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WKU in the News


Here is a selection of recent news stories about WKU:

January 9-24, 2025

Daily News

  • Behind the push for ‘R2’ designation at WKU: On Jan. 8, State Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland, proposed enabling Western Kentucky University to offer up to five research doctoral degree programs deemed “directly affect(ing) the workforce and economy of Kentucky.” 
  • Bill filed to allow research doctorates at WKU: A bill proposed last week would allow Western Kentucky University to offer up to five research doctoral degree programs. They must be in areas the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) deems “directly affect(ing) the workforce and economy of Kentucky.” 

WNKY-TV

  • WKU releases Fall 2024 Dean’s and President’s lists: Western Kentucky University has released the honors lists for the fall 2024 semester.
  • WKU selects 15 for 2025-26 Cherry Presidential Scholarship: WKU has selected 15 students as recipients of the 2025-2026 Cherry Presidential Scholarship, the school’s most prestigious academic award. The scholarship is valued at $16,000 annually and worth $64,000 over a four-year period.
  • The 2025 Planetary Alignment now visible: For the next two and a half months, you’ll have the opportunity to see several planets in the night sky without the need for a telescope. Every 4 to 5 years, a planetary alignment occurs, allowing us to view Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars all at once. Planetarium specialist Chris Chandler notes that these planets are visible to the naked eye, making them easily accessible to everyone.
  • WKU online programs earn top national rankings in 2025 U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized Western Kentucky University among the top institutions for online learning, ranking WKU’s online bachelor’s programs No. 71 in the nation.
  • WKU’s Big Red Marching Band Returns from London: The WKU Big Red Marching Band (BRMB) is back on the Hill after an once in a lifetime journey to London for the iconic London New Year’s Day Parade.
  • Global Child Travel & Purpose comes to Bowling Green: A top international travel organization filmed in Bowling Green just a few months ago and is continuing to make a big splash. The episode aired Christmas Day of 2024 in 65 airports across America and will continue to play into February. News 40 spoke to Global Child show creator Augusto Valverde and Western Kentucky University’s Innovation Campus Director Buddy Steen about the production, both who said it was unbelievable.
  • WKU grad to appear in next season of ‘The Voice’: Locals may recognize a face on this upcoming season of “The Voice.” Jordan Allen, a Western Kentucky University graduate and London, Kentucky native, is trying his shot at the blind auditions.
  • App created by breast cancer survivor helps early breast cancer detection: As conversations surrounding the causes of cancer continue to rise, more attention is being placed on early detection and prevention. In light of these discussions, News 40 sat down with cancer survivor Jessica Baladad, a Western Kentucky University graduate who is going above and beyond to educate men and women about breast cancer. After her own diagnosis, Baladad created the app “Feel For Your Life,” providing users with countless tools to stay proactive about their breast health.

WBKO-TV

WCLU-FM, Glasgow

  • WKU ranks in top 100 for online bachelor programs: Western Kentucky is in the top 100 institutions for online learning, according to the U.S. News and World Report.
  • Local students earn WKU honors: Western Kentucky University has released the honors lists for the fall 2024 semester. Full-time undergraduate students with a semester grade-point average of 3.4 to 3.79 are named to the Dean’s List. Students with a GPA of 3.8 to 4.0 are named to the President’s List.
  • WKU awarded $56,300 for healthcare-related summer programs: Western Kentucky University was one of the 12 colleges and universities that received funds from the Council on Postsecondary Education for summer residential programs.

Beech Tree News, Morgantown

  • Area students on WKU Fall 2024 Dean’s/President’s List: Western Kentucky University has released the honors lists for the fall 2024 semester. Full-time undergraduate students with a semester grade-point average of 3.4 to 3.79 are named to the Dean’s List. Students with a GPA of 3.8 to 4.0 are named to the President’s List.

Louisville Courier Journal

Northern Kentucky Tribune

  • BE NKY 2025 Economic Development Forum Feb. 6 to feature author, economic commentator: BE NKY Growth Partnership on Monday announced author and economic commentator Kyla Scanlon serve as keynote speaker at BE NKY’s 2025 Annual Economic Development Forum with a presentation, “People, Vibes and Automation – Trends Affecting NKY’s Prosperity” on February 6 at Northern Kentucky University. Scanlon graduated from Western Kentucky University with bachelor’s degrees in economics, finance, and data analytics.

Lane Report

  • Kyla Scanlon to keynote BE NKY economic forum: Author and economic commentator Kyla Scanlon will keynote BE NKY’s 2025 Annual Economic Development Forum with a presentation, “People, Vibes and Automation – Trends Affecting NKY’s Prosperity” on February 6 at Northern Kentucky University, BE NKY Growth Partnership announced today. Scanlon graduated from Western Kentucky University with bachelor’s degrees in economics, finance, and data analytics.

WOMI-AM, Owensboro

  • Expanding Educational Opportunities with New Degree Programs: The expansion of educational opportunities in the area heralds a new era for students and professionals alike. With Western Kentucky University leading the charge, there is an increasing emphasis on offering diverse programs that cater to the evolving demands of both the community and the job market. By introducing bachelor's degrees in fields such as social work, the university is set to enhance its educational footprint significantly.

January 1-8, 2025

WBKO-TV

WNKY-TV

December 13-31, 2024

Daily News

WNKY-TV

Kentucky Living

  • Like father, like daughter: Lyndsey Thompson didn’t intend on a lifelong military career. But like father, like daughter. Lyndsey is an active-duty lieutenant colonel serving as the battalion commander of U.S. Army Mission Support Battalion in Fort Knox. Her father, Mark Thompson, a Nolin RECC consumer-member, is a retired U.S. Army master sergeant who began and ended his military career in Fort Knox.  Lyndsey, a self-described “army brat,” moved multiple times during her childhood before her parents decided to settle down in Radcliff, when Lyndsey turned 14. She graduated from Fort Knox High School in 2000 and attended Western Kentucky University on an academic scholarship.

Lane Report

  • Henderson names Dylan Ward as next city manager: Dylan Ward has been hired as the City of Henderson’s next City Manager. A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Ward obtained a B.S. in civil engineering and a masters in public administration. He is a Kentucky licensed professional engineer.

SOKY Happenings

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 Last Modified 1/24/25