The newsletter for the WKU community
January 17, 2023
President's Message:
Spring 2023 Classes Begin
Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to another semester on the Hill! I hope that you found time during the winter break to recharge and connect with family and friends and that your new year has started off well.

Today, our students return to campus, and we continue our important work of preparing them not only to lead successful careers, but also to effectively serve and elevate their communities and beyond. As we welcome them back, please continue to share with them the robust support mechanisms available across our institution – intentionally designed to assist them in their pursuit of their WKU degree.
Gatton Academy senior to represent Kentucky at national science conference
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science senior Sierra Durkee has been invited to represent Kentucky at the American Junior Academy of Science after impressing scientists with her research presentation. Durkee presented her research at the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science meeting held in November at Morehead State University.
Gatton Academy senior among top scholars in science, math competition
The Society for Science announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Among those named was Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science senior Hannah Laney for her project, “Synthesis of 4d- and 5d-Based Transition Metal Oxides.”
CLIMBING HIGHER
Dr. David Bell, Professor and Interim Director for the M.F.A. Creative Writing program in the Department of English at WKU, has made the New York Times Young Adult Paperback Best Sellers List with his newest novel, She’s Gone. Learn More
WKU student awarded 2023 Rangel Graduate Fellowship
WKU student Ralphy Gardner of Todd County was named a 2023 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellow. He is one of 45 fellows selected nationwide and only the third WKU student to earn this honor. The Rangel Graduate Fellowship supports extraordinary individuals who want to help formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy through a career in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. Gardner will receive up to $84,000 for a two-year master’s degree, two paid internships in the U.S. Congress and a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, and opportunities for mentoring and professional development.
Spotlight: Beverly Davenport
Though she noted Thomas Wolfe’s famous book title that “you can’t go home again,” Dr. Beverly Davenport did indeed come home as she accepted an Honorary Doctorate from WKU on Dec. 8, 2022.
NASH Catalyst Fund supports Resilient Refugee Program
WKU’s Resilient Refugee Program, an initiative to serve displaced students in the Bowling Green community, was among the first round of Catalyst Fund awards announced by the National Association of System Heads (NASH).
WKU students 2nd, 9th in Hearst multimedia contest
Two WKU photojournalism students placed in the top 10 of the first multimedia competition of the 2022-2023 Hearst Journalism Awards Program.
Med Center Health at WKU Health Services now open
Med Center Health at WKU Health Services began offering services to WKU faculty, staff and students at the clinic located at 1681 Normal Drive on Monday. More: Faculty/Staff Information
January 2023 Staff Star Award Recipients
The WKU Staff Senate recognized the Christopher Ware Staff Star Award recipients during its meeting on January 4. The January 2023 recipients are Emmeline Essler, Coordinator, Student Services; Marybeth Hunt, Advising and Career Development; and Amelia Kolb, Student Activities, Leadership & Volunteerism. More: Submit a Staff Star nomination
Winter Break News Recap
WKU Week in Photos: Highlights from Fall 2022
From spending 17 hours in front of the WKU Commons at Helm Library and exploring hundreds of miles underground in Mammoth Cave to running after Homecoming parade floats and celebrating fall graduates, University Photographer Clinton Lewis and Intern Cristina Betz went the extra mile to capture a semester filled with life more life on the Hill. Check out our album for a behind the scenes look at Fall 2022 through a few of their favorite photos.
View from the Hill
A unique approach to economic development is happening here in Bowling Green, providing talent from all over the world the opportunity to come here to live and work. WKU’s Amy Bingham explains how the CO/CREATE Talent Database is setting the entire region up for success in this week’s View from the Hill.

More: Here are links to recent View from the Hill stories
Athletics
January
17
Tuesday
Art Exhibits

Two art exhibits -- Danielle Muzina and Jonesville Fresco: Behind the Scenes -- are on display at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center Gallery and Corridor Gallery. Learn More
January
19
Thursday
Lost River Sessions LIVE!

Lost River Sessions LIVE! will present East Nash Grass with Swift Silver at 7 p.m. Thursday at The Capitol, downtown Bowling Green. Tickets are $12 general admission or $10 with WKU ID. Learn More
January
20
Friday
Regents Committees

The WKU Board of Regents will conduct committee meetings at 9 a.m. Friday in the Martin Regents Room of Jody Richards Hall. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
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Bowling Green, KY 42101