WKU News

Dear Colleagues,

Recruitment and yield remain campus-wide, year-round responsibilities, essential to sustaining our momentum, supporting responsible resource planning and ensuring a high-quality experience for current and future Hilltoppers.

National workforce trends underscore our important work. By 2031, less than one-third of jobs filled nationally will go to individuals with only a high school diploma or less – a four-percentage point shift toward jobs requiring some college coursework compared to 2021. The work we do every day helps prepare our Hilltoppers for this future.

We begin the spring semester with strong application interest for fall 2026 and now turn our attention to converting that interest into enrollment through meaningful yield conversations focused on outcomes, readiness for future careers and the long-term value of a WKU degree. Compared to this time last year, we are seeing growth across our primary and secondary markets, with year-over-year increases in applications from Kentucky and our bordering states. The distinction between WKU and other public universities in the Commonwealth is increasingly clear, and as we continue to celebrate record-breaking retention and graduation rates and our standing as the top producer of undergraduate degrees and credentials among Kentucky’s comprehensive institutions, we are well positioned to share with admitted students what makes the WKU Experience both special and relevant.

Our applicant pool is also demonstrating its largest year-over-year growth in the top GPA bands. These students are highly sought after by other institutions, making our personal outreach and engagement more important than ever. Because we deliver brand differentiation through people and interactions, not just messaging, faculty and staff play a critical role in helping prospective students feel welcomed, supported and confident in their decision to attend WKU. A thoughtful conversation, timely response to a question or welcoming moment on campus often becomes the deciding factor.

One of our most effective assets in our ongoing recruitment and yield work remains our beautiful campus, and we continue to enhance The Hill with facilities and amenities that support student success. Renovations continue on Cherry Hall, our most iconic building. As we work to preserve its historical significance and restore much of its original character lost to decades of neglect and modifications, we will also thoughtfully equip it to serve future generations of students, faculty and staff. This work honors our past while preparing Cherry Hall for a vibrant future.

On March 24 at 10:00 a.m. we will dedicate the Tim and Sarah Ford Fieldhouse, a one-of-a-kind facility designed to serve as the home for our Forensics, Esports, Marching Band and Baseball programs and indoor practice area for Hilltopper Football. This transformational space represents a significant investment in student opportunity and engagement, and I hope you will join me for this special occasion. Watch for more building dedication details soon.

Additionally, we continue planning for a new facility to replace our aging Academic Complex, home to our College of Health and Human Services and our Public Media operations. This effort ensures that these vital programs have modern, functional spaces that support teaching, learning and service for future generations of Hilltoppers and the broader community.

Finally, I encourage you to join us in supporting our student-athletes and enjoying time with colleagues. We are pleased to offer faculty and staff two complimentary tickets and two vouchers for a hot dog and drink (soda or bottled water) for the Men’s Basketball game vs. New Mexico State at 6:30 p.m. on February 26. Tickets and vouchers may be picked up with a valid WKU ID at the E.A. Diddle Arena Tickets Office, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   

Thank you for all you do to support our students, strengthen our community and advance the mission of Western Kentucky University. Together, we are building a bright future for our Hilltoppers.

Go Tops!

Best, 

Timothy C. Caboni