Potter College of Arts & Letters

Potter College of Arts & Letters takes as its primary area of scholarly concern the study of men and women--their past, present, and future, as well as their aesthetic expression, metaphysical concerns, and social interaction. The College prepares students to enter a wide range of careers and programs of advanced study.  A diverse and distinguished faculty provides excellent instruction in some twenty disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and visual and performing arts.  The twelve departments combined offer some 27 majors and 32 minors, including five interdisciplinary programs.  And in cooperation with Graduate Studies, the college offers graduate degrees in most departments.  In addition, Potter College plays an important role in the university's General Education program.

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Richard WeigelDr. Richard Weigel, Professor of History, is the most recent Potter College faculty member to be named a University Distinguished Professor. In more than 30 years at WKU, Rich has built a remarkable record as a scholar, teacher, and administrator. His research in Roman political and religious history from the Republic through the third century A.D. has resulted in two books, Peace in the Ancient World (McFarland, 1981) and Lepidus: The Tarnished Triumvir (Routledge, 1992), and some 30 refereed articles on topics in Roman history. His current project is a book-length study of the inscriptions and images of god/esses on Roman coins. Rich was the recipient of the Potter College Faculty Award for Research and Creativity in 1998.

In addition to his scholarship, Prof. Weigel is an award-winning academic advisor and teacher, having received the 2009 Potter College Faculty Award for Advising. For three decades, he has mentored Social Studies and History majors by fostering the intellectual and personal development of students essential to their academic success. Rich’s deep knowledge of the curriculum and his approachability have made him a popular advisor. And his contributions to undergraduate education have not gone unnoticed by his colleagues. As Dr. Robert Dietle, History Department Head, notes, "I can attest to the hours that Rich spends each week talking with students about their course of studies as well as their futures beyond college. His familiarity with our students is an invaluable asset for the department."

Dr. Weigel served nine years as Head of the History Department, during which time the department experienced significant growth in undergraduate majors and the assembling of a particularly strong faculty. Rich stepped down from that post in 2007, but continues to remain an active campus leader and teaching scholar. Considering this high level of service to WKU, the community, and profession, his selection as a University Distinguished Professor is well-deserved. Potter College is very proud to call Rich one of our own.

Photo by: Clinton Lewis

Upcoming Events

Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
Category: General

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

7:30 P.M.

Capitol Arts Theatre, Downtown Bowling Green

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