Academy Of Mathematics And Science Participate In Orientation Day On WKU Campus

May 21, 2007

Bowling Green, Ky. - Saturday marked the first academic step for the Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky’s inaugural class of 120 students. 

Students from 61 Kentucky counties and their families attended Academy Orientation Day at Western Kentucky University, an event that allowed the full student body to meet together for the first time.

Students and their parents met with Academy and WKU staff members, participated in a question and answer session on the Academy, toured campus, as well as other activities.

Academy Director Tim Gott explained that Orientation Day was the culmination of the first recruitment cycle. “Orientation Day was a great beginning for this first class of students. Connections were made, friendships began, and these students commenced their academic journey at the Academy,” Gott said.

Academy students shared Gott’s enthusiasm for forming a community of learners.  “Seeing all of the students that were also a part of the Academy gave me great hope for the program. It will be a once in a lifetime experience, and I am glad that it will be spent with such a great bunch of friends,” said Aaron Edwards, an incoming senior from Henderson County High School.

Afternoon sessions allowed students the opportunity to speak with an academic advisor and finalize their course schedule. Students will take courses in mathematics, computer science, traditional sciences and humanities. 

Tyler Clark, an incoming senior from Marion County High School, said he was ready for fall classes to begin.  “I am extremely excited about my class schedule. I’m glad to be able to take college level courses. I am looking forward to my calculus class most of all, considering math is my favorite subject,” Clark said.

The goals of the Academy are two-fold. The Academy seeks to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky. Moreover, the Academy seeks to promote economic development in science and mathematics across Kentucky.  According to recent studies the state currently ranks 47th in the number of scientists and engineers.

Kelsey Barber, an incoming senior from Washington County High School, looks forward to challenges ahead and has goals of her own.  “I am really looking forward to meeting all the new people and partaking in all the new activities.  I am also looking forward to the challenge, I think that it will make things more interesting and help me grow as a person,” Barber said.

Academy students will return to WKU on Aug. 22 for move-in.  Classes will begin on Aug. 27.
Additional information is available online at www.wku.edu/academy. For information, call (270) 745-6323 or email academy@wku.edu.
               
Photo captions:

Tim Gott, director of the Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, talks with Seth Tooley, an incoming senior from Allen County-Scottsville High School, during Saturday’s Orientation Day at WKU.

Dr. Ellen Bonaguro (right), director of WKU’s Academic Advising and Retention Center, assists Aaron Edwards (left), an incoming senior from Henderson County High School, while John and Christi Edwards look on.

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.

For information, contact Tim Gott at (270) 745-6323.