The newsletter for the WKU community
September 9, 2021
WKU's Interim Dean of Students shares her passion for student success
Even after 24 years on the Hill, Dr. Martha Sales looks forward to learning something new alongside Hilltoppers this year as she tackles a new role on campus: Interim Dean of Students.
 
A four-time alumna of WKU, Sales has strong connections to campus and is excited to continue working with students in her new role. Originally from Franklin, Sales came to campus as a first-generation and low-income student, which helped fuel her desire to serve students. 
 
After earning her undergraduate degree in social work and a minor in African American Studies, Sales started helping others forge their path to WKU. As an Educational Talent Search counselor, she supported first-generation and Pell-eligible students through academic, career, and financial counseling.
 
As Interim Dean of Students, Sales continues to devote time and energy to helping students come to WKU and succeed on campus.
 
"I think students should know that I'm here to assist them with the climb. I'm all about building relationships with students and about hearing what they have to say. I want students to know that, in essence, I work for them!"
Exercise Science major gains knowledge, experience for physical therapy field
Rachel Begley is a senior pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science within WKU's College of Health and Human Services.

Prior to acceptance into the Exercise Science program, students are required to take part in a practicum experience that involves observation hours in a work environment specific to their field of interest. Begley started shadowing in an outpatient physical therapy clinic in 2019 in her hometown of Springfield, successfully completing 150 hours. 
 
“This experience gave me an insight into the world of physical therapy and both the triumphs and challenges that can be faced,” Begley said. “By watching the care and relationships formed between the patients and the physical therapy team, I confirmed that physical therapy is the path that I want to take. I want to be able to make a real difference in the lives of people to ensure they get back to doing the things that they love.”
HEALTHY
ON THE HILL
Check WKU's Healthy on the Hill website for the latest updates, including COVID Vaccination Reporting, Vaccine Information and more. Questions? Contact WKU's COVID Assistance Line at (270) 745-2019 or covid.help@wku.edu
CLIMBING HIGHER
Dr. Rich Shumate, assistant professor in WKU's School of Media, examines the perception of liberal media bias in his new book, Barry Goldwater, Distrust in Media, and Conservative Identity: The Perception of Liberal Bias in the News. Learn More
Study Abroad Fair next week
WKU Global Learning & International Affairs will host its hybrid Study Abroad Fair Sept. 13-17. Throughout the week, study abroad providers will be hosting virtual sessions for students throughout Kentucky. An in-person event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday (Sept. 14) in the Mahurin Honors College & International Center. Register online
Spotlight: Jonesville Mural
Campus and community members are invited to attend a free Artist Talk on the Jonesville Mural at the Kentucky Museum from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 16. Mural artists Alice Gatewood Waddell and Mike Nichols will provide a short talk on the mural process and will provide an opportunity for guests to ask questions.
English Majors Convocation
WKU's English Department will host its Fifth Annual English Majors Convocation at 3 p.m. Friday at Mahurin Honors College & International Center, room 1011.
Constitution Week
WKU's Department of Political Science will host Constitution Week events Sept. 13-17, including a visit by John Minton Jr., Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court.
Berta Seminar will feature noted educator Dr. Kristina Collins
Registration is open for the 2021 Berta Seminar, an annual event exploring the social and emotional needs of gifted children. Noted educator Dr. Kristina Collins will present Social-emotional and Responsive Guidance: Parenting, Teaching, and Counseling Gifted Students on Oct. 18 at the Knicely Conference Center. In this interactive seminar, the Dr. Collins will address social, emotional, and cultural contexts of academic development and personal growth of gifted students.
Parent & Family Weekend events Sept. 24-26 at WKU
WKU will celebrate Parent & Family Weekend Sept. 24-26 with several events, highlighted by recognition of the 2021 Family of the Year during WKU Football’s game against Indiana. Deadline for Family of the Year nominations is Friday.
View from the Hill
When the United States was attacked on September 11, 2001, some photojournalism students from WKU felt compelled to go and cover the story. Now on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, their pictures will be on display for the public to see as WKU’s Amy Bingham tells us in this week’s View from the Hill.
Athletics
September
10
Friday
9/11 Photo Exhibit

An open house for 9/11 20th Anniversary Photo Exhibit will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Friday at the Pushin Building, 400 E. Main St. Learn More
September
12
Sunday
Planetarium Show

Finding Your Way Around the Autumn Skies will open at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Hardin Planetarium. Show times are 7 p.m. Tuesday, 7 p.m. Thursday and 2 p.m. Sunday through October 21. Admission is free. Learn More
September
14
Tuesday
Charles Forrester Exhibit

A retrospective exhibition of the sculpture and drawings of the late Charles H. Forrester will open Tuesday at the Downing Museum at the Baker Arboretum in Bowling Green. Learn More
More events: Check WKU Events calendar or follow @wkuevents on Instagram
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101