WKU News

Western Kentucky University recognized fall 2024 graduates in three ceremonies on Friday at Diddle Arena. 

WKU conferred 1,002 degrees – 11 doctoral, 214 master’s, two specialist, 727 bachelor’s and 48 associate – as well as 123 undergraduate and 33 graduate certificates.

The 8 a.m. ceremony included graduates from the Potter College of Arts & Letters and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. The 10:30 a.m. ceremony included graduates from the Ogden College of Science & Engineering and Gordon Ford College of Business. The 1 p.m. ceremony included graduates of the College of Health and Human Services.

Each ceremony featured the conferral of degrees, congratulatory remarks from the college deans, recognition of first-generation graduates and honor graduates, recognition of veterans and members of the graduating class who are serving or have served in the military, and individual recognition of graduates. Fall 2024 graduates also are invited to attend the 2025 Commencement Ceremony on May 8. (More: Fall Recognition Ceremonies program; Recognition Ceremonies photo album)

Posthumous degree presentation

President Timothy C. Caboni and Dr. Terrance Brown, Dean of the Potter College of Arts & Letters, made a special degree presentation to the family of Kinsley Nicole deMontigny of Hendersonville, Tennesse, who passed away this year.

“Kinsley was a beloved member of our PCAL family, known for her infectious smile, boundless energy, and a spirit that radiated joy. Her presence enriched the lives of everyone she encountered—whether through her humor, her talent at the piano and guitar, or her ability to bring light to any room,” Dean Brown said. “Although Kinsley’s life was tragically cut short, her dedication to her education and her dreams remains an inspiration. She was a proud student in the Public Relations program, and it is evident that she poured her heart into every aspect of her time here at WKU, just as she did in all her pursuits.” 

An associate’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies was presented to Kinsley’s parents, Gerald and Lori deMontigny, and her brother, Ryan.

“Gerald, Lori, and Ryan, we hope this moment brings you pride in all that Kinsley accomplished and comfort in knowing the indelible impact she made during her time with us. Her memory will always be a cherished part of WKU. Thank you for sharing Kinsley with us. It has been an honor to recognize her today,” Dean Brown said.

Ogden Foundation Scholar

Kaylie Wise of Georgetown, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance with a concentration in Personal Financial Planning, was recognized as the Ogden Foundation Scholar during the 10:30 a.m. ceremony. WKU’s top undergraduate academic award is presented to one graduating baccalaureate degree senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and outstanding university and civic engagement.

Provost Bud Fischer noted that Wise “plans to enter the financial planning field with the goal of empowering families to make sound financial decisions and achieve their goals through education and guidance.” (Read more: Ogden Foundation Scholar found her passion at WKU)

Scholars of the College

WKU recognized 18 fall 2024 graduates as Scholars of the College. The Scholar of the College is the baccalaureate degree student in each undergraduate college with the highest cumulative overall grade-point average and a minimum of 60 semester hours earned in residence.

• Jess Arlinghaus of Burlington, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Potter College of Arts & Letters with a major in broadcasting. Arlinghaus is the daughter of Tim and Lisa Arlinghaus.
• Caitlyn Bell of Owensboro, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Potter College of Arts & Letters with majors in international affairs and political science. Bell is also a member of the Mahurin Honors College and is the daughter of John and Angela Bell.
• Emily Bryant of Martin, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering with a major in psychological science. Bryant is the daughter of Jill and Randy Bryant.
• Adam Burns of Bowling Green, Kentucky, is Scholar of the College of Health and Human Services with a major in physical education. Burns is the son of Darrell and Jennifer Burns.
• Whitley Coffman of Bowling Green, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Potter College of Arts & Letters with majors in history and social studies. Coffman is the daughter of Troy and LeAnn Pinson.
• Daniel Diaz of Bowling Green, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Potter College of Arts & Letters with majors in history and social studies. Diaz is the son of Amanda and Martin Diaz.
• Annabelle Goodman of Lascassas, Tennessee, is Scholar of the College of Education and Behavioral Science with a major in elementary education. Goodman is the daughter of John and Heather Goodman. 
• Eden Gruchala of Campbellsburg, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering with a major in biology. Gruchala is the daughter of James Gruchala and Sarah Keeton.
• Ellen Henderson of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, is Scholar of the Gordon Ford College of Business with a major in accounting. Henderson is also a member of the Mahurin Honors College and is the daughter of Leon and Beth Henderson. 
• Layne Jenkins of Cottontown, Tennessee, is Scholar of the Gordon Ford College of Business with a major in accounting. Jenkins is the son of Billy and Sarah Jenkins.
• Hannah Kramer of Glen Carbon, Illinois, is Scholar of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering with majors in physics and science and math education. Kramer is the daughter of Jeff and Diana Kramer.
• Samantha Martinez of Bowling Green, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Gordon Ford College of Business with a major in marketing. Martinez is the daughter of Henyderson Martinez and Betty De Freitas.
• Kailee Quisenberry of Owensboro, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Gordon Ford College of Business with a major in accounting. Quisenberry is also a member of the Mahurin Honors College and is the daughter of Michael and Katrina Quisenberry.
• Renee Reinhardt of Franklin, Tennessee, is Scholar of two colleges, the College of Education with a major in psychology and the Potter College of Arts & Letters with a major in Spanish. Reinhardt is also a member of the Mahurin Honors College and is the daughter of Leonard and Julie Reinhardt.
• Bailey Richardson of Louisville, Kentucky, is Scholar of the College of Education and Behavioral Science with a major in elementary education. Richardson is the fiancée of Devin Campos.
• Lara Simmons of Glasgow, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Gordon Ford College of Business with a major in management. Simmons is the daughter of Ann Proffitt and Eric Simmons.
• Eli Specht of Gallatin, Tennessee, is Scholar of the Gordon Ford College of Business with a major in accounting. Specht is the son of Mark Specht.
• Kaylie Wise of Georgetown, Kentucky, is Scholar of the Gordon Ford College of Business with a major in finance. Wise is the daughter of Christy and Billy Wise.

Ceremony notes

• The first ceremony included a marriage proposal as fall graduate Tijuan Neal II, who earned his master’s degree in student affairs, proposed to Taryn Calloway. Both are WKU alumni and employees. Neal is a Career Coach in the Advising and Career Development Center; Calloway is Coordinator of Leadership and Volunteerism in Student Activities.
• Sedrik Newbern, president of the WKU Alumni Association Board of Directors, welcomed graduates to the WKU Alumni family.
• Vocalist Keelin Murrell, Music Education major, led the National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, and the WKU alma mater, College Heights, accompanied by the WKU Brass Ensemble, directed by Dr. Gary Schallert.
• The December graduates included 27 student-athletes.

Contact: Registrar, (270) 745-3351

-WKU- 

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.