April 27, 2007
Bowling
Green, Ky. - The Western Kentucky University Board of Regents today approved three new academic programs that are unique in Kentucky.
The programs are:
- A graduate certificate program in autism spectrum disorders offered through the Department of Special Instructional Programs. The 15-hour program will begin this fall and will prepare students to provide educational, social, behavioral and community services and information to individuals diagnosed with ASD and their families. The program will be open to students who have completed their master’s degree in any of the following graduate programs: Education, Exceptional Education, Literacy, School Psychology, Communication Disorders, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, Nursing, Public Health, or professionals in related areas seeking to learn more about individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
- A minor in investigative biotechnology offered through the Department of Biology. WKU is already teaching biotechnology skills, but this program will provide students in non-scientific majors with an opportunity to receive training. The program will help the state increase its biotechnology workforce. WKU President Gary Ransdell said the minor would help provide a workforce for a new crime lab should the state build one.
- A minor in sales offered through the Department of Marketing. The program will attract students interested in professional selling. The combination of a sales minor with other fields, such as finance, accounting, management, advertising, communication, health care, public relations, fashion retailing and others, will provide students with strong career options. Provost Barbara Burch said the minor will have a huge appeal and could quickly become the largest minor at WKU.
In other business, the Board:
- Approved a resolution recognizing Lindsey Thurman, a senior from Russell Springs, as the recipient of the National Collegiate Honors Council Honors Student of the Year Award.
- Approved the 2008-14 Six-Year Capital Plan.
- Approved the purchases of Lot 2 and Lot 3 of Colonial Court, just off Normal Drive, for $105,000. The residences may be used to house visiting scholars.
- Approved selling $43.2 million in general receipt bonds for the following projects: Schneider Hall renovations for the Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, information technology infrastructure, Health Services Building, L.T. Smith Stadium renovation/expansion and South Campus improvements. The Board authorized Treasurer Ann Mead to accept the lowest bid and award the bonds.
- Swore in Jeanne Johnson of Marion as student regent.
- Approved a resolution of appreciation for Dr. Robert Dietle, who has been faculty regent since 2002. Dr. Dietle has resigned to become head of the History Department.
More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
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