The newsletter for the WKU community
October 26, 2023
Provost's Message: Announcing
Two New Teaching Awards
Dear Colleagues, 
 
WKU is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements and dedication of faculty members who consistently inspire and educate our students. The university has a long tradition of fostering and celebrating the craft of teaching. To date, faculty have been recognized through college and university teaching awards, as well as CITL Teaching Honors. 

 I am excited to announce two new awards that will enhance the visibility of effective and transformative teaching practices. One award recognizes Excellence in Online Teaching and Course Design and the other is intended to honor Excellence in Colonnade Program Instruction. 

The two recognitions seek to highlight exceptional commitment to delivering high-quality education in two areas that are crucial to student success at WKU: online instruction and general education. Recipients of both awards will be recognized alongside college and university award winners and will receive an honorarium. 
CLIMBING HIGHER
Nima Esmaeilzadeh, a Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences graduate student, won second place in the graduate poster contest at the American Association of Professional Geologists in September. Learn More
Why Knot Us inducts 19
The Why Knot Us Black Male Initiative inducted 19 WKU students in a ceremony hosted by the Cynthia and George Nichols III Intercultural Student Engagement Center.
Spotlight: Morgan Flanagan
Morgan Flanagan, an Academic Advisor in the Mahurin Honors College, graduated in 2022 after transferring to WKU from Mississippi. She graduated with majors in Philosophy and Religious Studies and a minor in Legal Studies, and was a member of Philosophy Club.
KMEA State Marching Band Championships Saturday
WKU will host the Kentucky Music Educators Association State Marching Band Championships on Saturday. The state finals in five classifications will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. More: Event parking
Creative Writing Series tonight
The English Department's Creative Writing Series will feature screenwriting duo Juliet Aires Giglio and Keith Giglio at 7 tonight. The event allows students to have the opportunity to engage with professionals and gain insight into several genres of creative writing.
Department of Music Events
Here are some upcoming events from the WKU Department of Music:
 
Deadline for PD Day Proposals
The deadline to submit proposals for the 2024 Professional Development Day has been extended to Monday (October 30). Presentations should fit into the categories of career development, inclusivity at WKU, skills building, and well-being. PD Day, a partnership with Academic Affairs, Enrollment and Student Experience, and the Division of Strategy, Operations, and Finance, will be held January 11.
Benefits Open Enrollment
Attention WKU faculty and staff: Here's a reminder from the Department of Human Resources that 2024 Benefits Open Enrollment ends Friday. More: 2024 Benefits Guide
Hilltopper Hysteria Tonight
Hilltopper Hysteria, WKU's annual tip-off event for Hilltopper and Lady Topper Basketball, will begin at 6:30 tonight at Diddle Arena. Admission is free and open to the public; doors will open at 5:30 p.m. WKU Cheer will perform at 6:15 p.m., followed by introductions for each team at 6:30. More: Event Parking
Athletics
October
26
Thursday
History Conference

The Ohio Valley History Conference will continue with a keynote presentation by Dr. Kendra Field at 7:30 tonight at the Gary Ransdell Hall Auditorium. Learn More
October
26
Thursday
Theatre Production

The Department of Theatre & Dance production of Child of the Night: Pirates of the Mediterranean will open at 7:30 tonight at the Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center's Russell H. Miller Theatre. Showtimes continue at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Monday with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday. Learn More
October
31
Tuesday
Open House

The Mahurin Honors College will host an open house event at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Honors College & International Center, room 1045. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101