WKU News

The Western Kentucky University Board of Regents today approved a pre-development agreement with Gilbane, initiating the first phase of a bold, multi-year effort to modernize student housing on the Hill. The partnership marks a major milestone in WKU’s commitment to providing affordable, student-centered residential facilities and replacing aging infrastructure with high-quality, purpose-built living environments. Gilbane and WKU will continue planning and design work in the months ahead, with final project approval anticipated in late Spring or early Summer 2026.

Phase 1 of the development will replace Hugh Poland and Douglas Keen Halls with a new roughly 1,000-bed residential complex featuring suite-style options, community kitchens, collaborative lounges, expanded Living Learning Community spaces, technology-enabled learning environments, and enhanced safety and accessibility features. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2028.

Board Chair Jan West praised the initiative as a model of strategic investment. “Today’s vote signals our commitment to the long-term vitality of campus life at WKU,” West said. “By partnering with experienced professionals like Gilbane, we ensure future generations have high-quality places to live, learn and thrive.”

“This project represents a major step toward transforming the student experience,” said WKU President Timothy C. Caboni. “We remain committed to providing competitive housing rates while offering more choices and environments that support both academic success and personal growth.”

Gilbane was selected through a competitive RFP process earlier this year and brings national expertise in public-private student housing projects. Read more about the pre-development agreement with Gilbane at this link: https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=article&articleid=12850.

To support housing needs during construction and repairs to Regents and Normal Halls, the Board also authorized a lease agreement for property located at 1909 Creason Street (Campus Flats). The two-year lease begins August 1, 2026, with up to three annual extension options, ensuring adequate residential capacity during the transition period. 

In other business, the Board approved the suspension of the Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology due to sustained low enrollment. The core content of the program will be restructured into a concentration within the B.S. in Biology.

The following faculty were also recognized with emeritus appointments:

• Dr. Molly Kerby, Sociology

• Dr. Stacy Wilson, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

•  Dr. Margaret Gripshover, Earth, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences

In other business, the Board of Regents:

• Approved a number of sabbatical leaves

• Accepted the auditor’s report and financial statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025

• Approved the first quarter 2025–2026 statement of revenues and expenditures

• Approved a number of routine personnel actions

• Approved asset preservation pool capital projects for various campus improvements

• Accepted ownership and transfer of titles for 2311, 2315 and 2319 Nashville Road from the WKU Real Estate Corporation

• Granted easements to Warren County Water District and Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation

• Adopted an antisemitism policy in compliance with Kentucky Senate Joint Resolution 55, requiring all public university boards to establish policies combating antisemitism

The WKU Board of Regents will next convene February 20, 2026, to conduct committee meetings and its first quarterly meeting of the calendar year.

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Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.