WKU President Timothy C. Caboni

Dear Colleagues,

 

Welcome back to campus! I hope each of you had an opportunity to recharge this summer and spend time with those who matter most to you. As we prepare to welcome students back for the start of another academic year, I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the many faculty and staff members who remained on campus throughout the summer months. Your dedication and hard work behind the scenes prepared our campus to welcome thousands of students and ensure they have an exceptional experience from their very first day.

 

This semester is particularly meaningful as we begin WKU’s 120th year. While much has changed since 1906, our dedication to student success remains as strong as ever, and I look forward to reaffirming that commitment alongside you throughout this historic year.

 

Thank you to everyone who joined me at this morning’s Convocation. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that we accomplished together during the previous academic year - from continued progress toward Carnegie R2 research status, significant achievements in philanthropic support and enrollment momentum to the outstanding accomplishments of our students, faculty and staff. We also celebrated our successful SACSCOC reaffirmation of accreditation and looked ahead to the exciting year before us, including continued investments in our campus, employees and students. If you were unable to attend, I encourage you to read the Convocation address and watch the media briefing that followed here.

 

Our campus community will officially kick off the semester at Topper Fest this Friday, August 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on South Lawn. I hope you will join us for an evening featuring live music from FUTURELUXE, food from local food trucks and Aramark, games, student athlete autograph sessions, giveaways and a fireworks show at dusk. Faculty and staff can receive two complimentary drink coupons by presenting their WKU ID.

 

I also want to express my gratitude to the faculty and staff serving as M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Cluster Facilitators this week, as well as the many employees who are volunteering their time to welcome, mentor and guide our newest students during M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan. Your willingness to invest in our students before classes even begin speaks volumes about the culture of care that defines WKU.

 

As students begin their classes next week, I encourage every member of our campus community to participate in our annual We Wear Red. We Show Up. initiative on Monday, August 24, the first day of our fall semester. Wearing your favorite WKU red is a simple but meaningful way to show our students that they are joining a community that is proud, welcoming and invested in their success. The first day of classes is one of the most exciting days of the year, and your enthusiasm helps create an unforgettable first impression for our newest Hilltoppers.

 

As another exciting season begins for WKU Athletics, all WKU faculty and staff are invited to attend two home football games and one home volleyball game with a special offer that includes two free tickets, two free drinks (soda or bottled water), and two free food items (hot dog or popcorn). These tickets are available for:

 

You may also purchase additional football game tickets for October 8 and October 27 for just $10 ($5 savings per ticket). To claim your tickets, visit the Diddle Arena ticket office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or on game day until noon. Please note that tickets and vouchers must be picked up in advance and will not be available at the stadium box office. Our student athletes appreciate the energy and support that our faculty and staff bring to every competition.

 

I also hope you’ll join us for WKU Night with the Bowling Green Hot Rods on Thursday, September 3. Bowling Green and WKU share a strong partnership, and this event is a great opportunity to support our community while enjoying an evening with fellow Hilltoppers as we cheer on our local minor league baseball team. You may purchase $10 discounted tickets here, using “WKU” as the promo code.

 

As we begin another academic year together, I am reminded that every interaction we have with a student has the potential to shape their experience, their confidence and their future. Whether you teach in a classroom, conduct research, advise students, maintain our beautiful campus, support essential operations or serve in a different capacity, your work matters. Thank you for your commitment to our students, to our institution and to one another.

 

I wish you all a successful start to the semester. Go Tops!

 

Best,

 

Timothy C. Caboni