The newsletter for the WKU community -- April 23, 2025

President's Message: Semester Nearing End

- Important Reminders

Dear Colleagues,


As another WKU academic year draws to a close, I am filled with deep appreciation for all that we have experienced and accomplished together. Thanks to the dedication of our students, faculty and staff, we achieved extraordinary success and remained a hub of learning and progress in our region and beyond.

WKU continues to distinguish itself among Kentucky’s comprehensive universities, leading across a range of key enrollment indicators – including full-time, degree-seeking enrollment; full-time enrollment; total fall 2024 enrollment; and students pursuing a baccalaureate degree. 

Our campus-wide commitment to student success further amplifies our progress. When we shift our attention from raw enrollment figures to student outcomes – particularly to degrees awarded, the most important measure of student success – WKU stands out even more. We confer over 20% more degrees than the next closest comprehensive institution in the state, underscoring the meaningful results of our student success initiatives.

With final exams just around the corner, I encourage you to continue offering our Hilltoppers the support and encouragement they need to achieve a strong finish. Your efforts can help ease the stress that often accompanies this busy season in our students’ lives.

Soon, we will proudly celebrate the achievement of our graduates. I invite you to join me at Houchens Industries – L.T. Smith Stadium on Thursday, May 8, to recognize our graduating class. Topper Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by our Commencement Ceremony. On Friday, May 9, our academic colleges each will host their own recognition ceremonies at E.A. Diddle Arena, where we will gather to honor our graduates in a more personal way. Full details about these celebrations can be found here.

Read More From President Caboni

WKU announces first Bachelor of Science in User Experience in Ky


32 WKU students selected as 2025-26 Spirit Masters


Courageous International Award recipient at Western Kentucky


Hughes & Coleman Hometown Hero: Candi Murphy


Nominations open for the KY Teacher Hall of Fame 2025


WKU wins first in Hearst photojournalism competition


Kentucky Mesonet adds new station in Green County

More WKU News
CLIMBING HIGHER

Midnight on the Hill, a student-led philanthropic initiative, concluded its annual fundraising campaign with a successful campus event held on April 4 at the Preston Health and Activities Center. The event generated over $121,000 in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Learn More

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Hilltopper Fieldhouse Beam Raising


WKU and WKU Athletics held the Hilltopper Fieldhouse Final Beam Raising Ceremony on Tuesday. The beam was the 315th and final for the Hilltopper Fieldhouse, and was placed in the northeast corner of the 122,000 square football facility.

Learn More

Two students named Goldwater Scholars


Charles Uland and Asa Ashley have been named Goldwater Scholars. They are two of only five students at Kentucky universities to earn this honor in the 2024-25 application cycle. 

Learn More

WKU announces Bachelor of Science in UX


WKU will be home to the first Bachelor of Science degree in User Experience in Kentucky. Last week, the CPE approved the STEM-designated program, giving the university authorization to begin enrolling students for fall 2025.

Learn More

WKU first in photojournalism competition


WKU’s School of Media & Communication has won the Hearst Intercollegiate Photojournalism Competition for the 30th time in the past 36 years, and two WKU students earned awards in the Photojournalism Picture/Story Series Competition.

Learn More

WKU Mesonet adds station in Green County


Kentucky Mesonet – a vast network of fully-automated weather and climate monitoring stations – celebrated not one but two milestones Friday morning, the ribbon cutting at station number 80 in southern Green County and the 75th county in Kentucky to include at least one Mesonet site.

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Hilltopper entrepreneur leverages A.I.


Quantum computing. Linear algebra. Probability. How can studying advanced mathematics translate into support for cancer patients and new insights for oncologists?


Learn More

Student Spotlight: Demani Bell

Demani Bell arrived at WKU with a clear vision: he wanted to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre, a degree designed to propel him straight into the professional world of acting. A native of Danville, Kentucky, his decision to attend WKU was swift. "It was kind of no places," he admitted with a laugh, explaining how he narrowed his options down quickly.

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Robinson elected as SGA president


The new executive council for WKU’s Student Government Association was elected last week. Rush Robinson, a junior, will begin his term as SGA President. 

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Screening: Jonesville: When Sunflowers Fall


WKU’s Jonesville Reconciliation Workgroup will host a screening of “Jonesville: When Sunflowers Fall” on May 1, at 6:00 p.m. at the Jody Richards Hall Auditorium. In addition to the documentary film screening, the evening will include a Q&A with producers and a reception. Jonesville descendants and their families are honored guests at this event.

Learn More

WKU's NSLS inducts 67 new members


WKU’s Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) Inducted 67 new members to the society last week.

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GFCB celebrates 2025 award recipients


The Gordon Ford College of Business is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of its faculty, staff, students and alumni at the 2025 GFCB Awards. 

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Course Evaluations


Here's a reminder from the Office of Institutional Research: WKU students are asked to visit wku.evaluationkit.com to complete course evaluations. Students completing all course evaluations by April 30 will receive early access to grades on TopNet.

Learn More

WKU Week in Photos

Check out the latest WKU Week in Photos from Clinton Lewis and Cristina Betz, WKU Communications & Marketing, for a look at Sexual Assault Prevention Month's First Things First, Valleypalooza and the Employee Excellence Dinner.

View Photos

WKU Earth Day Celebration

Enjoy vendors, student organizations, games, food trucks and more at WKU's Earth Day Celebration on Friday at 10:30 a.m. in Centennial Mall.

Learn More
Athletics

WKU Women’s Golf Selected For NCAA Lexington Regional


Men’s Golf Posts Strong Second Day At Conference USA Championships


WKU Baseball: Hayes Racks Up 6 RBI as #17 Tops Run-Rule Evansville; Higgins, Hartman Named to NCBWA Midseason Stopper of the Year Watch List


WKU Softball: Houge Throws Two-Hit Shutout Against Louisville


WKU Track and Field Set to Compete in Louisville


Hilltopper Basketball to Compete in 2025 Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament; Hilltopper Basketball Signs Western Illinois Transfer Ryan Myers


Women’s Basketball Lands Rowe; Lady Toppers Sign Naz Dal

More WKU Sports

April

23

Wednesday

Greek Week


Greek Week activities continue today with a blood drive at the Preston Center and Greek Week Events Day at 4 p.m. at William "Gander" Terry Colonnade, Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center. Learn More

April

24

Thursday

Take a Child to Work Day


WKU Human Resources will host Take A Child to Work Day tomorow. The event begins at 8 a.m. at Downing Student Union, room 3024. Learn More

April

25

Friday

WKU Bands 100th Anniversary Gala Concerts


The WKU Bands will present a series of concerts to celebrate 100 years. Wind Ensemble/Symphonic Band will perform Friday at 7:30 p.m. Campus Community Band will perform Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Both concerts are in Van Meter Hall. Tickets are $10. Learn More

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