WKU News

At its second quarterly meeting of the year held today (Friday), the Western Kentucky University Board of Regents approved the university’s operating budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The $405.1 million budget represents an increase of approximately $1 million, or .25%, over the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and continues the university’s focus on long-term financial stability and strategic investment in institutional priorities. The budget supports WKU’s academic mission and ongoing operational needs while maintaining a fiscally conservative approach.

Tuition and fees remain the university’s largest source of revenue, accounting for 47% of the total revenue budget, followed by state appropriations at 21%. On the expenditure side, personnel costs, including faculty and staff salaries and fringe benefits, continue to represent the university’s largest category of expenses, followed by student financial aid. The budget reflects continued investments in the people and programs that support student success while balancing the university’s commitment to affordability and responsible financial management.

The FY 2027 budget also marks the second consecutive year WKU has adopted a structurally balanced budget without relying on carry forward funds. The FY 2026 budget was the first in more than two decades to achieve that milestone. University leaders noted the continued importance of maintaining a structurally balanced budget model that positions WKU to respond strategically to future opportunities and challenges while strengthening the institution’s long-term financial outlook.

“The approval of this budget reflects the university’s continued commitment to responsible stewardship and long-term financial sustainability,” said WKU President Timothy C. Caboni. “For the second consecutive year, WKU has adopted a structurally balanced budget without the use of carry forward funds, and that is a testament to the hard work and discipline demonstrated across the institution.”

“WKU continues to build on a strong financial foundation while remaining focused on student success and institutional priorities,” said Jan West, Chair of the WKU Board of Regents. “The Board appreciates the work of the administration, faculty and staff in positioning the university for continued stability and progress.”

The Board of Regents also approved the naming of a gallery space within the Charles Hardcastle Kentucky Building as the Charles Forrester Gallery in recognition of a gift from the Forrester family. Charles Howard Forrester (1928–2003) was WKU’s first sculpture professor, and he taught in the Department of Art from 1965-1992. He was instrumental in designing a sculpture facility that included a state-of-the-art metal casting foundry in the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center.

In other business, the Board of Regents:

• Approved a microgrid project at the WKU Innovation Campus to enhance energy resilience, ensure continuity of critical operations and support community emergency response capabilities
• Approved the suspension of the Master of Science in Kinesiology
• Approved the suspension of the Bachelor of Science in Geologic Services
• Approved the suspension of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies
• Approved the suspension of the Bachelor of Arts in Advertising
• Approved the suspension of the Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
• Approved faculty emeritus status for Amy Cappiccie, Professor of Social Work, and Larry Owens, Professor of Social Work
• Accepted the university’s financial report for the nine-month period ending March 31, 2026 and 2025
• Approved a number of routine personnel actions
• Approval of a line of credit renewal
• Approved the 2026-2027 Internal Audit Work Plan
• Approved an addendum to Head Baseball Coach Marc Rardin’s employment contract through June 30, 2030, with extensions possible through June 30, 2033
• Approved an athletic employment contract for Men’s and Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country Coach Lee Wood through June 30, 2030, with extensions possible through June 30, 2033
  

The Board will next meet on August 13 for its annual retreat and August 14 for the third quarterly meeting of the calendar year.

Contact: WKU Communications & Marketing, (270) 745-4295

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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.