WKU News

During its quarterly meeting on Friday (February 20), Western Kentucky University’s Board of Regents received first-phase renderings for Elevate WKU, a transformational public-private partnership (P3) with Gilbane that will include construction of a new 1,000-bed residence hall on the current site of Douglas Keen Hall and Hugh Poland Hall. The project represents a significant investment in the student experience and campus infrastructure and anchors a broader vision to reimagine WKU’s residential experience.

The new residence hall, part of the first phase of the Elevate WKU initiative, will provide modern amenities, enhanced community spaces and expanded living-learning options designed to support student success and engagement. 

WKU President Timothy C. Caboni highlighted the important role that residence halls can play in building connections among students. “On-campus living is a cornerstone of the WKU Experience,” he said. “Time spent in our residence halls fosters independence while cultivating a strong sense of community and lifelong connections among our Hilltoppers. This investment reflects our commitment to creating modern, competitive environments that meet the evolving expectations of our students and families. By taking this bold step forward, we are ensuring WKU remains a vibrant, student-centered university for generations to come.”

To learn more about the project and to view renderings of the new facility, visit https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=article&articleid=12917.

In addition to the housing update, the Board approved University Distinguished Professor appointments for Dr. Monica Burke, Professor of Counseling and Student Affairs, and Dr. Janet Tassell, Professor of Teacher Education, effective July 1, 2026. Following review by the University Distinguished Professorship Selection Committee and the Provost, both were recognized for sustained excellence and national effectiveness in their fields. Dr. Burke’s 27-year career at WKU reflects outstanding achievement in teaching, scholarship, leadership and service. Dr. Tassell is nationally recognized for her influential research in mathematics and gifted education, with nearly 100 publications, multiple books and approximately $5 million in external funding, including National Science Foundation grants and the prestigious Javits Award. 

The Board approved emeritus status for five faculty members. Emeritus status is granted to faculty who have served the university for at least ten years and demonstrated distinguished achievement and service. Those honored include: 

• Dr. Patricia Desrosiers, Professor of Social Work (College of Health and Human Services)
• Dr. Lance Hahn, Professor of Psychological Sciences (Ogden College of Science and Engineering)
• Dr. Kelly Madole, Professor of Psychological Sciences (Ogden College of Science and Engineering)
• Dr. Michael May, Professor of Earth, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences (Ogden College of Science and Engineering)
• Dr. Mark Robinson, Professor of Mathematics (Ogden College of Science and Engineering)

Also, the Board approved a slate of new academic programs and certificates set to launch in fall 2026.

The Board approved a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis to be housed in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. The program will prepare graduates for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification and help address growing demand for behavioral health professionals, particularly in underserved communities. 

Three new graduate certificates in the College of Health and Human Services – Digital Health and Data Management; Health Policy and Systems Management; and Sustainability Practices in Health Leadership – will provide focused training in emerging areas of healthcare administration and create additional pathways into WKU’s Master of Health Administration program. 

The Gordon Ford College of Business will offer a new undergraduate certificate in Global Economic Issues. The certificate will provide students from across disciplines a foundational knowledge of international economics, preparing them for careers connected to social sciences. The Ogden College of Science and Engineering will launch both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Disaster Science, preparing students for careers in emergency management, disaster mitigation and related fields. The Board also approved a Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Earth and Sustainability Sciences, consolidating existing programs into a streamlines degree with two concentrations focused on environmental and geoscience careers. 

To meet growing demand in data-driven industries, the Board approved a Graduate Certificate in Statistical Data Science through the Department of Mathematics. The certificate will provide advanced training in statistics, data science and numerical linear algebra, preparing graduates for roles in data science and additional research.

In the Potter College of Arts and Letters, the Board approved a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Advertising and Public Relations, combining existing programs into a single, modern degree that reflects the increasingly integrated communications industry. The Board also approved the suspension of the Bachelor of Arts in History and the Minor in Graphic Design as part of ongoing academic program alignment.

In other business, the Board accepted the NCAA compliance report for the 2024 fiscal year and approved the 2025-2026 statement of revenue and expenditures. The Board also approved a number of asset preservation projects, ongoing renovation work to Gordon Wilson Hall and upgrades to the university’s steam distribution system.

The Board will next meet on May 7 for Committee Meetings.

Contact: Jace Lux at jace.lux@wku.edu 

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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.