The newsletter for the WKU community
August 20, 2019
President Caboni says WKU 'turning
a corner' into a new academic year
WKU is turning a corner and beginning to see results as it begins to implement its 10-year strategic plan, Climbing to Greater Heights .

That was the message delivered Monday by WKU President Timothy C. Caboni in his Convocation address to begin the 2019-20 academic year. ( The full text is available online .)

After two years of working hard to prepare for the next decade, “this year is about execution,” he said. “It’s about doing all of the small things that cumulatively move an organization. Practicing relentless incrementalism.”

A re-conceptualized marketing approach and outreach, changes in financial aid and centralized advising that includes targeted interventions are parts of the strategic plan designed to help every student succeed. And the results include the most academically talented and prepared freshman class in WKU history for the fall of 2018, the largest graduating class in WKU history in the spring of 2019, and the reversal of a five-year downward retention trend that includes the second highest first-to-second year retention rate in WKU history, he said.

"Our successes are not because of any one thing we have done, but because of all the things we have done and all of your work,” the President told faculty and staff. “These are results we all should celebrate.”
CLIMBING HIGHER
Fabian Alvarez was recognized Monday as the recipient of the 2019 Spirit of WKU award. Also recognized at the annual Faculty and Staff Convocation were winners of the 2019 Staff Excellence Awards: Alicia Pesterfield, Josiah Super and Adam Blessinger; and winners of the 2019 Faculty Awards: Stacy Edds-Ellis, Holli Drummond, Carol Jordan, Rachel Tinius and Melanie Autin. Learn More
WKU signs agreement with program in Somerset
WKU and Somerset Community College signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University Center of Southern Kentucky to give students in and around Somerset the opportunity to earn their full bachelor's degree without having to move away from home. Students can complete their associate degree at Somerset Community College and then complete their bachelor's degree with WKU.
WKU PBS recognized at 55th Annual Ohio Valley Emmy Awards
WKU PBS , WKU’s Public Television Service, had five individuals recognized for their work at the 55 th Annual Ohio Valley Emmy Awards August 10 in Louisville. Work on the WKU PBS documentary Kentucky Naturally was recognized with an Emmy Award in the Informational/Instructional Program category. Producer Cheryl Beckley (’80), Director of Photography Neil Purcell (’15), and producing partners Zeb Weese and Zack Couch accepted the award for their work on the program. WKU PBS Series Lost River Sessions (LRS) was awarded an Emmy for Audio with Jeff Petrocelli picking up his second Emmy for this series.
Spotlight: Jessica Folk
WKU English professor Jessica Folk was recently recognized for her television script ‘Til Death at this year’s University Film and Video Association (UFVA) Conference. The conference included a contest accepting submissions for film screenings and film and television scripts. Folk’s ‘Til Death won honorable mention in the script category for half-hour TV pilot.
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Move-In
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Move-In continues today as members of WKU's Class of 2023 arrive on the Hill.
August
20
Tuesday
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Move-In

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Move-In continues at 8 a.m. ( Parking information ) M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan continues through Saturday. More Info
August
20
Tuesday
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Activities

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan activities include a Farewell Cookout for parents/families, Class of 2023 photo, Playfair and Late Night Pancakes. More Info
August
22
Thursday
Graduate School Open House & Reception

The Graduate School will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wetherby Administration Building, room 207. A Welcome Reception begins at 6 p.m. at Augenstein Alumni Center. More Info
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101