WKU Regional Campus News

As more businesses and organizations realize the benefits of having a paralegal professional on staff, OCTC students in the Daviess County/Owensboro area can now build on their associate degrees to complete a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies close to home.

The B.S. in Paralegal Studies will be offered through the WKU Department of Political Science and led by Professor/Program Coordinator Dr. Julie Shadoan.

During the WKU in Owensboro Advisory Council biannual meeting, President Scott Williams and Associate Vice President of Extended Learning & Outreach Dr. Beth Laves announced an articulation agreement between OCTC and WKU.  With the help of OCTC Provost Veena Sallan, Dr. Mark Maltby and Dr. Stacey Edds-Ellis who worked closely with Dr. Shadoan, Dr. Scott Lesley, Chair of the Political Science Department and the WKU staff in Owensboro, this partnership is now officially in motion.

“We are thrilled to partner with OCTC to help regional students continue their academic journey,” said Shadoan.

“Through this agreement, OCTC students with an associate of arts (A.A.) or an associate of science (A.S.) can seamlessly transfer to WKU, save time and money, and complete their bachelor’s degree close to home.”   

Shadoan stated that graduates will have the education they need to work with businesses and organizations throughout the region who seek a qualified legal professional.  

“Paralegals are needed in a large number of fields, including healthcare, government, education, military, business, banking, real estate, non-profit and many others,” she said.

“We want to prepare students for career options within their specific field of interest, and a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies can open doors in a variety of areas.”

Courses will be offered in Owensboro through a combination of in-person, interactive live-streaming and online course formats.

Shadoan encourages anyone interested in the program to email her at julie.shadoan@wku.edu or call 270-780-3539.   

Under the direction of the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO), WKU regional campuses bring the academic resources of WKU to citizens throughout the region. WKU’s regional campuses provide in-person, online and hybrid delivery formats and academic programs that meet the unique needs of each community.

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