Dear Colleagues,
I hope you’ve had an opportunity to enjoy some time away this summer with family and friends. The pace on our Hill certainly hasn’t slowed as we welcomed thousands of visitors through camps, conferences, workshops and youth programs, and I want to thank our faculty and staff who made those experiences memorable. Every visitor who spends time on our campus leaves with an impression of WKU, and your efforts continue to showcase our university’s best.
This summer also brought significant progress on several important institutional priorities. We reached financial close on Elevate WKU, our innovative public-private partnership with Gilbane Development Company that will transform the residential experience for generations of Hilltoppers while modernizing campus housing in a fiscally responsible way. This milestone represents significant planning and collaboration, and I’m excited to see this vision take shape.
In June, the Board of Regents approved WKU’s Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget. I’m especially proud that, for the second consecutive year, the university adopted a structurally balanced budget that does not rely on one-time carry-forward funds to close the gap. That achievement reflects thoughtful planning, careful stewardship of university resources and our collective commitment to WKU’s long-term financial strength.
Throughout the summer, I had the opportunity to visit Hilltopper alumni across Kentucky and beyond while meeting with community leaders, state legislators and Kentucky’s congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. Those conversations highlighted the deep pride and excitement so many have for WKU and reinforced the partnerships that advance our institutional mission.
Anyone who has been on campus this summer has undoubtedly noticed a substantial amount of infrastructure work underway. From replacing aging electrical systems to upgrading steam lines and other critical utilities, these projects represent important investments in WKU’s future. I appreciate your flexibility as you navigated construction, detours and inconveniences during your daily commutes and while traveling across campus.
Now, our attention turns to welcoming students back to our Hill and launching another exciting academic year. Our newest Hilltoppers will begin their WKU journey when M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan begins on August 18. This signature orientation experience introduces students to campus, helps them build relationships and provides the foundation for a successful transition to college. Thank you to the many faculty and staff members who volunteer each year as Cluster Facilitators and in countless other roles. Your willingness to invest your time in our newest students makes a meaningful difference.
Move-In Week will soon follow, bringing thousands of returning and new students back to campus. Every year, the kindness and enthusiasm shown by our faculty and staff help create a memorable first impression for students and their families. If your schedule allows, I encourage you to volunteer to help us extend a warm Hilltopper welcome.
Finally, we will officially begin the academic year together during
Faculty and Staff Convocation on Monday, August 17, at 10 a.m. in Van Meter Auditorium. Convocation offers an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate our momentum and look ahead to the opportunities before us. Then, on
Friday, August 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m., we will celebrate the start of the semester at our sixth annual
Topper Fest on South Lawn. This year’s event will feature live music from FUTURELUXE, food, activities, student athlete interactions and entertainment for students, employees and their families.
Thank you for your terrific work throughout the summer to prepare for the academic year. I look forward to seeing you soon as we welcome another outstanding class of Hilltoppers!
Go Tops!
Best,
Timothy C. Caboni
