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WKU in the News

Here is a selection of recent news stories about WKU:

September 14-21, 2023

Daily News 

  • GRREC gala raises funds for new educator scholarship: Educators and students from across the commonwealth joined the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative for a gala to raise funds for their inaugural educator scholarship. The new scholarship provides $2,000 each year of college – $8,000 in total – to a high school senior planning to attend Western Kentucky University to study education. 
  • WKU Big Red Band prepares to march on London: Western Kentucky University’s Big Red Band gathered Monday for what they thought was a group photo with President Timothy Caboni. Instead, they got a trip to London. 
  • North Warren Elementary announces new principal: Warren County Public Schools administrators and teachers welcomed the district’s newest principal to Smiths Grove. The district announced Wednesday that Nadina Alexander will be stepping into the position at North Warren Elementary after fall break. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Master of Science in library Media Education and Rank I in Educational Administration, all from Western Kentucky University. 
  • City of Bowling Green celebrates 178 newly naturalized citizens: Daniel Lopez, a graduate of Western Kentucky University, said he is excited to vote for the first time this November and feels a “bigger sense of pride” for the U.S. Alessa Lopez, a junior at WKU, said it was nice to finally change her status at her university. 
  • Former WKU provost and dean dies after cancer battle: Western Kentucky University Provost Emeritus Cheryl Stevens passed away Thursday morning. 
  • Famed oceanographer to speak at WKU: Oceanographer Robert Ballard has been around the world and to the depths of the sea. Now, he’s coming to Bowling Green. Ballard, most famous for discovering the wreckage of the RMS Titanic, will travel to Western Kentucky University in October to deliver his keynote address, “Deep Sea Exploration: Past, Present, and Future” – an exploration of his storied career, as the first speaker in the WKU Presidential Speaker Series. 

WNKY-TV 

  • WKU Athletics award for Rich Pond librarian: Kimberly Posey, librarian at Rich Pond Elementary, got a surprise from members of the WKU Cheer team and Big Red at work Tuesday. 
  • Combating Seasonal Affective Disorder: Others such as Western Kentucky University have begun looking for more engaging yet passive ways to raise the mental health quality of their students. Dean Corinne Murphy of the School of Education and Behavioral Science works with Chip, a therapy dog that helps people when they are feeling down. 
  • The WKU Marching Band is Taking On London: The WKU big red marching band is going to London for the London new years day parade. 
  • New principal announced at North Warren Elementary: A new principal was sworn in today at North Warren Elementary School in Smiths Grove after they had been using an interim principal. Nadina Alexander graduated from WKU in 2005 and has been working in elementary education ever since. She has held a variety of positions throughout her career but said she always wanted to be in administration, the fact that the school has a small town atmosphere makes it even better. 

WBKO-TV 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • WKU band accepts parade invitation in London: The WKU Big Red Marching Band has received an invitation to perform in the 2025 London New Year’s Day Parade.
  • Long-time physician to retire at month’s end: Dr. Paul Gerard, who has been known to deliver a baby and care for them throughout their life until death, is retiring after practicing medicine in Elizabethtown for more than 45 years. Dr. Gerard is a Bowling Green native who did his undergraduate work at Western Kentucky University. 

Lane Report 

WDRB-TV, Louisville 

Golfdom 

WSON-AM, Henderson 

  • Brian Newman named vice president at German American Bank: Brian Newman has been named the vice president of commercial banking at German American Bank. He earned a Master of Science degree in agronomy and a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural business and animal science from Western Kentucky University. 

DIY Photography 

  • NASA wants you to shoot the April 2024 total solar eclipse: A total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024. I’m sure many of you will take photos, and NASA wants you to help them do what you do best. The Agency’s recently funded initiative will use the eclipse to advance science while engaging the public. And yes, you can be among those who will be involved and contribute to science with your photos. Isn’t that great? The initiative is named SunSketcher 2024, and it will be one of NASA’s citizen science projects. The leader will be Gordon Emslie, a professor of physics and astronomy at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. 

Wallet Hub

  • States Most Affected by Student Loan Payments Moratorium Ending: Is it good or bad that the student loan payment moratorium is ending? The U.S. Department of Education responded to the COVID-19 crisis by setting interest rates to 0% and suspending payments for eligible student loan borrowers, a relief measure that lasted over three years. Unfortunately, for some borrowers, this beneficial initiative will conclude, as the agency recently announced the resumption of regular student loan interest rates on September 1, 2023, with student loan payments restarting in October. – Dr. Monica Galloway Burke, Professor, WKU Department of Counseling & Student Affairs

September 1-13, 2023

WKU Public Radio 

Daily News 

  • WKU students volunteer for NY Fashion Week: A few Western Kentucky University students will rub shoulders with international fashion designers in the hopes of jumpstarting their post-college career. 
  • WKU ROTC to host 13th Yates Memorial Run: Western Kentucky University's Army ROTC program will host its 13th annual Eric D. Yates Memorial Run on Sept. 16 to raise funds for the Yates Memorial scholarship. 
  • Kentucky Museum exhibit features WKU photographer: If you are ever on Western Kentucky University’s campus, you might catch a glimpse of university photographer Clinton Lewis at work, capturing moments of campus life through the lens of his camera. To celebrate Lewis’ 15 years on the Hill, the Kentucky Museum is hosting “The Lewis Lens,” an exhibit of his work, through March 2024. 
  • City schools students developing 'bag of tricks' thanks to cave research: Spindly-legged crickets and friendly orange cave salamanders have learned to share their home with a determined group of young researchers from Bowling Green City Schools. A multi-year partnership between Western Kentucky University, Mammoth Cave National Park and BGISD has given several middle and high schoolers the chance to spend time among the gypsum flowers of Great Onyx Cave, mapping the cavern’s waterways to earn valuable research experience. 

NASA 

  • 2 New Eclipse Projects Receive NASA Funding: Ahead of the total solar eclipse crossing North America on April 8, 2024, NASA has funded two more proposals that will use the eclipse to advance science while engaging the public. The new projects were awarded via NASA’s Heliophysics Innovation in Technology and Science (HITS) program. Led by Gordon Emslie, a professor of physics and astronomy at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, SunSketcher 2024 will become NASA’s newest citizen science project.  

WNKY-TV 

  • Feeling Fall: With fall fast approaching and the already unseasonably cool temperatures hanging around this week, many people may begin to think it is time to go and partake in their favorite fall activities. The good news is the leaves may begin changing very soon, especially out east, Shane Holinde of the Kentucky Mesonet and Climate Center predicts. 
  • WKU professor discusses how pop culture plays a role in politics: American Popular Culture Professor at Western Kentucky University, Dr. Tony Harkins, says, “Politicians want to seem like they are both sophisticated people, but also, of the people. So, the use of popular culture, or rather the integration of politics and popular culture, has a very long history.” 

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer 

WDRB-TV, Louisville 

WAVE-TV, Louisville 

WCLU-FM, Glasgow 

London Sentinel-Echo 

  • Hamilton Joins Elder Law Guidance as Associate Attorney: Elder Law Guidance, The Elder Law Practice of Scott E. Collins, PLLC, announces that Tressa Root Hamilton has joined the practice as an associate attorney. Hamilton completed her undergraduate studies at Western Kentucky University receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish. 

Sentinel News, Shelbyville 

WTOP-FM, Chevy Chase, MD 

  • What a College Minor Is and Why It Matters: While students may want to find a minor that complements their major, they should also consider how it will help them develop skills and experiences that could be valuable in their careers, says Fabián Álvarez, assistant English professor at Western Kentucky University.

UK Times, London 

  • Revealed: The four traits that make you the perfect partner – so, do you have them?: Whether it’s whipping out pick-up lines or receiving flowers, everyone has their own idea of romance. But experts now say that four key traits contribute to ‘romantic competence’. A new study, led by Western Kentucky University, claims that perceptual, behavioural, assortative and interactive factors all play a role in forming a happy relationship. 

Wallet Hub

  • Changes in Inflation by City: What are the main factors currently driving inflation? The same factors that led to the spike in inflation last year: (1) Supply chain issues, (2) Tight Labor market, (3) Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That said, all three major factors are easing. – Alex Lebedinsky, Interim Associate Dean and Professor of Economics, WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business

  • 2023's Best & Worst States for Teachers: How can local officials attract and retain the best teachers? The best way to attract and retain teachers is to make the job more human scale again. Schools should drop pseudo-therapy programs like social and emotional learning and focus once again on academics, insisting that families and the larger society do their part to help support students' emotional and social growth and the economic challenges that undermine academic success. – Dr. Gary W. Houchens, Director, Educational Leadership Doctoral Program, and Professor, School of Leadership & Professional Studies, WKU

August 11-31, 2023

Daily News 

  • Augmented reality company cuts ribbon on new regional headquarters: Western Kentucky University welcomed another burgeoning tech company to its Innovation Campus in Bowling Green. MyXR Inc., a software development company focused on engagement and augmented reality, held a ribbon cutting Tuesday to mark the opening of its regional headquarters on the campus. 
  • Vigil held for WKU student killed at Muse: Ayanna Morgan should have been enjoying her last year at Western Kentucky University. Instead, a vigil took the 21-year-old’s place at Guthrie Bell Tower on Tuesday. 
  • African American Museum reopens after 'generous' community help: Watheta Buford was supposed to return to work at Bowling Green’s African American Museum around two weeks after a tornado damaged the building in December 2021. But an electrical fire delayed her plans. “Our building was totally damaged,” said Buford, the museum’s project manager. “The building had to be totally remodeled, and this is Western Kentucky University’s building, so they had to redo everything.” 
  • WKU takes close look at research with one of world's largest microscopes: If you want something engraved into a human hair, a jolly German scientist named Martin Klein is the man to see. Klein is the inventor of one of the world’s largest electron microscopes, housed within Western Kentucky University’s Center for Research & Development. 
  • 10K Classic back for 44th year: The Med Center Health 10K Classic, known as "The Race for Everyone," is returning on Sept. 23 for its 44th year. The event, which begins outside of Houchens L.T. Smith Stadium, includes the 10K Classic, Children's Classic, 10K Wheelchair Race and the 5K Run/Walk. 
  • Locals share ideas for new Jennings Creek park: Dr. Jason Polk, director of Western Kentucky University’s Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies (CHNGES), was among the first to arrive in the area following the storm on Dec. 11. CHNGES was allotted twin $10,000 grants from the A.M. Rotary to install educational signage, a 3D stream model and a real-time water quality monitoring station at the park. 
  • Caboni says WKU can be BG's 'talent magnet': Western Kentucky University President Timothy Caboni dreams of a Bowling Green “Knowledge Town.” 
  • WKU board approves shared transportation contract with city: Western Kentucky University’s Board of Regents approved two new contracts last week, including one that will merge WKU transportation with the city of Bowling Green’s. 

WKU Public Radio 

WBKO-TV 

WNKY-TV 

  • MyXR opens new regional headquarters in Bowling Green: A new, unique business is making its way to the WKU Innovation Campus. MyXR, an augmented reality based company, is opening a new space in Bowling Green, bringing 60 new jobs to the community. 
  • Ayanna Morgan Vigil Service: Students and community members gather under Guthrie Bell Tower on WKU campus to honor their friend and classmate Ayanna Morgan who was murdered last month at the Muse Apartments. 
  • WKU and GO bg Transit work to further align: If you heard about changes to coming to the bus system in Bowling Green and Western Kentucky University, they’re going live now. 
  • African American Museum in BG hosts grand reopening: The African American Museum in Bowling Green is reopening after suffering damage from not only the 2021 tornado, but also an electrical fire that effectively gutted the inside of the structure. 

NPR 

Spectrum News 1 

Morning Ag Clips 

  • New executive director hopes to lead S.C. Botanical Garden to even greater heights: When Martin Hamilton first laid eyes upon the South Carolina Botanical Garden (SCBG), he was impressed by the diverse plant collection spread across nearly 300 acres throughout its mix of formal and natural areas. Hamilton earned a bachelor’s degree in 2000 from Western Kentucky University before going to work at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest where he had previously undertaken a summer internship. 

Grayson County News 

  • Schools spotlight apprenticeship program: Grayson County Schools recently shared the details of its apprenticeship program for students wishing to pursue a career in teaching. A 2021 Grayson County High School (GCHS) graduate, Ashley Dotson started her apprenticeship in November of 2019, and currently attends Western Kentucky University (WKU) to obtain her dual certification in Elementary Education and Special Education while also working with GCHS Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Cody Mooneyhan through her apprenticeship. 

August 2-10, 2023

WKU Public Radio 

  • Western Kentucky University introduces Narcan to all student housing ahead of fall semester: Western Kentucky University will begin keeping Narcan, a life-saving drug used to treat drug overdoses, in residence halls and Greek life houses during the fall semester. All WKU fraternity and sorority houses and student dormitories will be equipped with the drug, which will be stored in an accessible space for students or resident assistants to easily access during the event of an overdose. 

Daily News 

  • Four WKU programs receive support from Abound Credit Union: Four programs at Western Kentucky University have received support from Abound Credit Union. 
  • WKU PBS receives two Ohio Valley Regional Emmy awards: WKU Public Media staff members Joshua Niedwick and Jeff Petrocelli received Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Awards on July 29 at the 59th annual Emmy Awards Gala in Lawrenceburg, Ind. 
  • Honky-tonk haven to bring Nashville action to BG: A new business venture on Fountain Row is trying to lasso a slice of Nashville’s Broadway nightlife for downtown Bowling Green. Business owners Jackson Washer, Chris Gipson and Amber Pendley have spent the summer converting the former Ramen Bar location at 927 College St. into an old-fashioned country honky-tonk fit for any sized hoedown. “I think we’re here to deliver the Broadway experience at home,” said Gipson, a senior at Western Kentucky University. “I think that’s what it boils down to. Trying to save people an hour drive and (giving them) a safe way to get home.” 
  • Local school counselors selected for state advisory council: Three local school counselors have been selected to serve on this year’s School Counselor Advisory Council to provide input to Kentucky’s Department of Education. Courtney Benefield of Glasgow High, Alecia Bush of North Warren Elementary and Chesley Craine of Franklin Elementary — all graduates of Western Kentucky University — were three of the 27 new members announced July 24. 

WBKO-TV 

  • WKU residence halls and Greek life houses equipped with Narcan: According to the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, over 2,000 Kentuckians died from a drug overdose in 2022. While Western Kentucky University officials say no students contributed to that number, this fall they won’t be taking any chances. 

WNKY-TV 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • Abound Credit Union supports four WKU programs: Western Kentucky University administrators and staff gathered Wednesday with representatives of Abound Credit Union on Wednesday to recognize the financial institution’s support of four areas on campus. 
  • Lakewood Elementary has new principal days before school starts: Lakewood Elementary School teacher and former assistant principal Angela Pike will serve as the school’s leader. Pike is a graduate of Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and Western Kentucky University. She earned a master’s degree and two principal certifications from WKU. 

Spectrum News 1 

WTVQ-TV, Lexington 

  • Kentucky Mesonet opens new site in Lexington: On Wednesday, the Kentucky Mesonet revealed another mesonet site here in Kentucky which makes the 79th one in the state. This one is located on the north side of Fayette county on the University of Kentucky’s north farm. 

National Weather Service, Louisville 

  • New Kentucky Mesonet site: A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this past Wednesday to celebrate the installation of Kentucky Mesonet's latest automated weather station. The site is located north of Lexington at the University of Kentucky's Spindletop Farm and is a joint venture between Western Kentucky University and UK. 

WDKY-TV, Lexington 

WTNH-TV, New Haven, CT 

July 19-August 1, 2023

Daily News 

WNKY-TV 

WBKO-TV 

Spectrum News 1 

WLKY-TV, Louisville 

  • Kentucky school districts introducing new programs to combat teacher shortages: "We fully recognize this is not a K through 12 problem, this is a K-20 problem. If we do not prepare the next generation of teachers, universities will not have the next generation of highly prepared students," said Corinne Murphy, dean of college of education and behavioral sciences at Western Kentucky University. 

Kentucky Lantern 

  • Displaced students find educational refuge in Kentucky: Lauren Reyes is the assistant director for international student success at Western Kentucky University. She said that 15 WKU students received funding from the scholarship in spring 2023; according to Reyes, WKU has a robust international population due to Bowling Green’s status as a refugee resettlement city. 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

Lane Report 

KY NSF EPSCOR 

  • KY NSF EPSCOR Project At WKU’s SKyTeach Program Fosters STEM Teacher Development With Industry Partnerships: According to a 2020 report by Global Trade Magazine, Bowling Green, Kentucky was ranked number two out of twenty American cities for manufacturing. It is critical that our STEM teachers are well-prepared to educate students and encourage our youth to consider careers in STEM disciplines. The STEM Teacher Industry Partnership (STEM-TIP) was funded by the KY NSF EPSCOR to foster relationships among university STEM faculty, STEM teacher leaders, and manufacturing professionals in WKU’s service area. 

WDKY-TV, Lexington 

Corydon (IN) Democrat 

  • Camm joins Harrison County Purdue Extension office: Ariel Camm began her job as agriculture and natural resources educator with the Harrison County Extension Office on May 15, but she’s no stranger to the job. Camm worked as the office’s summer intern for two years — 2021 and 2022 — while she was a student at Western Kentucky University. 

WVEC-TV, Norfolk, VA 

July 8-18, 2023

Daily News 

Spectrum News 1 

WBKO-TV 

WNKY-TV 

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer 

  • Glimpsing the future: Hartz researching AI impact on human resources in companies: Seth Hartz, a 2020 Daviess County High School graduate, is exploring what potential impacts artificial intelligence could have on human resources within businesses. Hartz, a senior at Western Kentucky University, is participating in an internship at Owl’s Head Alloys BG in Bowling Green and has been tasked with researching how the AI program ChatGPT can help — or hinder — HR within the company. 

WLEX-TV, Lexington 

WKMG-TV, Orlando, FL 

June 27-July 7, 2023

WKU Public Radio 

Forbes 

  • Finding Tomorrow’s Teachers Among Today’s Students: “When I ask 1st and 2nd graders, 90 percent say they want to be a teacher,” explains Dr. Corrine Murphy, Dean of Western Kentucky University’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. “But then I go into a middle school and nobody raises their hand. What happens between those two times in a student's experience that we lose the excitement to become an educator?” 

Daily News 

  • Kentucky colleges react to SCOTUS affirmative action ruling: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a landmark decision ending affirmative action as a factor in college and university admissions processes. Kentucky universities say the decision will have little impact on their admissions. “At Western Kentucky University, our admission decisions were already based on an applicant's academic achievement, and those decisions didn't incorporate demographic characteristics, which would include race, when determining applicants' eligibility for admission," said Jace Lux, WKU spokesperson.  
  • Senior living care sees dramatic shortage of workers: If college-age students' interest in working within senior living services continues to decline, 10 to 20 years from now there won’t be enough workers to take care of those in senior living communities. “If staffing keeps declining the prices of these communities are going to skyrocket because there's going to be so much need and not enough care. Also quality of care would suffer,” said Riley Tagatz, a Western Kentucky University health care administration graduate.

WBKO-TV 

  • Kentucky’s inconsistent drought conditions expected to continue improving: Drought conditions across Kentucky have been inconsistent recently. Farmers will experience lower hay production which raises the cost of running a farm due to the upkeeping of livestock and crops. “If you look at hay supplies, the winter precipitation really helped with that first kind of pay. But then with April and May dryness, we saw hay, pretty much stuff growing and so that second cutting of hay just wasn’t there. That hay wasn’t growing,” said Kentucky State Climatologist, Dr. Jerry Brotzge, “and so now, even though it’s raining again and hays growing again, there is a dearth of the hay that we would have had otherwise.” 

WNKY-TV 

  • Teachers from Warren, Logan counties win teacher achievement awards: Two teachers, one from Warren County and one from Logan County, have been recognized as 2024 Teacher Achievement Award winners. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, Amber Dwyer of Alvaton Elementary School and ​Brandi Violette of Olmstead Elementary School are some of the 22 outstanding Kentucky educators chosen as recipients of the awards. Dwyer holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Western Kentucky University. Violette holds a bachelor’s degree in exceptional education from Western Kentucky University.

Spectrum News 1 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • Lakewood principal accepts role in HCS central office: Lakewood Elementary School Principal Shelee Clark has been asked to serve as the new director of education development and student support for Hardin County Schools. She is a graduate of Central Hardin High School and Western Kentucky University and holds a master’s degree and Rank I in educational leadership from WKU. 

WPSD-TV, Paducah 

  • College students biking across country to raise money for Alzheimer's: On May 20th, 12 college fraternity brothers from Western Kentucky University set out on a 3,600 mile bike ride across the country from San Francisco to Virginia Beach. The group, called Bike4ALZ, has a sole purpose of raising money and awareness for Alzheimer's Disease. 

June 8-26, 2023

WKU Public Radio 

  • Western Kentucky University breaks ground on a new multi-million dollar school of business: Western Kentucky University broke ground Wednesday on a new facility for the Gordon Ford College of Business. Construction on the new $74.4 million dollar facility is expected to begin this summer and will replace the current home of the business school, Grise Hall, which was built in 1967. WKU officials say the College of Business, the university’s fastest-growing program, needed upgraded facilities. 

Daily News 

  • Basil Griffin lake named for parks & rec pioneer: The lake at Basil Griffin Park now has a name, ensuring that a key figure in the history of Warren County Parks & Recreation is remembered forever. Dozens of relatives and friends of the late Jesse W. Thornton gathered by the 33-acre lake that now bears his name Thursday to honor the county’s first-ever director of parks and recreation and the man who laid the groundwork for the program more than 50 years ago. Jesse came back to Warren County and earned his bachelor’s and master’s at Western Kentucky University. 
  • Vaughn moves over to fill Warren East Middle's top spot: Jonathan Vaughn won’t have to walk very far to get to his new job. Vaughn was named the next principal of Warren East Middle School on Wednesday, relocating him by a mere 150 yards across the parking lot. Vaughn was a Hilltopper all throughout his higher education, achieving a bachelor’s in social studies, a master’s in education and certifications in administration, all at Western Kentucky University. 
  • 'Mr. Western' celebrates turning 101: Lee Robertson, a World War II veteran who has been dubbed “Mr. Western” for his allegiance to Western Kentucky University, celebrated his 101st birthday surrounded by friends and family at Mission BBQ Thursday afternoon. 
  • WKU alumna creates app to help detect breast cancer: While taking a shower before a class in 2003, Jessica Baladad, a freshman at Western Kentucky University, found a lump in her breast. Shortly after, she had the benign tumor removed but it put her in the habit of conducting a monthly breast self-exam which ended up saving her life in 2018 and lead to the creation of her app, “Feel For Your Life.” 
  • New Richardsville Elementary principal named: Lyndsey Thomason was named Richardsville Elementary School principal Tuesday afternoon. She will assume her new responsibility July 1. Thomason is a Bowling Green native. She attended elementary, middle and high school in the Warren County public school system before attending Western Kentucky University. 

WNKY-TV 

  • WKU offers teacher apprenticeship program: A newly created teacher apprenticeship program invites aspiring teachers to learn while they earn. The apprenticeship program is in collaboration with Western Kentucky University and identifies future teachers in high school. More than 100 teachers and school leaders were on campus Thursday to learn more about the new pathway for educators. 
  • Local businesses honored at Good Business summit: Several local businesses have been honored for their social and environmental impact. According to Western Kentucky University’s Innovation Campus, Logan Aluminum, Kobe Aluminum Automotive Products and Mike Murphy of Murphy Construction Group were honored by Canopy, a Kentucky nonprofit whose mission is to grow Kentucky businesses to positively impact people, our planet and our future. Bingocize was also among those recognized. 
  • Kentucky students gather at WKU SCATS for lessons on clowning, other creative interests: Summer camps are in full swing across the area, and Friday we found a few campers clowning around on the Western Kentucky University campus. 
  • Gordon Ford College of Business groundbreaking ceremony held today: Construction has begun on a new building on WKU’s campus. The highly anticipated new Gordon Ford College of Business building was dedicated this morning, which will be complete by the fall of 2025. 
  • WKU PD to purchase updated body armor, pistols with grant: This fall, Western Kentucky University will be better protected after the campus police department received more than $48,000 to upgrade weapons and equipment. 
  • Leah Renfrow named new principal of Allen County Primary Center: Superintendent Travis Hamby has announced Leah Renfrow has been named as the new Principal of Allen County Primary Center. A proud graduate of Western Kentucky University, Renfrow earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, as well as a master’s degree and rank 1 in school counseling. She further added to her qualifications by obtaining principal certification through WKU. 
  • Dr. Lyndsey Thomason named as new principal of Richardsville Elementary: Dr. Lyndsey Thomason has been selected as the next principal of Richardsville Elementary. Thomason completed her bachelor of arts in teacher education in physical education and her master of arts in physical education from Western Kentucky University. 
  • Kentucky Mesonet at WKU adds station in Russell County: The Kentucky Mesonet at Western Kentucky University is branching out. On Tuesday, a ribbon cutting celebrated a new weather and climate monitoring site in Russell County. 

WBKO-TV 

Frankfort State-Journal 

  • Mika to spend summer interning in Quarles' office: A Frankfort student has earned a summer internship in Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles’ office. Gracie Mika, who attends Western Kentucky University, will work alongside KDA employees learning the various programs the department is involved allowing them to gain insight into considering a future career within the ag industry and with KDA.

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • Hardin County Schools names new Cecilia Valley principal: Cecilia Valley Elementary School will have a new leader to start this next school year. Assistant Principal Casey Goodman will begin his service as the school’s new principal on July 1, according to a news release from Hardin County Schools. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Kentucky University. 

Lane Report 

  • Logan Aluminum wins Canopy ‘Good Business’ award, 3 others honored: “The WKU Innovation Campus is proud to partner with dynamic companies and entrepreneurs who are making positive impacts and elevating their communities through collaboration and innovation,” said Buddy Steen, Innovation Campus CEO. “By connecting, engaging, and recognizing forward-looking thinkers and innovators, we are better prepared to tackle challenges and grow the strengths and diversity of our region’s economy.” 
  • WKU breaks ground on new Gordon Ford College of Business building: Western Kentucky University broke ground Wednesday for a new state-of-the-art building to house the Gordon Ford College of Business. 

RFD-TV 

May 31-June 7, 2023

WKU Public Radio 

  • An "unexpected turn": WKU student from Ukraine adjusts to life in southern Kentucky as her nation fights against Russia's invasion: It’s been 15 months since the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, forcing thousands of Ukrainians to seek safety in other countries, and setting off a global crisis and displacing thousands. One of those displaced Ukranians is Mariia Novoselia, a native of the southern city of Odesa, a port city that sits on the Black Sea. Novoselia is also a student at Western Kentucky University. She came to Bowling Green as part of a global student exchange program, in January 2022 but those plans changed as she learned the invasion of her country had begun. 

Daily News 

WBKO-TV 

  • WCPS announces new principal of Richardsville Elementary: Warren County Public Schools announced Lyndsey Thomason as the next principal of Richardsville Elementary school at an event Tuesday night. Thomason completed her Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education in Physical Education and Master of Arts in Physical Education at Western Kentucky University. 
  • Hughes & Coleman Hometown Hero: Chris Patterson: If you’ve ever been to sporting events at Western Kentucky University or Simpson County schools, odds are you’ve heard the voice of Chris Patterson enthusiastically cheering on our local teams. 
  • Locals visit Duncan Hines Exhibit at Kentucky Museum ahead of ‘Duncan Hines Days’: The Kentucky Museum on the campus of Western Kentucky University is displaying the Duncan Hines Exhibit as part of the leadup to ‘Duncan Hines Days’ in Bowling Green. 
  • View from the Hill reporter changing her view: After 15 years of writing, producing, shooting, editing and airing View From the Hill, reporter Amy Bingham is hanging up her microphone. Prior to her 15 years at WKU, Bingham spent 15 years with WBKO News, at one time or another filling every position in the department. 
  • WKU Art Department hosts 2nd annual Professional Development Day for area art educators: Western Kentucky University’s Art Department hosted its second art-specific Professional Development Workshop at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center. 
  • The history behind the Duncan Hines: With the upcoming return of the annual ‘Duncan Hines Days’ celebrations, many are celebrating the iconic baking brand’s roots in Bowling Green. However, few know the history of the man behind the logo, and his beginnings as a traveling salesman. An exhibit at the Kentucky Museum on Western Kentucky University’s campus chronicles Hines’ life in detail, from his birth in Bowling Green to his rise to fame. 

WNKY-TV 

  • Kentucky Museum hosts Duncan Hines: A Food Odyssey: At the Kentucky Museum on WKU’s campus, Duncan Hines: A Food Odyssey took place. This 45-minute presentation was given by Duncan Hines Expert Jonathan Jeffrey featuring his research behind the newest exhibition, “Recommended by Duncan Hines”. 
  • Professional development at WKU: Local art teachers from local public schools, and just a few from Tennessee, visited Western for some fun and education.

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer 

  • Hamilton creates mobile laundry service: You would think that with three children between 16 months and 4 years old, Alix Hamilton would have more than enough laundry to do. But in April, the Chicago-area native opened Blue Laundry Co., a mobile laundry service that’s already gaining support. She came to Kentucky to study long-term care administration at Western Kentucky University. 
  • Grigsby named new principal at East View Elementary School: Daviess County Public Schools announced Wednesday that Jo Beth Grigsby will serve as principal of East View Elementary School beginning July 1. In 2006, Grigsby graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor of science in elementary education. 

Spectrum News 1 

  • New teacher, student appointed to Kentucky Board of Education: The Kentucky Department of Education has named a new teacher and student to serve on the state board of education. Alissa Riley, a 9th-12th grade teacher at Gateway Academy of Innovation and Technology in Christian County, will hold the teacher seat for the upcoming term. Riley received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2007 from Western Kentucky University, then served as a primary grade teacher for the first 13 years of her career. In 2016, she earned her master’s degree in teacher leadership, with an endorsement in WKU’s elementary math specialist program. 

WKDZ-FM, Cadiz 

  • Gateway Academy’s Riley Selected For One-Year KBE Appointment: A local teacher has been selected to be a non-voting member of the state’s board of education — one with Hopkinsville and Christian County ties. Revealed Tuesday by officials from the Kentucky Department of Education, Alissa Riley is a 9th-12th grade leader at Gateway Academy to Innovation and Technology. She will serve a one-year term. Riley received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2007 from Western Kentucky University, then went on to serve as a primary grade teacher for the first 13 years of her career. 

WTVF-TV, Nashville 

May 12-30, 2023

Daily News 

  • Homesteading and Preparedness Festival comes to Bowling Green: Three friends are bringing their love of homesteading to Bowling Green. They are hosting a Homesteading and Preparedness Festival that will be free to the public at the L.D. Brown Ag Expo Center on Oct. 28-29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. 
  • First public library for neurodiverse opens at LifeWorks: The first library dedicated to the neurodiverse population in Kentucky opened Tuesday morning at LifeWorks at Western Kentucky University through a partnership with the Warren County Public Library. 
  • Sculpture coming to SKyPAC as part of public arts push: The man chosen to capture all that was figurative sculptor Russ Faxon, a product of Western Kentucky University who was raised in Bowling Green. 
  • Warren East's Cloyd picked to lead South Warren Middle School: After 23 years of service at Warren East Middle School, David Cloyd decided it was time for a change. Cloyd was introduced as South Warren Middle School’s next principal on Wednesday, filling the role left by new South Warren High School principal Matt Deaton. A Western Kentucky University graduate, he began his career as a math teacher at WEMS in 2000 — also working as head football and basketball coach — before earning the assistant principal position. 
  • Bristow teacher honored for being a 'lighthouse': Wilmurth, a 2022 Western Kentucky University graduate in her first full year of teaching fourth grade English at Bristow Elementary, went on to become one of 10 teachers to win the inaugural award. 

WKU Public Radio 

WNKY-TV 

  • New work of art to be installed in front of SKyPAC: The Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center will soon be home to the newest work of a world renowned artist. The Public Arts Project was announced today in front of SKyPAC, where Bowling Green native Russ Faxon’s bronze sculpture will be installed. 
  • Sunrise Spotlight – WKU Summer Media Workshops: For today’s edition of Sunrise Spotlight, we sit down with Ryan Dearbone from Western Kentucky University to tell us about the fun opportunities the WKU summer media workshops offer. 
  • Warren County Public Schools names new principal of South Warren Middle School: David Cloyd has been selected as the next principal of South Warren Middle School. Cloyd earned his bachelor of science degree in middle grades education from Western Kentucky University, graduating magna cum laude. He also earned his master of arts in education administration and leadership, level II education administration and leadership and rank I supervisor of instruction, all from WKU. 
  • Devore named principal at Barren County Schools’ Hiseville Elementary School: Jonathan Devore has been named principal of Hiseville Elementary School. Devore earned his bachelor of science in middle grades education from Western Kentucky University. He continued at WKU to earn his master of arts, also in middle grades education, and his rank I in education leadership. 

WBKO-TV 

The Lane Report 

  • Three Kentucky middle school teachers selected as 2023 National STEM Scholars: Three Kentucky middle school teachers are among ten teachers from eight states who have been selected to participate in the prestigious National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program providing advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) training, national network building and project support for middle school science teachers nationwide. 
  • Education: Kentucky’s New Education Landscape: Western Kentucky University conducts academic program reviews on a five-year cycle, looking at the currency and sustainability of curriculum, innovation and revision opportunities, said Evelyn Thrasher, senior associate dean and professor of analytics and information systems at WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business. 
  • $1M awarded to encourage carbon-efficient tech innovation along I-65, I-75 corridors: Western Kentucky University, together with a team led by the University of Kentucky and with partners across Kentucky and Tennessee, has been awarded $1 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines, or NSF Engines, program. This team’s proposal, “Advancing carbon-centric circular economy technologies for advanced manufacturing solutions (KY, TN),” is led by a coalition named Generate Advanced Manufacturing Excellence for Change (GAME Change). 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • Stapleton fulfilling dream of impacting next generation: Taylor Stapleton recently graduated from Central Hardin High School and has known since she was 7 years old that she wanted to be a teacher. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA while taking dual-credit courses at EC3, the fulfillment of that dream now is in sight. Stapleton plans to attend the Elizabethtown campus of Western Kentucky University. 
  • Jury named HCS director of high school curriculum, instruction and assessment: Bluegrass Middle School Principal Tanya Jury is the new Hardin County Schools director of high school curriculum, instruction and assessment. Jury is a Washington County High School and Western Kentucky University graduate. 
  • West Hardin's new principal has ties to school: Christin Swords has been selected to serve as the next principal at West Hardin Middle School and will leave her job at the central office. Swords graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor of science degree in middle grades education. 
  • Johnson to retire from Lincoln Trail ADD after 38 years: After planning to be around for only a few years, Sherry Johnson is retiring from the Lincoln Trail Area Development District after 38 years of service to the region. After graduating from Western Kentucky University and working in public administration, Johnson did an internship at Green River ADD. She came to the Lincoln Trail ADD about three months after she completed her master’s degree. 

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer 

  • 'Never give up': Stites retiring from OPS after 14 years as fine arts coordinator: Tom Stites, fine arts coordinator for Owensboro Public Schools, will retire from his position after 14 years at the end of this academic year. Stites attended Western Kentucky University, where he majored in music. 
  • OCS names new chief education officer, K-3 principal: Tracy Conkright, who most recently served as principal of the 4-6 Campus, has been appointed OCS’ chief education officer. Conkright attended Western Kentucky University, where she received a B.A. in elementary education, a master’s degree in elementary education and her Rank 1 certification in instructional leadership. 

Spectrum News 1 

  • Everything is pretty in pink for owners of a top online boutique: Chris Gerbig is the co-founder and president of Pink Lily, a women’s boutique clothing company. Gerbig and his wife Tori started the company in their kitchen in 2014 to make some extra cash. Both he and his wife went to Western Kentucky University and thought Bowling Green would be a good place to set up shop. 

Madisonville Messenger 

  • Coleman named president of BHDM: Alisa Coleman has been named the new president of Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville. She has served as the interim president since Robert Ramey left last winter to become the president of Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown. Coleman has a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Western Kentucky University and is a native Kentuckian. 

WKDZ-FM, Cadiz 

  • Kentucky Mesonet Working On Expansion Plans: The Kentucky Mesonet program is looking to expand, even after a recent setback in western Kentucky. Shane Holinde, the Outreach Manager for the program that operates through Western Kentucky University, tells Your News Edge they have been busy lately. 

Live Science 

MegaBites 

  • Universities Around the World Compete to Improve Accessibility using Anthology Ally: “While we’ve been actively supporting faculty and staff in centering inclusivity in their online courses for years, this will be our first year participating in Fix Your Content Day,” said Dr. Hannah Digges Elliott, Senior Instructional Designer at Western Kentucky University. “We’re excited about the opportunity to encourage a little competition among our faculty and staff and ultimately continue to highlight the importance of more accessible content.” 

April 21-May 11, 2023

Daily News 

  • Documentary filmmaker to speak at Capitol: Documentary filmmaker and Western Kentucky University graduate Brett Culp will be speaking about his award-winning career at The Capitol at 7 p.m. Friday. 
  • WKU's 2024 budget calls for tuition increase: Western Kentucky University plans to increase tuition by 3%, which would mark the second time in as many years the institution has raised rates. 
  • 'Operational costs' vanquish city, university's e-bike program: Western Kentucky University and downtown Bowling Green’s electric bike service has come to an abrupt end. 
  • Region's musical traditions focus of future museum exhibit: Musicians – from Ragtime artist Ernest Hogan and "Newgrass" pioneer Sam Bush to homegrown hip-hop group Nappy Roots and rock band Cage the Elephant – have provided the soundtrack for southcentral Kentucky for more than a century. And now those pickers, crooners and rappers will be honored in an upcoming Kentucky Museum exhibit to be called "Sonic Landscape." 
  • Bowling Green refugees share experiences in adapting to new home: A trio of refugees got to share the challenges and successes – big and small – of adapting to life in Bowling Green Monday evening. The panel, held in the Knicely Conference Center on Western Kentucky University’s South Campus, came about in collaboration between WKU’s Office of Global Learning & International Affairs and the City of Bowling Green’s International Communities Liaison Division.
  • Major donation establishes chair position in history for WKU: A new chair has been added to the table thanks to a generous donation to Western Kentucky University. Formerly the Frockt Family Professorship in History, the endowed faculty position was elevated to chair status last week after a gift of $500,000 from WKU alumnus Richard Frockt.
  • Mills selected as principal of W.R. McNeill Elementary: Emily Mills has been selected as the next principal of W.R. McNeill Elementary School. She has earned a bachelors degree, Master of Arts, Elementary Math Specialist endorsement and principal certification from Western Kentucky University. 

WKU Public Radio 

WBKO-TV 

WNKY-TV 

  • Metcalfe Co. seniors participate in Educators Rising National Signing Day: Today, four Metcalfe County High School seniors participated in the 2023 Educators Rising National Signing Day. Metcalfe County Schools says the event was held for all upcoming graduates who have shown commitment to a postsecondary degree in education. Ada-Kathryn Bennett plans to attend Western Kentucky University and concentrate on agriculture education. Aidan Grindle, also committed to WKU, intends to study music education. Logan Phelps will attend WKU to pursue his career in elementary education. 
  • Leah Kate Pniewski named principal of North Jackson Elementary School: North Jackson Elementary School in Glasgow has named Leah Kate Pniewski as its new principal. Barren County Schools also says Pniewski received her bachelor of science in elementary education from Western Kentucky University in 2011.
  • Emily Mills selected as principal of W. R. McNeill Elementary: Bowling Green Independent School District superintendent Gary Fields has selected Emily Mills to serve as the next principal of the school. According to the school district, she has earned a bachelor’s, master of arts, elementary math specialist endorsement and principal certification from Western Kentucky University. 

Bluegrass Today 

WDRB-TV, Louisville 

  • New program provides Hardin County seniors with tuition help in return for guaranteed teaching positions: In a special ceremony Wednesday, seniors from various Hardin County high schools lined up to sign a contract, saying that HCS will pay them $350 per class they take wherever they go to college for as long as they're working on a bachelor's degree in education. In return, that student must teach for HCS for a least three years after graduation. And if they attend Western Kentucky University, WKU will pay for another $350 toward each class, meaning two-thirds of the cost will be covered. 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • Seven local students graduate from Gatton Academy: The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science graduated 90 students, including seven from either Hardin or LaRue counties, from across Kentucky in its 16th graduating class. 
  • Cooper always offers a hand up: Susan Cooper’s desire to see the disadvantaged rise above their circumstances led her to the bush of Africa and, more recently, to the position of director of grants and contracts for Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Western Kentucky University, Cooper taught and coached woman’s basketball at Berea College. After a couple of years, she joined the Peace Corps and headed to Africa. 
  • HCS students 'sign' on to teacher education initiative: In a ceremony traditionally reserved for student athletes, Hardin County Schools students have penned their commitment to their future career. The students signed letters of intent on becoming educators and return to their home district to begin their careers. Jeremiah Diaz will be attending Western Kentucky University to become a mathematics teacher.
  • Adams moves on as agent to work on farm full time: For almost a decade and a half, Matthew Adams has worked at the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service as an extension agent for agriculture and natural resources. Now, he’s resigning from his position to focus on his dream of farming full time. His last day at the Extension service is May 3. Adams worked as an agent for 13 years. He found his way into the position after first earning a program assistant position in 2010, shortly after graduating from Western Kentucky University. He then applied for and earned the agent position within months. 

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer 

  • Smith named OPS fine arts coordinator: Owensboro Public Schools announced Tuesday that Kara Smith has been named the district’s next coordinator of fine arts. Smith earned a bachelor of arts in music education from Western Kentucky University. 
  • Greer receives WKU educator award: Owensboro High School theater teacher Carolyn Greer received the Western Kentucky University Distinguished Educator Award for Visual and Performing Arts on Monday. 
  • 'It's been awesome': WKU-O graduates 30: Friends and family members filled the Donald J. Blandford Lecture Hall inside the Humanities Building on Owensboro Technical & Community College’s campus Tuesday to celebrate the accomplishments of Western Kentucky University-Owensboro’s 30-student graduating class. 

Owensboro Times 

  • Greer receives WKU Distinguished Educator Award: Owensboro High School theatre teacher Carolyn Greer was surprised Monday morning with the Western Kentucky University Distinguished Educator Award for her work in Visual and Performing Arts. 

WFIE-TV, Evansville, IN 

  • Owensboro teacher receives WKU Distinguished Educators Award: An Owensboro High School teacher was surprised with an award from Western Kentucky University Monday morning. Longstanding theatre teacher, Carolyn Greer, received one of the university’s “Distinguished Educator awards for Visual and Performing Arts”. 

Leader-News, Central City 

  • Sisters publish children’s book decades in the making: Sisters Linda Wade and Leigh Ellen Stewart sat at the dining room table in their mother’s house. A book signing at a local coffee shop last month for their book, “Herby’s Friend”, had been a surprising success. Linda, the author, was more surprised than Leigh Ellen, who illustrated the book. Their paths had diverged many years ago, after leaving home. Leigh Ellen studied Commercial Art and then Art Education at Western Kentucky University, while Linda was a stay-at-home mom living in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her military husband Stewart and two small children.

Northern Kentucky Tribune 

WJRS-FM, Russell Springs 

MarketWatch 

  • Universities Around the World Compete to Improve Accessibility using Anthology Ally: "While we've been actively supporting faculty and staff in centering inclusivity in their online courses for years, this will be our first year participating in Fix Your Content Day," said Dr. Hannah Digges Elliott, Senior Instructional Designer at Western Kentucky University. "We're excited about the opportunity to encourage a little competition among our faculty and staff and ultimately continue to highlight the importance of more accessible content." 

Prime News Print 

Wallet Hub

  • What to Do After a Car Accident: Should a driver always report an accident to their insurance company, regardless of the scale? From an Economics point of view, this decision should be evaluated by considering the costs and benefits of such action. -- J. Sebastian Leguizamon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics, Gordon Ford College of Business

March 28-April 20, 2023

Daily News

  • Mandrapa, Sales earn chamber awards: Sales took home the Athena Award that goes to a female business leader who provides service to the community and helps other women achieve success. A Franklin native, Sales has earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees at Western Kentucky University and now serves as WKU dean of students and assistant vice president of student life.
  • 'Mission's accomplished.' Veterans center named after Col. Robert E. Spiller, Korean and Vietnam War vet: Col. Robert E. Spiller had two missions in life – taking care of the poor and needy and getting a veterans nursing home in Bowling Green. Spiller lived a life of service. He moved from his hometown of Philadelphia to Bowling Green to attend Western Kentucky University, where he graduated with a degree in history in 1949. 
  • WKU students to put on Western-themed fashion show: Put on your cowboy hat, dust off your boots and head on over to the Charleston on Monday, April 24, for a Boots and Buckle Fashion Show. At 7 p.m., Western Kentucky University fashion merchandising students will present a Western-themed fashion show at the downtown venue. The event is free and is expected to last a little over an hour.
  • New home for WKU business college unveiled: Renderings have been unveiled for Western Kentucky University’s future business building, which offers a nod to the old and a look to the future.
  • WKU alum, published author returns to where writing career took flight: A published Hilltopper stopped by her old stomping ground this week to share her writing with students. Erin Slaughter was a member of the first cohort in WKU’s creative writing MFA program, graduating in 2017. She is the editor and co-founder of literary journal “The Hunger” and just finished her PhD at Florida State University.
  • Augmented reality company to make WKU Innovation Campus regional HQ: A San Francisco-based software company specializing in augmented reality and immersive technologies is setting up its regional headquarters in Bowling Green. MyXR, which creates platforms on which these kinds of technologies can be used, will be the newest addition to Western Kentucky University’s Innovation Campus. The move will create 60 full-time jobs. 
  • Gaines lecture tackles representation in media: Listening, not just “covering,” was the focus of this year’s John B. Gaines Family lecture series. The event brought three women of color in journalism to Western Kentucky University’s Jody Richards Hall on Wednesday night to talk about the importance of representation in news media.
  • Top NYC fashion photographer to give talk at WKU: New York City-based fashion photographer Bell Soto is set to visit Western Kentucky University this month to give a talk and work with fashion students.
  • Deaton tabbed as South Warren High School principal: South Warren High School has chosen a longtime Spartan for its next principal. Matt Deaton, who has served as the principal of South Warren Middle School since 2021, was announced as the high school’s next leader on Wednesday. Deaton is a Hilltopper, completing his bachelor’s in social studies with secondary certification at Western Kentucky University.
  • Unique future teacher program gets underway: Nelson County School District high schoolers participating in a unique teacher education program with Western Kentucky University got a taste of the college experience Tuesday.
  • 'Permanent pipeline' the goal of new teacher apprenticeship program: Western Kentucky University is collaborating with Nelson County Schools in a unique apprenticeship program to combat the state’s teacher shortage. 

WKU Public Radio

WNKY-TV

WBKO-TV

  • Beshear names Bowling Green Veterans Center in honor of the late Col. Robert E. Spiller: Gov. Andy Beshear joined veterans, state and local leaders and veteran service organization representatives on Wednesday to announce the new Bowling Green Veterans Center will be named after the late Col. Robert E. “Bob” Spiller, USA Retired. Spiller was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and came to Bowling Green to attend Western Kentucky University, where he met his wife of 66 years, Bowling Green native Cora Jane Morningstar. Spiller graduated from WKU in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in history in 1950.
  • BG Chamber of Commerce announces winners of 2023 Excellence Awards: The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Excellence Awards ceremony today, highlighting small business owners and celebrating women in business. Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs at Western Kentucky University, Dr. Martha Sales, was the recipient of the Athena Award.
  • WKU 1 of 11 schools to beat TVA investment challenge: The Tennessee Valley Authority announced Tuesday that nearly 50% of the 25 university teams participating, including WKU, in the agency’s Investment Challenge Program (ICP) beat the S&P 500 Total Return Index for the calendar year 2022.
  • WKU in Glasgow announces students accepted into Fall 2023 Early College Program: WKU in Glasgow has announced the inaugural Early College at WKU in Glasgow class. Seventy-three students from seven partner high schools have been admitted and will begin this August.
  • 31 WKU students selected as 2023-24 Spirit Masters: Thirty-one Western Kentucky University students have been selected as Spirit Masters for the 2023-24 year.
  • WKU unveils plans for the new home of the Gordon Ford College of Business: WKU’s Board of Regents unveiled plans for the new home of the Gordon Ford College of Business.
  • Bowling Green welcomes “emerging technology” with MyXR, Inc.: A new tech company will be coming to Bowling Green soon. MyXR, Inc. is set to arrive in the early summer, and bring in over 60 jobs. The company specializes in augmented reality and engagement platforms for businesses. The company will be housed in a 1,200-foot space at the Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus Headquarters, all part of a city effort to bring emerging technology to Bowling Green.

Lane Report

  • Hargrove Firm LLP is pleased to announce that Watson has been named partner: Ramsey Steele Easley Watson has been named partner at Hargrove Firm LLP. She has focused her practice on high-net-worth estate planning and trust and estate administration for nearly a decade. Ramsey graduated from Western Kentucky University with a double major in Psychology and Political Science. 
  • WKU unveils plans for new Gordon Ford College of Business building: Western Kentucky University unveiled plans today for a new state-of-the-art building to house the Gordon Ford College of Business, a 113,000-s.f. structure that will transform undergraduate and graduate business education in the region and fulfill an important component of WKU’s 2021-2031 Campus Master Plan. 
  • MyXR Inc. to locate regional headquarters at WKU innovation campus: Augmented reality and engagement software company MyXR Inc. has committed to locating its new regional headquarters at the Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus in Bowling Green and will create 60 full-time positions. 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise

  • Robbins follows in family’s footsteps: With a heart for serving children, especially those with special needs, Hannah Robbins is pursuing a career in early childhood education and by doing so, is following in the footsteps of her family before her. After high school, Robbins plans to attend Western Kentucky University at the Elizabethtown campus. Robbins said that Hardin County Schools teamed up with Western Kentucky University to offer tuition assistance to students currently enrolled in the early childhood education program. 

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

  • White named OPS director of alternative programs: Owensboro Public Schools announced Monday that Rocky White will be the district’s next director of alternative programs beginning July 1. White earned his masters in exceptional education from Western Kentucky University.
  • Owensboro native senior VP with Walmart: In 1995, Glenda Fleming Willis, a graduate of Owensboro High School and Western Kentucky University, was an electrical engineer at Bowling Green Municipal Utilities, making $15 to $17 an hour. Flash forward 28 years and she’s now a senior vice president for 900 Walmart supercenters in eight states, including Kentucky. 
  • DCPS announces Bishop as County Heights principal: Daviess County Public Schools announced Wednesday that Brandy Bishop will be the principal of Country Heights Elementary School beginning July 1. Bishop graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2013 with a masters of arts in educational leadership. 
  • Storm selected as director of OPS' multi-tiered systems of support: Newton Parrish Elementary School principal Alicia Storm will become director of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) for Owensboro Public Schools on July 1. She has a masters in education administration and Rank I from Western Kentucky University.

Talking Biz News

  • Fashion Dive hires Deppen as a reporter: Industry Dive publication Fashion Dive has hired Laurel Deppen as a reporter. She is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she was editor in chief of the student newspaper, the College Heights Herald. 

KET Kentucky Edition 

March 11-27, 2023

Daily News 

  • SOKY Bookfest brings inspiration, personal connection: The Knicely Center conference room is silent, save for the hum of the building and the scratching of pen on paper. It’s Saturday morning, at the 24th annual SOKY Bookfest, and a group of about 30 writers are building worlds and the characters that live within them. 
  • More than $93,000 raised at 9th annual Dance Big Red: Western Kentucky University students raised $93,522.45 to benefit pediatric cardiovascular services and pediatric cancer care at Norton Children’s Hospital at the ninth annual Dance Big Red in the Raymond B. Preston Health & Activities Center on Friday night. 
  • WCPS announces 2023 Hall of Distinguished Alumni: Warren County Public Schools will induct seven alumni into its Hall of Distinguished Alumni on May 5. Members of the 2023 WCPS Hall of Distinguished Alumni Class include John. H. Bailey Jr., Paula L. Barnes, J.D., C. Daniel Benson, M.D., Dr. Alfred Leland Crabb, Meliha Hrustanovic-Kadic, Ret. LCDR Jason Thomas, USN and Brig. Gen. Todd Wiles. 
  • 'World needs more Marie Smiths': After graduating from Warren County High School and studying at Bowling Green Business University and Western Kentucky University, Smith was looking for work in 1964. 
  • Recreation for all: Levis creates opportunities for disabled populations: Levis, special populations coordinator with Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, is the third generation of his family to work in the discipline, creating opportunities for people with physical and intellectual disabilities to participate. His grandfather taught kinesiology, recreation and sport at WKU for the entirety of his career, leading Levis’ mother – Betty Jean “BJ” Little Levis – to enter the field as well. 
  • Sales pro Webb still selling Bowling Green: Webb’s path to business ownership almost took a detour. After graduating from Edmonson County High School in 1962, he studied economics and sociology at Western Kentucky University and completed teacher certification. 
  • Passing down the paranormal: WKU retiree collecting university's ghost stories: Western Kentucky University has its fair share of spooky tales, and one longtime Hilltopper has made it her mission to document and preserve the Hill’s paranormal history. Since her retirement from the university, Dr. Tamela Smith has been working as a full-time paranormal researcher, conducting over 80 interviews with folks sharing their own ghostly encounters at WKU to compile a history book on the subject. 
  • Tyreon Clark: a mentor, coach and visionary: In 2021, he co-founded Jonesville Academy with Aurelia Spaulding to pay homage to the former Jonesville community that once existed on WKU’s campus. Jonesville Academy operates 14 Saturdays a year, empowering young Black men to know that they can and will be successful with specialized education. 
  • WKU program seeks to build bridges for refugee students: When Afghanistan's government fell to the Taliban, Ataullah Tahiri fled. In November 2021, after several stops and weeks of processing, he arrived in Bowling Green, considered a safe place for young refugees coming to America with nothing, Tahiri said. 
  • 'It's a game-changer': WKU grad student named first recipient of MIT fellowship: Western Kentucky University folk studies graduate student Lamont “Jack” Pearley was named the first recipient of the MIT OpenDocLab Kentucky-based fellowship last week.

WNKY-TV 

WBKO-TV 

  • African American Museum training to restore damaged artifacts: The Bowling Green African American Museum was created in 2006 to preserve black culture and honor the many achievements and contributions of people of color in Bowling Green and South Central Kentucky. 
  • WKU hosts goat yoga session to help students: Western Kentucky University held their second goat yoga session for this school year. Goat Yoga takes the medicinal benefits of yoga, like increased flexibility and blood flow, and adds the serotonin boost of getting to play with goats. 

Kentucky Teacher 

Kentucky Standard, Bardstown 

  • Nelson County unveils teacher apprenticeship: Tuesday, Nelson County Schools announced a first-of-its-kind teacher apprenticeship program to students and community members alike. The new apprenticeship program is in partnership with Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and Western Kentucky University. 
  • Bardstown student selected for West Point: Bardstown High School’s Reagan Phelps continues to go above and beyond in pursuit of purpose due in part to her recent acceptance of appoint to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. In her senior year at Gatton Academy at Western Kentucky University, she said she owes all her next steps to her time at the school.

WDRB-TV, Louisville 

  • Nelson County Schools, WKU partnering for teacher apprenticeship program: A Kentucky school district is leading a new program that could be a national model for communities wanting to address a teacher shortage. Nelson County Schools partnered with Western Kentucky University (WKU) to create a K-12 teacher apprenticeship program through Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky. 

KET Kentucky Edition 

People 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • LaRue County teacher inducted into YMCA Hall of Fame: Kendrick Bryan is a history and social studies teacher at LaRue County High School, but his influence carries far beyond the classroom. Bryan was recently inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame. Bryan graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in history and social studies. 

London Sentinel-Echo 

  • Scholarship opportunity for Student Fellows program at SCC: If you have ever wanted a career as a teacher, there is no better time than now. If you have ever wanted a scholarship to help you become a teacher, there’s no better place to begin than Somerset Community College (SCC). The college has funding available to support students pursuing the Elementary Education Teacher transfer program to Western Kentucky University (WKU). The Student Fellows program offers a scholarship for up to two years at SCC, before transferring to WKU for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. 

The Delta, Sigma Nu Fraternity 

  • A Life Well Traveled, John Ludwig (Western Kentucky) – A Brother That Still Has Many Miles To Go: Growing up in Rahway, New Jersey, during his teens, John often went to a small grass airfield to take flying lessons in a J-3 Piper Cub, paid with money working after school hours at the local Dairy Queen. Becoming a pilot was John’s ongoing ambition. After graduating High School, John eventually attended Western Kentucky University, graduating (Jan of 1968) with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology. 

Lebanon Enterprise 

  • Marion County student has planned her future: Most high school students have no idea what they will be doing a week from now, much less what road they want to travel in their lives. It takes just a short conversation with Marion County senior Ericka Hoppes to realize she is not like most of her counterparts. Since the beginning of her junior year, she has been attending The Gatton Academy on the campus of Western Kentucky University. 

March 2-10, 2023

Daily News 

  • WKU among those concerned by Maddox shell bill to allow guns on campuses: Kentucky’s college campuses have long been gun-free zones. Under current law, postsecondary educational institutions are allowed to limit possession of deadly weapons on their property, including concealed carry. Western Kentucky University’s Chief of Police Mitch Walker testified to the House committee in opposition to the bill. 
  • WKU updates student conduct policy to match state legislation: Western Kentucky University’s Board of Regents affirmed WKU’s admissions and student conduct policies at its quarterly meeting Friday, the latter of which has been revised to include provisions laid out by 2022’s House Bill 290. 
  • Walk for autism April has multiple events: The Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex at WKU is a place where families are accepted and supported while navigating unique challenges that others may not understand. The CEC enhances socialization and communication skills while enriching the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by autism, developmental delays and disabilities. The CEC is comprised of the Renshaw Early Childhood Center, the Communication Disorders Clinic, the Family Resource Program, the Kelly Autism Program, and LifeWorks at WKU. 
  • Lt. Gov. Coleman promotes administration's Education First Plan: Lucas Firkins, Western Kentucky University teacher education major, spoke at the event. He said that the low pay is something every college student who wants to become a teacher has to consider before making career decisions. 

WKU Public Radio 

  • Ban on Kentucky college 'gun free zones' added to unrelated bill advances: Kentucky colleges and universities wouldn’t be able to ban concealed guns from campus buildings under a surprise bill advanced by state lawmakers Tuesday. Mitch Walker, police chief at Western Kentucky University, said he was concerned people carrying firearms on campus wouldn’t have enough training or store weapons safely. 

WBKO-TV 

WNKY-TV 

  • WKU students host international potluck to encourage connection: International students are making connections and finding a sense of belonging at the dinner table. Students gathered for an international potluck Monday night. The event hosted by WKU’s Language Greenhouse program encourages students from the U.S. and abroad to share their culture and experiences through food. 
  • Gatton Academy student accepted to West Point Military Academy: A Gatton Academy student has been bestowed a high honor. Reagan Phelps, who is currently a student at Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, has been appointed to West Point Military Academy. 

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer 

  • Hamilton named Young Farmer Association’s Member of the Year: When it comes to farming, Cole Hamilton has always considered himself an underdog. Hamilton, a 2014 Daviess County High School graduate, earned his associate’s degree from Owensboro Community & Technical College’s agricultural program before receiving his bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Western Kentucky University in 2017. 

Spectrum News 1 

  • Republicans advance measure to ban gun-free zones at Kentucky colleges, universities: Mitch Walker, chief of police at Western Kentucky University and president of the Kentucky Association of University Law Enforcement Administrators, spoke at the committee meeting. Walker told lawmakers his organization opposes the bill. In a letter to lawmakers, the organization stated that, “Any legislation allowing for the introduction of guns into the campus may create an unsecure campus environment.” 

WCLU-FM, Glasgow 

February 18-March 1, 2023

Daily News 

WBKO-TV 

WKU Public Radio 

  • Overdose reversal drug coming to WKU dormitories: Students at Western Kentucky University will soon have access to Narcan. The nasal spray capable of reversing the effects of opioid overdoses will be available at all 15 dormitories on campus by the fall semester. 

WNKY-TV 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • E’town teacher, native focuses on first grade: At Morningside Elementary School, first-grade teacher Victoria Lynn’s students are listening and are focused, but she’s also conversational with them. For eight straight years, Lynn has taught first grade. She said she enjoys teaching that foundational level of education. Lynn earned the 2023 Elizabethtown Independent Schools WHAS-11 ExCEL Award presented by LG&E KU. Lynn graduated from Western Kentucky University with her bachelor’s in elementary education. 
  • HCS to provide aid to graduates going into education fields: Hardin County Schools is enacting a new program to help with the ongoing teacher shortage in the area. However, the partnership between HCS and Western Kentucky University will pay more for these graduates if they enroll at WKU since the university will match the HCS contribution. 

WLKY-TV, Louisville 

WHAS-TV, Louisville 

Grayson County News 

  • Snyder eager for opportunity with WKU football: Kole Snyder’s love for football and coaching is taking him to the sidelines of the Western Kentucky University program. Snyder, 17, will graduate in May from Grayson County High School, and, about a month before school begins this fall, he will start in the program as a student equipment manager. 

Paducah Sun 

  • Graves teen aiming for pharmacy school: Aubrey Morse, 17, wants to apply to pharmacy school by 19 — not unrealistic with the right grit and opportunity. Morse attends The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, an early-college entrance program at Western Kentucky University. 

February 10-17, 2023

WKU Public Radio 

KET 

Daily News 

WNKY-TV 

  • What Happened to Jonesville? exhibit on display at WKU: Jonesville was a vibrant African American community in Bowling Green from 1881 to the 1960s.  “It’s amazing how many people were like I had no idea that this happened to this particular community here in Bowling Green,” said Kentucky Museum Executive Director Brent Bjorkman. 

WBKO-TV 

  • WKU awarded $460,000 to upgrade research equipment: Western Kentucky University will receive $460,000 in federal funding through the Fund to Improve Post Secondary Education (FIPSE) to upgrade instrumentation and equipment in five research centers in the WKU Applied Research and Technology Program (ARTP). 
  • WKU economics professor details effects of Kentucky H.B. 1: As a result of eliminating the state income tax, the Kentucky sales tax could increase to make up for lost revenue. This is something that Dr. Sebastian Leguizamon, associate professor of Economics at Western Kentucky University, said the state could benefit from. 

WCLU-FM, Glasgow 

Building Kentucky 

  • Renowned folklorist Lamont Jack Pearley joins the WKU Innovation Campus: Lamont Jack Pearley knows a thing or two about storytelling.  Host of the weekly African American Folklorist segment on WKU Public Radio and inductee in the New York Blues Hall of Fame, Pearley’s deep drawl and deliberate speech lure you into his tales, enticing you to lean in to capture every word. The story of how and why this New York native picked up and moved his family to Bowling Green, Kentucky to hone his craft – eventually securing a partnership with MIT and the WKU Innovation Campus to share the tales with the world – is the stuff of folklore in its own right. 

KOMO-TV, Seattle 

  • Impulse buying could increase if stores arrange their products this way, study says: The study's lead author said he got the idea for the research during a trip to Walmart with his wife a few years ago. "The idea is that we make shopping a more pleasurable experience for customers by making it more efficient, by making it more intuitive – just like online retail," said Gihan Edirisinghe, the study's lead author and a former WSU Ph.D. student. He's now an assistant professor at Western Kentucky University. 

Marketplace 

Wallet Hub

  • Best Credit Cards: What tips do you have for someone trying to find the best credit card for their needs? I would say the most important thing is to do your research. Ask yourself why you want a new credit card and then look online for the best credit cards for that purpose. -- Golnaz Motie, Assistant Professor, Gordon Ford College of Business, WKU

January 28-February 9, 2023

Daily News 

WNKY-TV 

  • Local educators respond to the Education First Plan: News 40 also spoke to the Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Western Kentucky University to get some input. Dr. Corrine Murphy said that one of the biggest issues causing teachers to leave is due to the extra stress of the job. 
  • WKU celebrates Black History Month: Western Kentucky University’s Intercultural Student Engagement Center is filling February with events to celebrate this Black History Month. 

WBKO-TV 

Kentucky Living 

  • Renee Shaw’s 25 years at KET: Her Western Kentucky University professors encouraged Shaw to get her doctorate and teach at her alma mater, but supported her journalism path in 1997 when she applied for a job covering the state legislature for KET. 
  • Four stops on the route to higher education: College nights are a good resource for prospective students, says Western Kentucky University’s Scott McDonald, who is assistant vice president for enrollment management. “Take time to visit with the representatives, ask questions and learn about different schools,” he says. “I wish students would take more advantage of that.” 

Teknovation 

  • Inside the Innovation Campus at Western Kentucky University: What was once a shopping mall is now a thriving facility for entrepreneurs and innovators in Bowling Green, KY. “We are really good at leveraging things,” explains Buddy Steen, President of the Western Kentucky University (WKU) Research Foundation, Programs Director for the Central Region Ecosystem for Arts, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CREATE), and Chief Executive Officer at The Innovation Campus at WKU. 

Kentucky Today 

  • Teacher shortage, turnover presenting problems: The teacher shortage in Kentucky was the hot topic of discussion during a meeting of the House Education Committee on Tuesday, the first committee meeting when lawmakers returned to Frankfort for part two of the 2023 General Assembly. Education Commissioner Jason Glass told the panel that over the past 10-15 years, there has been a nationwide decline of about a third in the number of people entering teacher education programs, although there has been some stability in Kentucky in recent years. “The University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University have increased in numbers, while other programs around the state have largely dropped in enrollment.” 
  • Gifted Education Month recognized at Capitol: A ceremony was held at the State Capitol on Wednesday to mark February as Gifted Education Month in Kentucky. Dr. Julia Link Roberts, executive director of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, explained why these students are so important to Kentucky. 

Lane Report 

  • Education: Strategies for Success: Western Kentucky University Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management Scott McDonald said unofficial enrollment figures for 2020, 2021 and 2022 were 17,518, 16,750 and 16,495 respectively. “COVID did hit us as we were not able to really get back into the high schools to recruit in person until late last spring,” he said. “Our campus tours and visitors were also down, but we have seen those numbers comparable to before COVID.” 
  • Accounting Services: The Talent War: The Gordon Ford College of Business at Western Kentucky University revised the core requirement for its degrees beginning with the fall 2022 cohort, said Mark Ross, chair of the accounting department. 

Princeton Times Leader 

  • Hilltoppers retire jersey of '60s basketball star Dwight Smith: A strong delegation of current and former Princeton residents were in Bowling Green on Saturday, Feb. 4 to applaud the jersey retirement of the late Dwight Smith, a standout basketball player at Princeton Dotson and then at Western Kentucky University. 

January 12-27, 2023

Daily News 

  • Famed sports photographer speaks at WKU: Photojournalism students packed into Western Kentucky University’s Jody Richards Hall auditorium Wednesday night to learn from a decorated sports photographer.
  • U.S. News gives WKU online programs high rankings: Western Kentucky University’s online bachelor’s program is one of the best in Kentucky and the nation, according to new U.S News & World Report rankings. 
  • Waller named to BG school board: The Bowling Green Independent School District Board of Education on Thursday appointed Cierra Waller to fill a vacant seat on the school board. Waller is the assistant director for the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at Western Kentucky University and the mentor coordinator for Jonesville Academy. 
  • WKU spending returning to pre-COVID levels: Western Kentucky University’s budget is showing signs things are returning to pre-pandemic levels for the institution. 
  • Bumgarner sworn in as commonwealth's attorney: Addressing a packed courtroom at Warren County Justice Center that included several former colleagues and members of law enforcement, newly sworn Eighth Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Kori Beck Bumgarner pledged to uphold and enhance the legacy of the office. A Bowling Green native and graduate of Western Kentucky University and Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University, Bumgarner was appointed commonwealth’s attorney for the 8th Judicial Circuit last month by Gov. Andy Beshear, succeeding Chris Cohron, who won election for a circuit judgeship. 
  • WKU-themed beer to debut next week: Western Kentucky University-themed beer is getting a second chance. Beginning Wednesday, the newly brewed 1906 Lager will be available at WKU athletics events, in select retail stores and at restaurants and bars throughout Bowling Green. 
  • Med Center Health assumes management of WKU clinic: Med Center Health, not Graves-Gilbert Clinic, will be providing aid to Western Kentucky University students, faculty and staff when classes resume next week. 

WKU Public Radio 

WNKY-TV 

  • WKU students getting a chance to learn from the best: The company Canon has a program called “Explorers of Light” that helps bring world class photographers to college campuses, and this week WKU students get a turn. 
  • U.S. has hit the debt ceiling- how does this affect you?: The United States has hit the debt ceiling, a limit of $31.4 trillion. How is this going to affect you? The short answer is it’s not going to affect you and your money right now. Democrats and Republicans must now work together to reach an agreement of how much to raise the debt limit. If they can’t agree and ‘default’, the results could be catastrophic. “It’s so bad that we think no politician whether on the right or left in their right mind would let it get to that point. But it is worth pointing out that if the government gets to that point it could be extremely, extremely bad,” said WKU Assistant Professor of Finance Christopher Biolsi. 
  • Cancer survivor shares story during Dance Big Red’s week in Commonwealth Cup: Dance Big Red at Western Kentucky University is participating in the Commonwealth Cup for the first year ever. 
  • WKU fashion students to volunteer at New York Fashion Week: Lights, camera, fashion. “I mean this is New York Fashion Week, this is the key fashion week for the United States and one of the top 3 fashion weeks across the entire world,” said WKU Fashion Merchandising Program Instructor Seth Howard. A group of fashion merchandising students at WKU are heading to the Big Apple. 
  • Pub by Novo rolls out red carpet for Hilltopper inspired beer: Now, exciting news at one Bowling Green restaurant! Lexington’s famous craft brewery, West Sixth Brewing, crafted the beer to celebrate the university, its fans, and the community. 
  • Employees with autism at WKU Bookstore break the stigma: A duo of unique individuals are making a difference on the campus of Western Kentucky University, one bookstore transaction at a time. 
  • WKU Sports launches beer ‘1906 Lager’ with West Sixth Brewing: Western Kentucky University Athletics has partnered with West Sixth Brewing to launch a new beer.  

WBKO-TV 

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer 

  • Moving Forward: Edds-Ellis looks to build community with Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute: For years, Stacy Edds-Ellis has spent much of her adult life working in the world of higher education. And now, she’s looking to use her experiences and skills to help mold future leaders as the executive director of the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute. After graduating from McLean County High School in 1996, Edds-Ellis attended Western Kentucky University for both her bachelors and masters degrees with a focus in organizational communication. 

Casey County News 

  • Adams finds a love for faith in the military: Adams served with the National Guard until 2005 when he decided to go back to school. He attended Western Kentucky University to get his bachelor’s degree in 2006 and a master’s degree in 2008. 
  • Chansler competes in state DYW competition: Casey County High School senior Madison Chansler recently competed in the state Distinguished Young Women competition in Lexington on Jan. 7-8. Madison plans to attend Western Kentucky University when she graduates. She wants to major in Biology with a focus on pre-med. 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • Skaggs makes 40 under 40 list in RV industry: A recreational vehicle industry leader in Hardin County recently was recognized in a national RV publication. Alexis Skaggs was selected for RV Pro’s Top 40 Under 40 list. Skaggs attended Western Kentucky University where she earned a bachelor’s of science in agriculture and a bachelor’s of arts in communication. 

Lexington Herald-Leader 

  • Kentucky theater world mourns ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ director who nurtured artists: Many people in the Kentucky theater community spent the last few days of 2022 mourning the death of Mike Thomas, a tireless theater artist who touched communities from his native Maysville to Bowling Green and many stops in between. Facebook was filled with tributes from Lexington area performers sharing fond memories of Thomas, but he also spent years working in other communities such as Bowling Green, where he graduated from Western Kentucky University and later returned to direct the Public Theatre of Kentucky for four seasons in the 1990s and later as the administrative managing director of the Capitol Arts Center from 2005 to 2007, according to his obituary. 

Owensboro Times 

  • Evans named new OPD public information officer, excited to continue brand: After 5 years on staff, Dylan Evans is now the Public Information Officer for the Owensboro Police Department. Though he has a degree in broadcasting from Western Kentucky University, Evans said he wanted to be a part of the police department — and now he is merging both passions with his new position. 

Indianapolis Recorder 

  • Wheeler’s new CEO fell in love with organization’s DNA: Perry Hines knows the word “calling” is tossed around a lot in the corporate and nonprofit worlds, but the incoming president and CEO of Wheeler Mission believes the oft-used term is appropriate in this case. Hines grew up in rural Kentucky and was a first-generation college graduate, earning a journalism degree from Western Kentucky University and a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. 

Food Management 

  • 5 tech things: University expands mobile-order-only retail dining program: Western Kentucky University adds another dining venue to mobile-order-only option. The WKU Restaurant Group, which operates campus dining at Western Kentucky University, has announced that the campus Moe’s Southwest Grill outlet is the latest campus retail dining venue to move to mobile ordering only using the Dining Sidekick app, beginning this semester. 

Medical Marketing & Media 

  • Rural seniors benefit from pandemic-driven remote fitness boom: Participants in Bingocize — a fall-prevention program licensed by Western Kentucky University that combines exercise and health education with bingo — can use a printed copy of the game card mailed to them by AgeOptions if they lack the proficiency to play on the game’s app. Either way, they’re required to participate on video. 

Wallet Hub

  • January 2023 Fed Rate Hike Probability & Analysis: Should the Federal Reserve continue to raise its target interest rate? No. CPI is not growing anymore. PPI (nearly all versions – All goods, transportation, manufacturing, retail industries) are falling or flat. -- Alex Lebedinsky, Department Chair & Professor of Economics, Gordon Ford College of Business

January 4-11, 2023

Daily News 

  • WKU alum to lead federal agency: Western Kentucky University alumnus Shailen Bhatt has been confirmed as the 21st administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. Nominated by President Joe Biden, Bhatt was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 8. 

WNKY-TV 

  • Local artist honored during Governor’s Awards in the Arts: The Governor’s Awards in the Arts honors individuals and organizations who have made extraordinary and significant contributions to the arts in Kentucky. Maxine Ray is a Western Kentucky University graduate and a key artist in the recent creation of the Jonesville mural. 
  • WKU Professor helps design float for Rose Bowl Parade: If you were watching the Rose Bowl parade on TV and admired the beautiful floats, we have news for you- a WKU professor helped to design one of them! Clinical Assistant Professor of Horticulture Roger Dennis has designed a float for the parade since 2006. 
  • Gatton Academy Girl takes on Washington, D.C.: A Greenwood High School senior and Gatton Academy student just won an award for top presentation at the Kentucky Academy of Science’s latest annual meeting. 
  • WKU students remember the impact of Dr. Kay Meggers: Western Kentucky University students and staff are mourning the loss of beloved professor Dr. Meggers. 
  • Kentucky to the World nonprofit expanding to Bowling Green: How do you teach the world about the amazing people and achievements of Kentucky? A local nonprofit says the answer is in the cards. “How do we tell those stories to a national and international audience and help people understand how the Kentucky roots of these folks play a part in who they are and what they’ve done?” said Kentucky to the World Board Member Sam Ford. 
  • Sunrise Spotlight – Dr. Carl Kell: For today’s Sunrise Spotlight, brought to you by German American Bank, we sit down with local Author Dr. Carl Kell, to hear all about his new book! Today, he discussed with us his book, “Goodnight…Whispers of the Heart”. Kell retired from the Department of Communication at Western Kentucky University in 2016 after 43 years. 
  • Warren County Antique Tractor & Engine Club hosting indoor show: At the L.D. Brown Expo Center, the Warren County Antique Tractor & Engine Club will host an indoor show for attendees. 

WBKO-TV 

Kentucky Today 

  • Pastor marks 25 years of service to Ky. Baptist church: Bellevue Baptist Church celebrated the 25th anniversary of Greg Faulls being its senior pastor on Sunday. A native of Louisville, Faulls earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and started ministry work as a youth director at Eastwood Baptist Church in Bowling Green. 

WDRB-TV, Louisville 

Inside Radio 

December 15, 2022-January 3, 2023

Daily News 

  • Wiseman to lead St. Teresa Ministries: Kelly Wiseman, a former partnership director at the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, has been hired as executive director of St. Teresa Ministries and will lead it through an upcoming move from the Plaza Shopping Center at 1561 U.S. 31-W Bypass. A Western Kentucky University graduate, Wiseman is a past director of marketing and public relations at TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital who has done volunteer work at local nonprofits and faith-based organizations. 
  • Bumgarner appointed commonwealth's attorney: Kori Beck Bumgarner, who has served as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney since 2012, is the new commonwealth’s attorney for Kentucky’s 8th Judicial Circuit that includes Warren and Edmonson counties. A Bowling Green native who graduated from Bowling Green High School and Western Kentucky University, Bumgarner was appointed Thursday by Gov. Andy Beshear to fill the vacancy left by the departure of Chris Cohron. 
  • Gala to raise funds for WKU pianos: A fundraiser designed to raise money for the purchase of new pianos for the Department of Music at Western Kentucky University will be held next month. 
  • WKU professor and author David Bell cracks New York Times bestseller list: David Bell is a Western Kentucky University English professor, prolific adult fiction writer and most recently, a New York Times bestselling author. 
  • Lost River Sessions LIVE! ready for new season of concerts: Lost River Sessions LIVE! is returning for its 2023 season of monthly concerts on. Jan. 19 at the Capitol Arts Center. The 11-time Emmy award-winning television, concert and radio series was launched by WKU PBS and WKU Public Radio. 

WKU Public Radio 

WNKY-TV 

  • Sunrise Spotlight: WKU Piano Studio Gala: For today’s Sunrise Spotlight, brought to you by the German American Bank, we met with Katie Drybrough. She spoke to us about an upcoming fundraiser gala to raise money for WKU musicians to get new instruments. 
  • Food inflation up 11% this year… what’s in store for 2023?: Federal reports show us that food prices typically increase 2 percent each year. But over the last year, we’ve seen inflation spike food prices by around 11 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. WKU Center of Applied Economics Director and Associate Professor of Economics says Dr. Sebastian Leguizamon, “The figures we saw in 2022 weren’t seen in 40 years.” 

  • New graduate on the block: local 74-year-old CEO finally gets his college diploma: “First off I’m going to meet all the other graduates. I’m three times the age of everybody in that room and they’re like what are you doing here and I’m like I’m graduating!” said Layne. In the 1960s, he moved to Bowling Green to work for SKF in Glasgow. They also paid for him to go to school at Western Kentucky University. 

WBKO-TV 

Elizabethtown News-Enterprise 

  • WKU professor continues to give back, fight inequality: Dr. Donielle Lovell is a first-generation college graduate from the rural town of Salamanca, New York, which lies within the Allegheny Indian reservation. Grateful for her rich heritage in community service and political activism, Lovell said wanting to give back comes naturally for her. 
  • Feeding America announces new board member: Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland recently announced a new board of directors appointment. Sergio Beltran of Warren County will serve the organization for six years, helping to address the needs of those facing hunger across the 42 counties that FAKH serves. Following graduation, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Western Kentucky University. 
  • Jones love of communication inspires a new scholarship: For Judy Jones, a love of school and learning grew to a love of communication thanks to her experience at Western Kentucky University and now she has found a way to give back through her estate plans.

London Sentinel Echo 

  • Local senior scores perfect 36 on ACT: Getting a high ACT score is the goal for any high school student planning to attend college. A perfect score is hard to come by, with less than one percent of all test-takers earning that 36. Joaquin Santiago C. Pauig, 17, is now in that elite group. The London senior, who attends the Gatton Academy for Mathematics and Science on the Western Kentucky University campus in Bowling Green, recently learned of his perfect score after taking the test on October 25. 

Northern Kentucky Tribune 

  • CPE receives National Association of System Heads grant to improve student transfer process: The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education will get some extra help to improve the student transfer process, thanks to a national education group that is recognizing best practices for student success. The National Association of System Heads (NASH) announced last week that CPE was in the first round of awardees for its newly established Catalyst Fund. CPE’s proposal builds on work with Western Kentucky University (WKU) and Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) that grew out of an earlier NASH project. 

MSN.com 

  • The Simpsons Actors You Forgot Passed Away: Charles Napier is probably best known for his tough-guy roles in television and movies, although his most memorable part was Tucker McElroy in "The Blues Brothers." Napier also did a lot of voice work during his acting career that spanned five decades. Napier voiced three characters in four episodes of "The Simpsons," playing the recurring role of the Warden. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Napier was born in Kentucky to a tobacco farmer and a housewife and joined the army after graduating high school. After his time in the Army, Napier got a bachelor's degree in art from Western Kentucky University. 

December 1-14, 2022

Daily News 

  • WKU Regents select new health provider, approve inflation bonus: At the close of the 2022 fall semester, WKU’s Board of Regents approved a new health contract, made a one-time inflation adjustment payment to a share of employees and accepted a national award for WKU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 
  • Bowling Green's third Chick-fil-A opens Thursday: Chick-fil-A, the Atlanta-based fast-food chain that already had two high-performing locations in Bowling Green, is opening a third on Thursday. The new location at 667 Campbell Lane, tucked into a 2.11-acre site on what had been a parking area at the Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus, adds to the stores at 1766 Campbell Lane and 3162 Scottsville Road. 
  • Nearly 1,000 graduates honored at WKU fall commencement: WKU awarded 967 degrees in its first fall graduation ceremony in three years on Friday at Diddle Arena. 
  • 'Kentucky to the World' coming to Innovation Campus: It’s home to creative companies and organizations like the technology-heavy Eyeconic and the Metals Innovation Initiative, and yet the cutting-edge work at Western Kentucky University’s Innovation Campus on Nashville Road is largely going unnoticed by locals. That could soon be changing. 
  • 'One second of joy.' WKU group gifts books to kids affected by tornadoes: Over two dozen kids sat expectantly in front of Jennings Creek Elementary’s giant Christmas tree Thursday morning, waiting for their first presents of the holiday season – hand-picked books from WKU’s Literacy Ambassadors. 
  • A Greek Christmas: WKU fraternities, sororities give back to community kids: On Christmas morning, 34 Parker-Bennett-Curry Elementary School students will find presents under their tree personally picked out and wrapped by Western Kentucky University’s Greek community. 

WKU Public Radio 

  • WKU Regents approve new on-campus healthcare provider, one-time payments for some employees: Western Kentucky University will soon have a new healthcare provider on campus. In a meeting Thursday, the school’s Board of Regents approved a ten-year contract with Med Center Health to provide health care to faculty, staff, and students beginning January 1, 2023. Graves-Gilbert Clinic, whose contract recently expired, has run campus health services since 2014. 

Spectrum News 1 

WNKY-TV 

  • WKU professor and author makes New York Times best seller list: To our avid readers out there, you might want to check out a new novel by one of our local authors. David bell’s new book titled ‘She’s Gone’ just made the New York Time’s best seller list. It’s a goal bell has been hoping to reach since 2008. 
  • Therapy dog ‘Professor Chip’ visits WKU students during finals: What better way to take the stress away during finals than spending time with a puppy? “Even the ones who were heading out the door for a statistics exam said,” Can I pet the dog?’ and then ‘this will make a difference’,” said WKU Dean of College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Corinne Murphy. 
  • Jennings Creek Elementary tornado victims receive new books: The gift of a single book can make a world of difference to kids still recovering from last year’s tornadoes. “It’s not the first thing you think of. It’s not clothes or a roof over your head or things like that,” said Western Kentucky University Associate Professor of Literary Education Nancy Hulan. 

WBKO-TV 

RFD-TV 

McLean County News 

  • Preaching Priorty: Midkiff pastoring Beech Grove church for 35 years: Jim Midkiff, who has been pastor of Beech Grove Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), just recently celebrated his 35th year with the congregation back in September. Midkiff graduated from Fordsville High School in 1971 before getting his degree in agricultural education from Western Kentucky University in 1975 — a field that was close to his heart. 

Federal Highway Administration 

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 Last Modified 9/21/23