The newsletter for the WKU community
June 7, 2023
20 students earn Gilman Scholarship
Twenty WKU students earned the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad in the March 2023 application cycle—as many as all other colleges and universities in Kentucky combined. 

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 20 recipients in this application cycle earned scholarships totaling $81,500 with an average award amount of $4,075. Of those who worked with the Office of Scholar Development, 42% of WKU's applicants were named recipients. The average national selection rate for the Gilman Scholarship over the past five years is 24.6%.
Regents approve $389.9 million budget
WKU’s Board of Regents on Friday approved a $389.9 million budget for fiscal year 2024, an increase of $6.5 million compared to the prior year’s budget. The budget includes a 2% salary pool to address cost of living increases, and address inversion, remedy compression, and reward performance.
CLIMBING HIGHER
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) has approved WKU’s chapter for affiliation with the national organization. NABJ is a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to its members and supports Black journalists and media professionals in the United States and worldwide. Learn More
Kentucky Mesonet at WKU adds station in Russell County
The Kentucky Mesonet at WKU continues to grow its network of automated stations across the Commonwealth. On Tuesday, the ribbon was cut on a new weather and climate monitoring site in Russell County.
Spotlight: SCATS
The Center for Gifted Studies is hosting 124 campers from eight states for the 2023 edition of the Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students (SCATS). Activities continue through June 16.
Owensboro Transit System bus features WKU's Big Red
You may notice a familiar face on the sides of a new Owensboro Transit System (OTS) bus. Sponsored by WKU in Owensboro, the new bus features Big Red, WKU’s large, loveable mascot.
What Happened to Jonesville? exhibition receives state award
The Kentucky Folklife Program received a 2023 Kentucky History Award in recognition for its work on the What Happened to Jonesville? exhibition. The project is the result of a partnership between the Kentucky Folklife Program, Kentucky Museum, African American Museum of Bowling Green, WKU Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology, and Kentucky Arts Council.
Winners of Distinguished Educator Awards announced
WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences announced this year’s winners of the WKU Distinguished Educator Awards. These awards are designed to celebrate current Kentucky P-12 educators in WKU’s service region who are making significant contributions to the teaching profession.
Gatton Academy recognizes 33 Kentucky educators
The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky recently recognized 33 educators from across the Commonwealth for their support of high ability students. The educators were recognized at the program’s May 6 Commencement in Van Meter Hall.
Art & Design hosts teachers
The WKU Department of Art & Design hosted the Warren County Art Teacher Professional Development Day on May 31 at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center.
Follow Bike4Alz
Bike4Alz Team 11 made it through Nevada into Utah during the weekend. The WKU students are on a 3,600-mile trip from San Francisco, California, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research.
Summer Dining Hours
Here’s a reminder from the WKU Restaurant Group that Starbucks in Downing Student Union and Rising Roll in The Commons are now open. Additional locations will be open for lunch the week of June 26-30.
Metals Innovation Initiative
Check out the latest newsletter from the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2). The nonprofit organization with a mission to foster innovation in Kentucky’s growing metals industry is headquartered at the WKU Innovation Campus.
Dean's/President's Lists
WKU has released the Dean's and President's Lists for the spring 2023 semester.
Athletics
June
8
Thursday
Planetarium Show

Ancient Earth will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hardin Planetarium. Learn More
June
14
Wednesday
Groundbreaking Ceremony

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Gordon Ford College of Business building will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday (June 14) on WKU South Lawn. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101