Hilltopper Happenings

 

The newsletter for the Western Kentucky University community | August 5, 2026

Homecoming celebration set for Nov. 12-14

WKU Homecoming 2026 is set for Nov. 12 – 14 with the theme “Big Red’s World Tour.” Homecoming is presented by the WKU Alumni Association, in partnership with the WKU Department of Student Activities and WKU Athletics. Alumni, friends and fans are invited to join a fun-filled weekend of WKU Spirit, campus events and an unforgettable community celebration.

WKU IN THE NEWS

Applications open for 2nd Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy


WKU announces date and theme for homecoming celebration


Susan Pace named principal of Eastern Elementary

CLIMBING HIGHER

Dr. Patti Minter, former Kentucky State Representative and current Professor of History at WKU, has been appointed to the Kentucky Board of Education by Governor Andy Beshear. Learn More

WKU Ag Ed Program honored


The WKU Agricultural Education program has officially been named the Outstanding Postsecondary Agricultural Education Program by the Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators.

Research named among Top 10 Most Cited


A research study led by Dr. Diane Lickenbrock, Professor in the WKU Department of Psychological Sciences, alongside three WKU alumni, has been officially recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Cited Papers published in 2024 by the peer-reviewed journal Infancy.

WKU and B&D named P3 Awards finalists


Brailsford & Dunlavey and WKU were recently named finalists for Best Financial Structure at the P3 Bulletin’s 2026 P3 Awards.

Student Spotlight: Aly Johnson

For Aly Johnson, studying abroad was never a matter of if—only where.

"My mom studied abroad in college," Johnson said. "She went to Madrid. So I kind of always knew I wanted to study abroad. When I got to WKU, the question was, 'Where am I going to go?'" That question eventually led the rising sophomore more than 4,500 miles from WKU to Barcelona, Spain, where she spent 54 days immersed in Spanish language, culture and a completely new way of seeing the world.

August 2026 Staff Star Award Recipients

The WKU Staff Senate recognized the Christopher Ware Staff Star Award recipients during its meeting last week. The August 2026 recipients are Lindsay Johnson, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry; Rob Kelley, Housing & Residence Life; and Renee Updegraff, Admissions. The Staff Senate's next meeting will begin at 2 p.m. September 2 at Downing Student Union, room 2081. More: Submit a Staff Star nomination.

WKU Mesonet cuts ribbon in Powell County


The Kentucky Mesonet at WKU cut the ribbon Tuesday in Powell County on the second of three sites to be added to the network in the mountainous east region in 2025.

Staff Leadership Institute deadline Aug. 28


Here's a reminder for WKU staff members: Applications for the 2026-2027 Staff Leadership Institute will be accepted until August 28.

Assist with Move In


Fall move-in will be here before we know it! WKU Housing & Residence Life is looking for groups and organizations to help roll out the Big Red carpet for our newest Hilltoppers by volunteering for residence hall move-in shifts.

Preparing for the fall semester


WKU Restaurant Group Hours

Check out hours of operations for WKU dining facilities:

Athletics

WKU Volleyball to Host Red/White Scrimmage, Clinic, and Volleyball 101; Hilltopper Volleyball Announces 2026-27 Victory Club


WKU Soccer Hosts Murray State for Preseason Friendly


Tyson Helton Fall Press Conference | 8-4-26


Lady Topper Golf Adds Madson to 2026-27 Roster


Vote For Big Red In USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice Awards

Upcoming Events

 

August

17

Monday

Faculty & Staff Convocation


The WKU Faculty & Staff Convocation will begin at 10 a.m. August 17 at Van Meter Hall; doors will open at 9:30 a.m. Learn More

 

August

18

Tuesday

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


M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan activities for the Class of 2030 will begin Tuesday, Aug. 18; move-in is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 17-18. Learn More

 

August

21

Friday

Meijer Topper Fest 2026


The sixth annual Meijer Topper Fest, presented by PNC, will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, August 21, on South Lawn. The family-friendly event is open to WKU students, faculty, staff and the community. Admission and parking are free. Parking is available in Parking Structure 2. Learn More

 

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

 
 
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