BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has announced Western Kentucky University’s Design, Merchandising and Textiles with Interior Design Concentration as the newest addition to its Supported Programs.

The NKBA Supported Programs help educational institutions that do not immediately meet all the NKBA Accredited Program requirements to receive support from local NKBA professionals as well as a host of benefits from the NKBA national headquarters.

To become an NKBA Supported Program, an educational institution must have a kitchen and bath curriculum that prepares students for the NKBA Certification Exams. NKBA Supported Programs are evaluated with respect to mission, administration, curriculum, faculty, and resources to determine eligibility and ability to fulfill the Association’s requirements for full accredited status.

To date, more than 53 colleges and universities have achieved NKBA Supported or Accredited Status. The Accredited Program was created by the NKBA to serve the professional needs of the industry and to ensure consistent, quality education for students striving to become kitchen and bath design professionals.

Sheila Flener, instructor in WKU’s interior design program, said NKBA accreditation offers students a bond with professionals in the kitchen and bath industry to foster their growth and provide a direct career path into the lucrative industry. Local professionals assist with classes, mentor, help form the NKBA Student Organizations and provide internships and employment.

Other benefits for students are specialized training in kitchen/bath design techniques utilizing the NKBA’s kitchen/bath resource reference materials; added experience credit toward NKBA certification; discounted student membership and affiliation with the local NKBA chapter; student discounts on the NKBA products; student discount on registration to the NKBA’s kitchen/bath industry show & conference; scholarship opportunities; student design competitions; access to the NKBA student center website; local and national internship opportunities; student resume posting; opportunities to network with industry and design professionals; and participation in the association’s government by forming an NKBA student chapter on campus.


About the National Kitchen & Bath Association: The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS®). With over 40,000 members, the NKBA has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for more than 45 years. The mission of the NKBA is to enhance member success and excellence, promote professionalism and ethical business practices, and provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry. For information, visit the NKBA Press Room at www.nkba.org/press or call (800) THE-NKBA.