WKU News

Western Kentucky University in Somerset celebrated its 2026 graduates during a special recognition ceremony held Monday, May 4, at Somerset Community College’s Meece Auditorium. Twenty-one students make up the Class of 2026, with 18 earning a degree Elementary Education, along with one graduate each in Sociology, Engineering Technology Management, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Dr. Derick Strode, director of WKU Regional Campuses, welcomed attendees and offered opening remarks. Dr. Korey Bruck, director of the University Center of Southern Kentucky, and Dr. Ron Meade, provost of Somerset Community College, shared congratulatory and encouraging messages with the graduates.

Dr. Corinne Murphy, dean of WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and Dr. Sue Keesey, director of WKU Teacher Education, presented education graduates with their Red Teacher Bags—a tradition for WKU Teacher Education majors. Each bag is filled with essential WKU items to support new educators as they begin their careers and prepare their classrooms.

Graduates were recognized individually and presented with WKU in Somerset stoles to wear during WKU Commencement and college recognition ceremonies.

Following the ceremony, graduates received commemorative cakes and WKU Alumni grad packs. The celebration continued with photos alongside family, friends, and WKU faculty and staff.

WKU Commencement exercises will take place Thursday, May 7, on the WKU main campus, where degrees will be officially conferred. Graduates will also be recognized during their respective college recognition ceremonies on Friday, May 8.

WKU in Somerset extends its sincere congratulations to the Class of 2026 and looks forward to their continued success.