The newsletter for the WKU community -- December 11, 2025

President's Message: SACSCOC Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Dear Colleagues,

As I shared with you during Faculty and Staff Convocation, we submitted our Response Report and Quality Enhancement Plan update to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in August with the expectation that the SACSCOC Board of Trustees would review and provide follow-up this month. I am delighted to share that WKU’s accreditation has been reaffirmed for ten years with no additional reports required.

Reaffirmation of accreditation is a significant achievement, one that reflects the substantial work and collaboration undertaken during the past several years. It affirms that we operate with a mission appropriate to higher education; provide the necessary resources, programs and services to fulfill that mission; and maintain clear educational objectives. Our accreditation also serves both as a vital benchmark and a valuable opportunity for reflection, allowing us to demonstrate adherence to rigorous standards and provide constructive peer feedback that drives our continuous improvement.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to this critical and intensive effort, with special recognition to Beth Laves for her leadership throughout this process. I am grateful for the ways this work challenged us to evaluate how we serve our students and how we can better prepare them for their futures beyond WKU.

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Topper Tuesday: WKU volleyball associate head coach Craig Bere

Local business partners with Dutch company in hydrogen leak sensor production

Hydrogen technology venture launches in Bowling Green

CLIMBING HIGHER

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education recently announced its Best of District III Honors, spotlighting the strongest work from institutions from nine states in the Southeast. Learn More

#WKUGrad: Fall 2025 College Recognition Ceremonies

Reminder: Fall College Recognition Ceremonies

WKU's five academic colleges will host Fall Recognition Ceremonies tomorrow (Dec. 12) at Diddle Arena. The schedule is as follows:

• 8 a.m.: Potter College of Arts & Letters; College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
• 10:30 a.m.: Ogden College of Science & Engineering; Gordon Ford College of Business
• 1 p.m.: College of Health and Human Services

WKU grad dedicates learning to early intervention

I want to dedicate my career to early intervention in childhood, so I can help children who have been through traumatic experiences and mental health struggles come out on the other side of it as healthy, loving, productive members of society,” said Marleigh Solomon, a graduating senior from Benton. A Psychology major, Solomon spent her years at WKU growing as a leader and building her knowledge to support children with developmental and behavioral challenges.

WKU grad prepares for career in sport management

“I have always had a strong passion for sports, both as a fan and as someone who loves being a part on and off the field,” said Ireland Latkovski. “Sports bring people together, create lifelong memories and teach valuable lessons about teamwork, and I wanted to be a part of that impact.” At WKU, Latkovski, a Sport Management major, developed her passion by volunteering with sports tournaments, joining the Sport Management Club and studying away with KRS and interning with BGPR.

WKU grad grows by design on the Hill

Growing up, I had always been a creative individual and knew I wanted to do something to use my creativity,” said Bailey Jones.

Her experiences taking a yearbook class in high school provided a space to explore her creativity more. “I learned about graphic design and fell in love with it. Later in my college career, I decided to pursue a degree in advertising on top of my design degree because I was interested in the advertising world and the idea of creating campaigns for brands I love.” 

WKU grad equips for the field of sales

“I was blessed with the chance to work on the football team in equipment. That opportunity pulled me here and ended up shaping my whole college experience,” said Bryce Donato, a graduating senior. Donato found clear ways to mix knowledge gained in the classroom with his role with the football team. Donato works with the Equipment Operations team, providing input on designs for helmets, jerseys and other equipment before it is presented to leadership.

WKU grad advances geology calling

“From a young age, I was fascinated by Earth’s history—collecting various rocks and fossils from wherever I could find them,” said Dayvon K. Woodard, a graduating senior from Nashville, Tenn. 

Woodard, a first-generation college student, said, “Growing up, I didn’t see many people who looked like me represented in the field of Geology, and that only strengthened my determination to pursue it.” Woodard has pursued a bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences.

WKU Week in Photos

The fall semester is coming to a close as finals week is in full swing at WKU. Check out photos from last week from Cristina Betz, WKU Communications & Marketing.

Reminder: WKU Food Drive

Tomorrow is the last day of the semester to contribute to the campus-wide food and toiletry drive benefiting the WKU Food Pantry.

2025 New Orleans Bowl Central; WKU Football Accepts Invitation To 2025 New Orleans Bowl; Maynard, Tisdale Highlight CUSA Postseason Awards

Tops Fall to Marshall in Huntington

Lady Topper Basketball Falls to RedHawks

Crenshaw Sets School Record as WKU Closes Out Winter Commodore Challenge

WKU Volleyball Closes 2025 Season With Loss to Marquette; Bauer Earns AVCA All-Region, Knox and Skidmore Earn Honorable Mention