The newsletter for the WKU community
February 27, 2024
Dr. Evelyn Thrasher named new dean of WKU's Gordon Ford College of Business
Dr. Evelyn Thrasher has been named as the new dean of WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business, Provost Bud Fischer announced on Friday. 

Dr. Thrasher, who has served as the interim dean since July 2023, will officially assume the permanent position on July 1. Previously, she was Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Administration and was a Professor of Analytics and Information Systems at the Gordon Ford College of Business.

“I cannot put into words what it means to be the new dean of the Gordon Ford College of Business. The GFCB and WKU have given me more than I deserve for the last 15 years, said Dr. Thrasher. “The people of the Gordon Ford College of Business are special, and their work has a significant positive impact on our students and the region. As a first-generation college graduate, I have experienced firsthand the impact of a college education. The upward momentum of the GFCB inspires me, and I am excited about the opportunities to build upon that momentum as the College begins its next chapter.” 

Provost Fischer said: “We are pleased that Dr. Thrasher will continue her time at WKU as the dean of the Gordon Ford College of Business. During her WKU career, she has been a valuable member of our faculty, admired by students and colleagues alike. She is a collaborative leader and has demonstrated her commitment to the success of the GFCB and WKU, especially during her time as interim dean of the College. I have no doubt she will continue to advance the mission of GFCB and will provide unparalleled support for the College’s students, faculty, and staff.”
CLIMBING HIGHER
The Kentucky Museum invites the community to the Awards Ceremony for the 2024 Abound Credit Union Celebration of the Arts from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Learn More
Spotlight: Theresa Thomas
Theresa Thomas of Louisville, a sophomore majoring in marketing with a data analytics certificate, is actively planning her study abroad trip to the University of Stirling in Stirling, Scotland. She is a few months away from beginning this next step of her WKU experience, made possible by the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
Regents to meet Friday
The WKU Board of Regents will hold a quarterly meeting at 9 a.m. Friday in the Martin Regents Room of Jody Richards Hall.
WKU Libraries adding online subscriptions to NYT, WSJ
WKU Libraries announced that its digital resources have been enriched with the addition of two prominent publications, which will benefit students, faculty and staff alike. The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal are now available to the entire WKU community.
Winter 2024 WKU SPIRIT magazine available online
University Photographer Clinton Lewis has spent 15 years as a hidden gem of the WKU campus and community. The Lewis Lens exhibition highlights his work in editorial photojournalism, advertising and commercial photography, outdoor adventure, fine art landscape photography and graphic design. Read this story and much more in the Winter 2024 issue of WKU SPIRIT.
Take Our Kids to Work Day
WKU Human Resources announced that Take Our Kids to Work Day is scheduled for April 25. Proposals from departments, colleges and organizations to host sessions for TOKTWD are due by March 8. TOKTWD is a campuswide event for the children and grandchildren, grades 2-12, of WKU employees.
Student Scholar Showcase
Here’s a reminder for students interested in participating in this year’s Student Scholar Showcase that today is the deadline to submit an abstract for the April 6 event. How to Present at the Showcase, the final installment in the Showcase Workshop Series, will be held via Zoom from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. March 6.
Campus Traffic Advisory
Due to construction, the right lane of Avenue of Champions is closed from South Lawn Lot to the entrance of Poland Lot. The closure is expected to continue until the end of Spring Break.
WKU Week in Photos
Check out the latest WKU Week in Photos from Clinton Lewis, WKU Communications & Marketing.
Symphonic Band Concert
The WKU Symphonic Band will present The Glory of Rome in a shared concert with the Campus & Community Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Van Meter Hall. Admission is $5.
Athletics
February
28
Wednesday
The Black Experience

The Epsilon Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and the WKU Forensics Team will host The Black Experience at 6:14 p.m. Wednesday at the Downing Student Union Auditorium. Learn More
March
1
Friday
Gail Martin Lecture

Dr. Kishonna Gray, Associate Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, & Digital Studies and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky, will present Augmenting Reality: Black Praxis in Digital Gaming at 4 p.m. Friday at Cherry Hall, room 125. Learn More
March
5
Tuesday
Wedge Seminar

Richard V. Reeves will present Why is the modern male struggling, why does it matter, and what can we do about it? at 7 p.m. March 5 at the Eva and Jim Martens Alumni Center. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
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Bowling Green, KY 42101