WKU News
Western Kentucky University Students Recognized as 2026 Teachers of Promise
- Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

Four education students from Western Kentucky University were recently honored at the 2nd Smoky Mountain Teachers of Promise Summit, a regional celebration recognizing exemplary future educators from colleges and universities from Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Hosted by the Teachers of Promise Foundation, the Summit brings together top teacher candidates for two days of professional learning, inspiration, and connection with outstanding mentors and education leaders from across the nation.
Since 2004, the Teachers of Promise community has honored more than 4,000 future teachers.
Honorees from Western Kentucky University honored this year include:
• Samantha Boska
• Mikayla Gambrel
• Samantha Hartoin
• Sommers Smith
“Our Teachers of Promise represent the future of excellence in the teaching profession,” said Wade Whitehead, Executive Director of the Teachers of Promise Foundation. “To meet them is inspiring. To walk beside them as they prepare for decades of impact in classrooms and communities is both our privilege and our responsibility.”
The Teachers of Promise Foundation identifies, celebrates, equips, and connects outstanding future educators, strengthening the pipeline of excellent teachers across the nation.
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WKU’s Bingocize® was recently highlighted at the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on fall prevention and senior independence.
Jun 5th, 2026
At its second quarterly meeting of the year held today (Friday), the Western Kentucky University Board of Regents approved the university’s operating budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
Jun 5th, 2026
Here is a listing of WKU events for Friday, June 5 through Saturday, June 27.
May 11th, 2026
H4 Orientation helps incoming WKU Honors students build friendships, connect with campus traditions, and start college with confidence before the fall semester begins.
May 4th, 2026
Michael E. D’Eramo, DHA, MHA, ACI, has accepted an appointment as a Community Scholar with the Institute for Rural Health at Western Kentucky University.
May 4th, 2026
This year, WKU Libraries recognizes Skylar Vacanti and Taylor Niggl as recipients of the 2026–2027 Connie Foster Student Scholarship.
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