The newsletter for the WKU community
August 12, 2020
3 to join Hall of Distinguished Alumni
John Asher, the longtime face and voice of the Kentucky Derby; Dr. Jack Britt, a leader in agriculture and education; and Travis Hudson, the coach of Lady Topper Volleyball, will be inducted into WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni this fall.
 
The members of the 29th class will be inducted during WKU’s 2020 Homecoming Celebration. The Hall of Distinguished Alumni is presented by Franklin Bank & Trust, a longtime supporter of WKU. For more information, contact the WKU Alumni Association at (270) 745-2586 or visit alumni.wku.edu/hoda.
Healthy on the Hill: President's Message
On Monday, Governor Beshear made the recommendation that schools in Kentucky delay in-person instruction until at least September 28. As this recommendation is taken back to school boards across the state for consideration and planning, understandably, questions have come up around how this change will affect WKU’s reopening plans and also how it will affect our faculty and staff members’ individual work arrangements. We will reopen our campuses as planned on August 24, but it’s important to understand several key, underlying considerations and differentiators.
Healthy on the Hill Information
CLIMBING HIGHER
Congratulations to Dr. Sophia Rose Arjana, Associate Professor of Religious Studies in WKU’s Department of Philosophy and Religion, on the publication of her fourth book, Buying Buddha, Selling Rumi: Orientalism and the Mystical Marketplace. Learn More
Alayna Milby of Franklin is the Director of Community Engagement with Hope Harbor, Inc. in Bowling Green. Along with providing support and information to survivors of sexual violence, her normal work duties include engagement and outreach to the south central Kentucky community through fundraising, events, volunteerism, social media and their therapeutic garden with a specific focus on underserved populations. Learn More
To help Hilltoppers stay Healthy on the Hill when they return to campus, WKU has created several videos that explain changes to university operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. More: Healthy on the Hill videos
Topper Transit

With enhanced cleaning procedures, social distancing markers, and changes to bus routes, WKU Parking and Transportation is focused on safely transporting you to campus. Tim McWhorter, Assistant Director of Transportation, discusses changes to the Topper Transit system.
Student Activities

As we continue to develop plans, WKU's Department of Student Activities is working with the leaders of student organizations to prepare in a way that allow students to make the important connections they need to the university and to each other, while embracing our Healthy on the Hill norms.
Wear A Mask

Dr. Steven Stack, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, shares an important message for college students about staying healthy and protecting our Hilltopper community this fall. Let’s stay Healthy on the Hill, together.
Gatton Academy recognizes Class of 2020 at ceremony
Eighty-seven graduates representing 43 counties from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky were recognized Saturday afternoon during The Gatton Academy’s 13th graduation ceremony. “Graduation at The Gatton Academy presents a time to celebrate graduates, their families, and citizens around the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Julia Roberts, Gatton Academy Executive Director and Mahurin Professor of Gifted Education.
Regents approve 3 programs
The WKU Board of Regents approved three new certificate programs during its third quarterly meeting on Friday. They include graduate certificates in Data Analytics and Cybersecurity Data Analytics and an undergraduate certificate in Floodplain Management.
Student Support Services awarded grants for programs
The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded WKU about $3 million over five years for Student Support Services, a federal TRiO program that serves low-income, first-generation college students.
Kentucky Museum receives IMLS Inspire! Grant
The Kentucky Museum will receive a $49,970 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the “Inspire! Grants for Small Museums” program.
Spotlight: Payton Browning
Payton Browning, a Fashion Merchandising major from Bowling Green, gained valuable experience in the fashion industry this summer with a local internship opportunity at the Pink Lily Boutique.
Kentucky Museum releases 2019-20 Annual Report
The Kentucky Museum has released its 2019-20 Annual Report. Notably, the Museum has seen a 45 percent increase in visitors over the first calendar year of free admission, thanks to a grant from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.
WKU SPIRIT available online
A new special edition of WKU SPIRIT is now available online! Featuring expanded content, videos and other interactive features, this special online-only edition of WKU SPIRIT explores the many ways the University and our alumni rose to the challenge of helping others amid the COVID-19 pandemic. From virtual graduation celebrations to innovative teaching and learning, the WKU Family has remained flexible and nimble. You’ll also read first-hand accounts from students, as well as stories of inspiration from our Hilltoppers Who Help.
Join Back to School SpiritFunder campaign to support students
As a new class begins and returning students continue their journey in a uniquely challenging time, let’s show these students the entire Hilltopper Family is here to support them as they follow their dreams. Upholding WKU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while continuing the spirit of providing access and opportunity to WKU students, the WKU Opportunity Fund is a focused fundraising campaign to remove barriers to education through needs-based financial assistance to support recruitment, retention and experiences beyond the classroom.
English Department launches 4th annual writing contest
The WKU English Department has launched its fourth annual High School Writing Contest for area students. The entry deadline is Jan. 15.
View from the Hill
Sorority recruitment begins this week at WKU but it will look very different. WKU’s Amy Bingham has more on the decision to move recruitment to a virtual format in the View from the Hill.
Athletics
Upcoming Events
August
17
Monday
Faculty and Staff Convocation

The annual Faculty and Staff Convocation will be conducted virtually with remarks from President Timothy C. Caboni from 10 to 10:15 a.m.
August
20
Thursday
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan activities officially begin for WKU's Class of 2024. M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Move-In will take place Monday-Wednesday (Aug. 17-19). Learn More
August
22
Saturday
Residence Halls Open

Residence halls open at 8 a.m. for all new and returning students not participating in M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101