WKU News

President Timothy C. Caboni presented the Spirit of WKU Award to Dr. Corinne Murphy. WKU Photo by Katie Corbin.

Western Kentucky University President Timothy C. Caboni officially opened the institution’s 120th academic year today during the annual Faculty and Staff Convocation in Van Meter Auditorium. The event provides an opportunity for faculty, staff and university leaders to celebrate recent achievements, recognize outstanding service and look ahead to the year’s priorities.

During his remarks, President Caboni reflected on the university’s accomplishments during the 2025-2026 academic year, highlighting the dedication and collective efforts of the WKU community. He also shared strategic goals and initiatives that will guide the university in the coming year, underscoring WKU’s continued focus on student success, academic excellence and meaningful community engagement.

As part of the program, President Caboni recognized Dr. Corinne Murphy, Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, as the 2026 recipient of the Spirit of WKU Award. The honor recognizes the faculty or staff member who best represents the vivacity, enthusiasm, loyalty and inspirational principals of WKU’s strategic plan, Climbing to Greater Heights.

The full text of President Caboni’s Convocation address is available at www.wku.edu/convocation.

Contact: Jace Lux, (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.