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.
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.
May 27th, 2026
All seven of WKU's applicants for Department of Defense-funded Boren Scholarships earned $25,000 awards to fund an academic year of study in the Chinese Flagship Capstone Year in Taiwan beginning in Fall 2026.
May 26th, 2026
Morgan Hicks, a WKU nursing major and Gilman Scholar, will study public health in London and Amsterdam this summer, gaining global healthcare perspectives to support her future work with underserved and rural communities.
May 12th, 2026
The Kentucky Museum is hosting a “Kentucky Birthday Bash” on Saturday, May 30th from 10AM-2PM. This free, fun family-oriented event will be celebrating both Kentucky’s upcoming birthday, and the nearing America 250 anniversary.
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.
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