The newsletter for the WKU community
January 25, 2022
19 students earn Gilman Scholarships
Nineteen WKU students earned the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad in the October 2021 application cycle, more than all other Kentucky institutions combined. This reflects a 95% selection rate for WKU applicants who worked with the Office of Scholar Development to prepare applications. 

The Gilman Scholarship broadens the student population that studies or interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. The 19 recipients in this application cycle earned scholarships totaling $91,000.

The next Gilman Scholarship application cycle closes on March 1. Interested students are encouraged to work with the Office of Scholar Development at WKU and the Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning in early February.
Message from the Provost: QEP Proposals
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:  

In 2025, Western Kentucky University will submit its 10-year documentation for reaffirmation of regional accreditation to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Part of the reaffirmation process is the development of a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) which, “reflects and affirms a commitment to enhance overall institutional quality and effectiveness by focusing on an issue that the institution considers important to improving student learning outcomes and/or student success.”  

I invite all WKU students, faculty, and staff to submit ideas in proposal form for the University's next QEP. Proposals should be submitted to provost@wku.edu no later than March 15, 2023. All proposals will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives from the campus community. 
HEALTHY
ON THE HILL
Check WKU's Healthy on the Hill website for the latest updates, including Spring Semester COVID-19 Update, COVID Cases Dashboard, Vaccine Information and more.
CLIMBING HIGHER
The Academic Affairs Committee of WKU's Board of Regents approved University Distinguished Professor status for Dr. John Cipolla, WKU Professor of Music. Learn More
Tornadoes are 'the kind of thing we have been training for'
As the WKU community wrapped up the fall 2021 semester, University Meteorologist Josh Durkee and the White Squirrel Weather team spent their finals week monitoring development of a severe weather system. “I feel like that was the kind of thing we have been training for over the past five years or so,” said Dr. Durkee, who directs WKU’s White Squirrel Weather. “We watched the event a few days in advance and sent our forecasts to the university leadership. We communicated on our social media all the way down to the warning that said, ‘take cover now’.”
Spotlight: Candace Bone
“The moment I stepped on WKU’s campus I felt at home. Everyone here is so welcoming, and it was evident to me that the professors genuinely care about students.” – Candace Bone, School Psychology graduate student
Registrar Updates
Check out the Spring 2022 newsletter from the Office of the Registrar for information on Topper Walk, Commencement, College Recognition Ceremonies, Finals Week Schedule and more.
WKU Surplus Auction
The WKU Surplus quarterly auction is under way. Items include vintage chandeliers, map cabinets, office furniture, electronics, computers and more. All auctions are online and open to the public.
2022 Student Publications summer fellows named
WKU Student Publications announced a record 11 Student Publications fellows for 2022. Ten of the students will spend at least 10 weeks working in professional organizations this summer, and the 11th will cover news on the WKU campus.
Dean's/President's Lists
WKU has released the Dean's/President's Lists for the fall 2021 semester. The honors lists are online at https://www.wku.edu/mediarelations/deanslist.php
Athletics
January
25
Tuesday
Planetarium Show

Eyes on the Early Universe: James Webb Space Telescope will be presented at 7 tonight at the Hardin Planetarium. Learn More
January
26
Wednesday
Gallery Exhibition

Reimagining Tradition: Mountain Workshops 2021 is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Jody Richards Hall Gallery through Feb. 4. Learn More
January
27
Thursday
Faculty Senate

WKU Faculty Senate will meet at 3:45 p.m. Thursday via Zoom. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101