair at the 2026 Ohanami event from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. today in Centennial Mall.

WKU Chorale performs in Spain


The sounds of WKU Chorale echoed across Spain during WKU's spring break last week. Performing in Madrid, Toledo, Valencia and Barcelona, WKU Chorale shared American and Spanish choral music in historic churches, including a performance in La Sagrada Familia. More: WKU Chorale to perform in Spain

WKU Week in Photos

Check out the latest WKU Week in Photos for a look at spring scenes on the Hill. Photos by WKU Athletics and WKU Communications & Marketing.

WKU Student Scholar Showcase

The Student Scholar Showcase is Saturday, April 11. Students will present original work through oral presentations, video performances and posters.

Athletics

WKU Athletics To Celebrate Day of Giving On March 31


Strong Hitting Powers WKU Baseball to Win Over Louisville


WKU Softball Sweeps MTSU With 7-5 Win On Sunday


WKU Tennis Falls At Murray State


Newell Named CSC Academic All-District


Boettjer and Khedr Named to the CSC Academic All-District


Men’s Golf Finishes Third at Austin Peay Intercollegiate

March

25

Wednesday

Spring Grad Fair


Spring 2026 Grad Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Downing Student Union, third floor. Grad Fair will continue tomorrow. Learn More

 

March

26

Thursday

Faculty Senate


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

 

March

27

Friday

WKU Preview Day


WKU Admissions will host WKU Preview Day, an open house event for prospective students and their families, at the Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. Learn More

 
 
 
 
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