The newsletter for the WKU community
August 7, 2019
President's Message: Preparations
for a New Academic Year
Fellow Faculty and Staff:
 
I hope the summer provided you with opportunities for relaxation and time to recharge for the academic year ahead. As we prepare for a new semester on the Hill, I look forward to seeing you at the Faculty and Staff Convocation on Monday, August 19 th , at 10 a.m. at Van Meter Hall. You will notice a change in the day and time from years past. After discussion with key stakeholders, it became clear that a shift was needed to better align this important meeting with our academic year ramp-up schedule across campus. This time together provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our successes and discuss where we are headed as an institution. New this year, we will gather immediately afterwards for a faculty and staff picnic behind Van Meter.
 
Second, we transitioned to a Monday/Tuesday move-in period for our M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan students last year, shortening the gap between the end of the program and the first day of classes to maintain the momentum from the week’s activities. We found this change to be successful and will continue with the same plan this year. This does result in fewer community volunteers able to provide assistance, so once again we are asking for your help.
 
Last year, over 100 faculty and staff members rolled out the red carpet for our newest Hilltoppers, providing a tremendously successful move-in. We are preparing to welcome 2,200 students to campus on Monday and Tuesday, August 19 th and 20 th . Working around the Faculty and Staff Convocation and picnic on the 19 th , please consider lending a hand. This is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate the WKU Spirit and the ways in which we support our students from the first day they begin their journey on our Hill. Shifts are available both days, and you can sign up here .

CLIMBING HIGHER
A couple sharing a passionate kiss in an airport isn’t all that unusual—but what if they are strangers? What if they part ways, never to see each other again? Most airport people-watchers would have written this encounter off as a Hallmark moment. Dr. David Bell, WKU English professor, saw it as inspiration for Layover, his latest novel. “Like any writer, I find inspiration wherever I can,” he said. Learn More
WKU Regents elect officers, swear in student regent
The WKU Board of Regents on Friday (Aug. 2) elected new officers and swore in its newest member, Student Regent Will Harris of Glasgow.

Gillard B. Johnson of Nicholasville was elected chair. Frederick A. Higdon of Lebanon was elected vice chair. David Brinkley, staff regent from Bowling Green, was elected secretary.

Top photo: Dr. Phillip Bale (left) administered the oath of office to the WKU Board of Regents' new officers (from left) secretary David Brinkley, vice chair Frederick A. Higdon and chair Gillard B. Johnson. Bottom left: Will Harris was sworn in as student regent. Bottom right: WKU President Timothy C. Caboni (right) thanked Dr. Phillip Bale for his two years as board chair.
WKU to co-host national drought forum in September
Scientists and policymakers from across the nation will gather Sept. 17-19 at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center to address topics and issues associated with drought as part of the biennial U.S. Drought Monitor forum, co-hosted by the Kentucky Climate Center at WKU and other agencies.
The biennial U.S. Drought Monitor forum will be held Sept. 17-19 at WKU's Knicely Conference Center.
Decades of Spirit theme for Homecoming 2019 at WKU
The WKU Alumni Association announced that the 2019 Homecoming festivities will be celebrated with a throwback Decades of Spirit theme that celebrates WKU’s heritage and honors its 113 years of tradition. The Hilltoppers will face Charlotte in the Homecoming football game Oct. 19.
Spotlight: Dr. Lloyd Davies
After 29 years of full-time teaching, Dr. Lloyd Davies entered transitional retirement in January of this year. Davies has many passions, and looks forward to pursuing them as his transition to retirement begins.
Help with M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan
Attention WKU campus community: M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan  is preparing to welcome 2,200 students to campus on Aug. 19-20 and needs your help. Volunteers are needed to assist with move-in and to serve as large group facilitators for members of WKU’s Class of 2023. M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan events and activities will be held through Aug. 24. For information, contact M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan at (270) 745-2037 or  master.plan@wku.edu
Sisterhood Grant Application
The 2019 WKU Sisterhood Grant Application is now available. All applications must be received by Sept. 13. A minimum of $50,000 will be available for distribution this year. The WKU Sisterhood is a group of women affiliated with WKU who have contributed a gift of $1,000 or more to help fund WKU projects that will be selected by members of the organization at their annual meeting in October.
Help with Topper Directions
The start of the semester is just around the corner, which means it’s time for members of the campus community to sign up for Topper Directions. Tents will be set up to provide students with bottled water, campus maps and directions during the first and second days of the 2019 fall semester Aug. 26-27. Sign up online by Aug. 19; assigned spots and times will be sent on Aug. 21.
Topper Directions locations: Aug. 26 -- Guthrie Tower, Jody Richards Hall, Centennial Mall, Between Gatton Academy and Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center, Hardin Planetarium; Aug. 27 -- Guthrie Tower, Between Gatton Academy and Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center, Hardin Planetarium
WKU Admissions planning student recruitment events
WKU’s Office of Admissions is planning several events this fall for prospective students and their families. DiscoverWKU events will be held in several cities in September and October. Events on campus include Head for The Hill Sept. 7 and Nov. 11 and Multicultural Preview Day Sept. 21.
View from the Hill
When Hurricane Maria pounded Puerto Rico in 2017 causing $90 billion worth of damage, who would have thought baseball would play a part in the recovery. That’s exactly what’s happening thanks to an idea that originated here in Kentucky. WKU’s Amy Bingham explains in the View from the Hill .
August
7
Wednesday
WKU Staff Senate

WKU Staff Senate's monthly meeting begins at 9 a.m. at Downing Student Union, room 2081. More Info
August
8
Thursday
Topper Orientation Program

Fall 2019 Topper Orientation Program begins at 7:30 a.m. at Downing Student Union. More Info
August
10
Saturday
2019 Fan Fest

WKU's annual Fan Fest returns to Diddle Arena as football coach Tyson Helton and his team, as well as Lady Topper soccer and volleyball, welcome Hilltopper Nation from 2 to 4 p.m. More Info
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101