The newsletter for the WKU community
September 11, 2020
22 Gatton Academy seniors named 2020-2021 National Merit Semifinalists
Twenty-two seniors from The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky have been recognized as semifinalists in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Competition.

Since The Gatton Academy’s inception in 2007, a total of 183 students have been named National Merit Semifinalists. Eighty-six current Gatton Academy seniors took the PSAT, meaning 25.6 percent of students achieved the National Merit Semifinalist level.

“It is important to recognize these remarkable young people for this accomplishment and also acknowledge they have many strengths beyond their test scores. These students contribute to the Gatton Academy’s community and their home communities in innumerable ways,” said Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director of The Gatton Academy.
On the surface, Spencer Allen of Bowling Green may look like a typical young academic, as he teaches classes in Criminology and Introduction to Criminal Justice. However, Spencer has an alter ego as the “The Mask Guy,” the formerly “Anonymous Mask Guy” at WKU. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Allen started making and anonymously distributing masks around campus and Bowling Green. “I do this because I believe that positivity is a very effective way to inspire others to do the right thing,” he said. “You’ll never convince someone to wear a face mask by being rude or condescending to them, but you might be able to convince them to wear one if you show them kindness and respect.” More: Submit a Hilltopper Who Helps nomination
Toppers Assist Scholarship Partners
Former Hilltopper Basketball and Football student-athlete George Fant and former Lady Toppers Basketball student-athlete Chastity Fant have joined former teammates in supporting the Toppers Assist Scholarship fund.
#NEVERFORGET
Check WKU's Healthy on the Hill website for COVID-19 information, including FAQs, Reported Cases Dashboard, Symptoms & Health Checks and more. New today: View from the Hill on WKU professor's home studio
CLIMBING HIGHER
Dr. Lukas Forbes, Marketing Department Chair and Professor of Marketing at WKU, was elected to a two-year term as Secretary of the University Sales Center Alliance Executive Board. Learn More
WKU to offer two free GRE workshops in October
Next month, WKU will offer two free GRE workshops for those interested in pursuing a graduate degree. The online workshops are led by experienced instructors who have a thorough understanding of the revised GRE exam and can provide an introduction to test mechanics, scoring, and valuable tips for preparing for the exam.
Spotlight: Allison Hobbs
“My internship with Bluegrass Cellular this summer has allowed me to gain experience in the Telecommunications Industry. I have experienced what it looks like to pursue a career as a Marketing Analyst." – Allison Hobbs, Gordon Ford College of Business senior double majoring in Strategic Marketing and Business Data Analytics
WKU to celebrate Constitution Week with virtual events
WKU will celebrate Constitution Week with two virtual events next week. At 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, join a discussion of COVID-19 and the Constitution with Dr. Jeff Budziak, WKU Department of Political Science. At 11 a.m. Thursday, join the Constitution Day celebration for a Virtual Student Town Hall with U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch.
University Distinguished Professorship nomination deadline Tuesday
Tuesday (Sept. 15) is the deadline to submit nominations for the University Distinguished Professorship program. The program is designed to recognize faculty members who have served the University with distinction and have compiled an outstanding record of achievement in teaching, research, and service. By providing additional support for their work, the program seeks to enable recipients to pursue more professional opportunities and to increase the leadership role of these faculty at WKU. Faculty may be nominated for a University Distinguished Professorship by a faculty member, department head/chair/director, dean, or self-nomination. Nominations should be submitted to the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and include the following information: Name of Nominee; Nominee’s Home Department; Nominee’s e-mail address; and a brief summary of why you feel the nominee should be considered for a University Distinguished Professorship. For additional details, visit the Policy on University Distinguished Professor Selection & Appointment.
Nomination deadline Tuesday for Honorary Degrees
The Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs reminds the campus community that Tuesday (Sept. 15) is the deadline to submit nominations for recipients of honorary degrees. Nominations may be made by students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, or friends of the University. For guidance, refer to the Policy on Honorary Degrees.
View from the Hill
A WKU Physics professor has gone the extra mile to deliver high quality content to his students in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. WKU’s Amy Bingham shows us how he transformed his basement into a recording studio in this week’s View from the Hill.
Athletics
September
12
Saturday
Saturday Events

Saturday's virtual events include Head for the Hill, Fall Super Saturdays, Dance Day and Mountain Remote.
September
14
Monday
Study Abroad Fair

The Fall 2020 Virtual Study Abroad Fair will begin Monday. The event will continue through Friday (Sept. 18). Learn More
September
15
Tuesday
CITL Session

The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning will present Boosting Critical Thinking from 9:30 a.m to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Learn More
More events: Check WKU Events calendar or follow @wkuevents on Instagram
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101