ONE WKU Award

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ONE WKU Award

The ONE WKU Award celebrates individuals who embody the values and spirit of ONE WKU by creating a university community where every person has the opportunity to engage, contribute, and succeed. Each year, the award recognizes one outstanding student, staff member, and faculty member whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a meaningful and lasting impact on Western Kentucky University and the communities it serves.

Whether through advocacy, collaboration, innovation, scholarship, mentoring, or service, recipients inspire others by fostering a welcoming, supportive, and connected campus community. Their efforts demonstrate that building a stronger WKU is a shared responsibility and that each member of our community has the power to make a difference.

Eligibility

Nominees must be:

• A full-time enrolled student at Western Kentucky University.
• A full-time faculty member.
• A full-time staff member.

One award is presented annually in each of these three categories.

Award Criteria

Nominees should demonstrate a sustained commitment to advancing the mission and values of ONE WKU by:

• Actively participating in initiatives that cultivate belonging, engagement, and mutual respect at Western Kentucky University and/or within the communities it serves.
• Demonstrating a commitment to ensuring that all individuals are valued and treated with dignity and respect.
• Contributing beyond the scope of their formal role or responsibilities to positively impact the university community.
• Fostering collaboration, expanding opportunities, and encouraging meaningful engagement across the institution.
• Making a unique contribution toward creating a welcoming, supportive, and connected campus and community environment.

 

Nomination Process

Each year, Western Kentucky University issues a call for nominations for the ONE WKU Award. During the designated nomination period, eligible faculty, staff, and students may be nominated for their outstanding leadership and meaningful contributions to advancing the goals and values of ONE WKU.

Nomination materials should describe how the nominee has demonstrated a sustained commitment to fostering engagement, belonging, collaboration, and a welcoming campus community. Supporting documentation may be submitted as outlined in the application materials.

When the annual call for nominations is open, eligible nominations may be submitted using the ONE WKU Award Application.

➡️ ONE WKU Award Application [click]

 

Submit a Nomination

Help us recognize those who are making a difference across our campus and beyond by submitting a nomination through the application below.