October 16, 2001

Taylor Named Governmental
Relations Director At WKU

Bowling Green, Ky. - Robbin Morrison Taylor has been named director of Governmental Relations at Western Kentucky University.

Taylor was most recently a part of the University's Development office, serving as associate director for corporate relations and director of development for libraries and Kentucky Museum. Prior to that, she was the South Central Kentucky field representative for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell for nine years.

"Robbin brings a wealth of experience to this position," said WKU President Gary Ransdell. "She will be a key member of my staff as we seek to further WKU's interaction in Frankfort and Washington."

Dr. Ransdell said Taylor will be responsible for maintaining a constructive working relationship with members of the Kentucky General Assembly, the Legislative Research Commission and legislative staffs and will track and report on legislative activity that could impact higher education and WKU.

"This is a very important role for Western," Dr. Ransdell said. "As we enter the 2002 legislative session, we will work closely with members of the General Assembly to ensure that we are able to fulfill our mission to our students and constituents in our service region and in the state."

He said Taylor will also establish appropriate contacts in Washington and report on federal legislation that could affect higher education in Kentucky and Western specifically.

Taylor, who assumed her new duties on Oct. 1, said that while a focus in governmental relations at Western is not new, the restructuring of the position will "enable us to spend more time, effort and energy at the state and federal level."

"My experience working with communities in South Central Kentucky on local, state and federal issues of importance, combined with my experience on the Western campus for the past year is unique and should serve me well in my new role," she said.

Taylor said this will be a "tremendous personal and professional opportunity and I look forward to being a part of the leadership team Dr. Ransdell has assembled at Western."

Taylor is a WKU graduate with a bachelor's degree in public relations and government and a master's degree in public administration.

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