Presidential Speaker Series
"I hope that this series will contribute to thought-provoking dialogue on campus and intellectual growth in our community." - President Timothy C. Caboni
Presidential Speaker Series
The WKU Presidential Speaker Series will bring to campus influential voices from diverse fields of study including science, arts, technology and public policy. The series will complement students’ classroom experiences. As part of WKU's responsibility to provide a comprehensive experience that extends beyond the classroom, the Presidential Speaker Series will cover a wide range of topics spanning multiple disciplines.
Upcoming Event
The WKU Presidential Speaker Series will bring to campus influential voices from diverse fields of study including science, arts, technology and public policy. The series will complement students’ classroom experiences. As part of WKU's responsibility to provide a comprehensive experience that extends beyond the classroom, the Presidential Speaker Series will cover a wide range of topics spanning multiple disciplines.
The Presidential Speaker Series will provide learning and engagement opportunities for Bowling Green, Warren County and beyond.
Renowned marine geologist and deep-sea explorer, Dr. Robert Ballard, is the inaugural speaker for the university’s Presidential Speaker Series. Dr. Ballard will deliver a keynote address, Deep Sea Exploration: Past, Present, and Future, offering a captivating journey through his remarkable career, including his legendary discovery of the Titanic wreck in 1985.
Dr. Ballard’s presentation is open to WKU students, faculty, staff and the public. Doors will open at Van Meter Hall at 6:15 p.m. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food and drink are not permitted in the auditorium, and recording or photography of any kind is prohibited during the presentation.
At the conclusion of the hour-long presentation, there will be an opportunity for questions. If you have a question at that time, please remain seated, raise your hand, and wait for a moderator to assist with a microphone.
General parking is available in Cherry Lot, Hub Lot and the Alumni Square Garage.
Disability parking is available in Old Fort Lot and Potter Lot.
Deep Sea Exploration:
Past, Present, and Future
Tuesday, October 10
@ 7:00 p.m. CT
Van Meter Auditorium
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. CT
Dr. Robert Ballard, renowned marine geologist and deep-sea explorer, is a Professor of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. He is among the world’s most well-known deep-sea explorers, having taken part in more than 165 explorations throughout his career. His work has earned him distinctions from the National Geographic Society and the Explorers Club, as well as the National Endowment for the Humanities Medal presented by President George W. Bush. The recipient of 23 Honorary Doctorates, Dr. Ballard also served as a special advisor to director Steven Spielberg on the television show, seaQuest DSV.
While he is undoubtedly best known for discovering perhaps the most famous shipwreck of all time, the R.M.S. Titanic, Dr. Ballard also discovered the German battleship Bismarck and the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Additionally, he found the wreck of John F. Kennedy’s PT-109. He also discovered the first hydrothermal vents in the Galapagos Rift in 1977.
To learn more about Dr. Ballard and Ocean Exploration Trust and to livestream the organization’s expeditions, visit www.nautiluslive.org.
WKU Office of the President
Craig Administration Building
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd., #11001
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270) 745-4346
Email: president@wku.edu
Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.