WKU Elizabethtown – Fort Knox News

WKU in Elizabethtown/Ft. Knox proudly celebrated its 2024–25 graduates during the annual “Celebrating YOU” Recognition Ceremony on the evening of April 30 at the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) auditorium.

Dr. Derick Strode, Director of Regional Campuses, welcomed graduates, families, faculty, staff, and community partners, noting the evening marked the beginning of a series of graduation celebrations across WKU. The ceremony recognized students completing degrees in December 2024, May 2025, and those finishing this summer.

"This evening is a celebration of you, our graduates," said Dr. Strode, "but it is also a celebration of the support you've received from family, friends, faculty, staff, and our local community."

Highlights included a keynote address by Psychology graduate Jasmine Dobbins, a KCTCS transfer student and consistent Dean’s List honoree, recognized for her perseverance and inspirational journey balancing school, foster parenting, and work.

The event also recognized WKU’s growing partnership with Hardin County Schools’ Early College and Career Center (EC3). The first cohort of students who began WKU’s School of Teacher Education pathway in high school and completed their bachelor’s degrees were honored, including Cadence Padgett, Hannah Robbins, and Taylor Stapleton.

Several WKU faculty and staff were recognized for their contributions to student success, and alumni in attendance were invited to stand in recognition of the region’s strong Hilltopper pride.

Graduates were individually recognized as they received their WKU in Elizabethtown/Ft. Knox stoles. Afterward, students received a grad pack provided by the WKU Alumni Association, a Big Red cake, and opportunities for commemorative photos.

Graduates who were recognized include the following:

Master of Social Work (MSW): Tonya Amos and Adam Williams

Social Work (BSW): Fox, Diana       

Special Education/Elementary Education: Alinah Barkley, Ashley Dotson, Lala Grounds, Hannah Robbins, and Lindsey Thornhill

Engineering Technology Management: Alexander Blair      

Master of Science, Instructional Design: Elin Chadwick     

Elementary Education: Sydney Clark, Jadyn Forsyth, Ciera Thomas, Isabella Gentry, Allie Johnson, Lyndsey Moore, Cadence Padgett, Ashlynn Fielder, Kourtney Riggs, Taylor Stapleton, Holly Waters, Abbigail Stevenson, and Sidney Lanz

Psychology: Jasmine Dobbins           

Interdisciplinary Studies: Robyn Foote and Coletta Zurschmeide

Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education: Devon Hamilton

Business Data Analytics: Miles Hart

Computer Information Technology: Tara McGlone

Management: April Sigman

Child and Family Services: Courtney Stronczek

The celebration continues as graduates head to Bowling Green for WKU’s Topper Walk and Commencement on May 8, followed by college recognition ceremonies on May 9.

For more photos and moments from the event, follow WKU in Elizabethtown/Ft. Knox on Facebook