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 2025-2026 fiscal year. The $404 million budget includes a 2% across-the-board salary increase for all university employees, effective January 2026. It also outlines a 3.6% tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students. The new budget represents an increase of approximately $9.8 million, or 2%, over the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Significantly, this marks the first time in over two decades that WKU has adopted a balanced budget without relying on carry-forward funds.

“After eight years of hard work and belt tightening by faculty and staff, the most important thing that comes out of this is that we have not only a structurally balanced budget, but that we aren’t using carry forward funds in the budget for the first time in 20 years,” said WKU President Timothy C. Caboni. “I appreciate the institution’s commitment to being fiscally conservative, and we’re going to continue that work.”

Additionally, the Board of Regents approved a new employment contract for President Caboni, who has served as the institution’s 10th president since 2017. The contract is valid through June 30, 2029 and establishes Caboni’s base salary, retention and bonus qualifications.

“On behalf of the entire WKU Board of Regents, I am honored to reaffirm our deep confidence in President Caboni’s leadership,” said W. Currie Milliken, Chair of the Board. “Since becoming president, Dr. Caboni has consistently shown a bold and forward-thinking approach that has elevated Western Kentucky University in meaningful ways. We are excited about the future with President Caboni at the helm and look forward to continued progress under his leadership.”

The regents also approved WKU’s Viewpoint Neutrality policy, as required by Kentucky House Bill 4, which was enacted by the Kentucky General Assembly on March 28, 2025. The bill mandates that all governing boards of public universities in the Commonwealth adopt a policy that promotes intellectual diversity and prohibits discrimination based on political or social viewpoints. In addition, the Board of Regents passed a resolution affirming their compliance with House Bill 4, stating that they have reviewed, been advised on and understand the bill’s requirements and are committed to ensuring full compliance at WKU.

In other business, the Board of Regents:

• Approved the suspension of the minor in Computer Information Systems, which will be replaced by a new minor in Artificial Intelligence and Analytics

• Approved the suspension of the Associate of Arts in Organizational Supervision

• Approved a graduate certificate in Professional and Technical Writing

•  Approved an undergraduate certificate in Substance Use Disorder

•  Approved faculty emeritus status for a number of faculty members

•  Approved the appointment at the initial rank of associate professor with tenure to Lindy Davidson, who will serve as the university’s new Director of the Mahurin Honors College

•  Approved the third quarter statement of revenue versus expenses for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025

• Approved a line of credit renewal

• Approved a number of routine personnel actions

• Approved the 2026-2032 six-year capital plan

• Approved the 2025-2026 internal audit plan

The Board will next meet on August 7 for its annual retreat and August 8 for the third quarterly meeting of the calendar year.

- 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.