WKU News

Western Kentucky University in Glasgow honored graduates during the 2025 Graduand Recognition Ceremony on April 28 at the TJ Health Pavilion Community Room. The celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to recognize soon-to-be WKU graduates who have completed or are nearing the completion of their degrees.

Dr. Derick Strode, Director of WKU’s Regional Campuses, welcomed attendees, explaining the unique meaning of “graduand”—a student who has fulfilled or is close to fulfilling their degree requirements and is on the cusp of becoming a graduate. He emphasized the evening as the start of a series of graduation events culminating in WKU’s Topper Walk, Commencement, and college recognition ceremonies in Bowling Green.

“This evening is primarily a celebration of our graduates,” Dr. Strode said. “But it is also a celebration of the families, friends, faculty, staff, and community members who supported these students every step of the way.”

The program featured musical performances by graduating sisters Audrey and Autumn Moss, who performed “I Was Here” by Lady A, accompanied by their father, Kelly Moss. Graduating senior Claudia Jaggers, who is completing her degree in Psychology, delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of the Class of 2025.

Dr. Strode then introduced Chris Houchens, WKU alumus, former WKU in Glasgow student leader, and current General Manager for Commonwealth Broadcasting, who served as the emcee.

Houchens presented three distinguished awards:

• Scholar Award: Claudia Jaggers, for academic excellence and scholarly engagement
• Spirit Award: Shae Joinville, for exemplary leadership and campus involvement
• Dr. Juanita C. Bayless Awards: Layton Coffey and Joanna Furlong, for overcoming significant obstacles to achieve academic success

Following the awards, each graduate was honored individually and presented with the Glasgow Tartan stole—a symbol of their connection to WKU in Glasgow and the city’s Scottish heritage. Eighty-five December, May, and summer graduates from WKU in Glasgow are eligible for WKU Commencement.

Graduands recognized at this ceremony included the following:

• Bachelor of Science Elementary Education & Special Education: Eliza Akers       
• Elementary Education: Layton Coffey, Hannah Doyle, Josie Ford, Audrey Moss, Autumn Moss, Stella Simmons, Erica Woodson, and Shae Joinville
• Psychology: AJ Carroll, Kaylei Holt, and Claudia Jaggers   
• Interdisciplinary Studies: Abigail Britt, Haley Groce, Rachel Hill, Lisa Likens, Ashley Logsdon, Meryn Matthews, Kaitlyn Ploughe, and Joanna Furlong
• Agriculture: Kenzley Allara              
• Nursing: Abigail Proctor                   
• Masters of Arts, Advanced Behavior Management: Stacy Houk      
• Master of Arts, Organizational Leadership: Kristin Dale
• Associate of Arts, Organizational Supervision & Real Estate: Hannah Coomer      

The event concluded with a welcome from WKU Alumni Association representatives Krista Harris and Bryan Baysinger, remarks from Dr. Strode, and the distribution of diploma covers, grad packs, and celebratory cakes from Sweetheart Bakery.

“We are incredibly proud of our Glasgow Graduands,” said Dr. Strode. “Their resilience, dedication, and determination are inspiring. This campus, this community, and this university are better because of them.”

Graduates will next participate in WKU’s Commencement Week activities in Bowling Green on May 8 and 9.

For more photos and highlights from the event, follow WKU in Glasgow on Facebook.