The newsletter for the WKU community -- April 16, 2025 | | WKU honors faculty, staff at Employee Excellence Dinner | |
WKU recognized the recipients of this year’s Staff Excellence Awards, University Faculty Awards and the President’s ONE WKU Awards as well as the newest University Distinguished Professors at the Employee Excellence Dinner on Tuesday.
University Distinguished Professors
Each year, the Office of the Provost and Division of Academic Affairs invites nominations to recognize faculty currently at the rank of professor who serve the University with distinction and have an outstanding record of achievement in teaching, research/creativity, and service. The newest members of the community of University Distinguished Professors are:
- Rui Zhang, Professor of Chemistry, Ogden College of Science & Engineering
- Anthony Harkins, Professor of History, Potter College of Arts & Letters
Staff Excellence Awards
The Staff Excellence Awards honor and recognize WKU Staff Employees who go above and beyond the call for service. They embody an innovative, creative, and solution-oriented approach to work and make positive contributions to the University’s mission, strategic plan, and communities we serve.
- Customer Service Award: LaSheena Shelton, Office Associate, School of Nursing and Allied Health
- Teamwork Award: Doreen Williams-Holmes, Office Coordinator, Finance, Marketing, and Economics
- Student Support Award: Emmeline Essler, Student Services Coordinator, Dean of Students
- Part Time Award: Rina Lewis, Office Coordinator, TRIO Student Support Services, Disabilities
- Unsung Hero Award: Audra Coil, Office Coordinator, Doctor of Physical Therapy
- WKU Affiliate Award: Ronnie Allerkamp, Facilities Management, Sodexo
| | Congratulations to Brittany Wafford, HRIS Specialist, for winning the second annual WKU Internal Audit Bracket Challenge. Brittany beat out 125 participants with a record score of 342 points. Bruce Weisman, Director of Internal Audit, presented the award. Learn more about WKU Internal Audit. | |
WKU Bands celebrate 100 years
In honor of the 100th anniversary, WKU Bands will host a series of concerts on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Van Meter Hall. Tickets will be available for $10 at the door or online.
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GFCB students earn national recognition
GFCB students received national recognition for their outstanding consulting work at the 2024–2025 Small Business Institute Conference in New Orleans.
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Nominations open for Teacher Hall of Fame
The Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for the Class of 2025. This prestigious honor celebrates outstanding educators across the Commonwealth.
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CUSA Faculty Achievement Award
Dr. Julia L. Roberts, Professor of Gifted Studies at WKU, has been named one of 10 recipients of the prestigious 2025 Conference USA Faculty Achievement Award. Dr. Roberts also serves as the Founding Director of The Center for Gifted Studies and Executive Director of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky.
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WKU Staff Senate accepting nominations
WKU Staff Senate is calling for nominations for senate terms beginning July 1, 2025. WKU Staff Senate intends to fill 11 open seats.
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GFCB students shine at conference
Five students from WKU's GFCB proudly showcased their research at the prestigious 2025 INFORMS Analytics Conference, held April 6–9 in Indianapolis.
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Celebration of Life: Heather Strode
PCAL invites you to celebrate the life of beloved School of Media & Communication, Associate Professor Heather Strode, on Tuesday, May 6, at 5:30 p.m. in HCIC 1011. Additionally, colleagues are invited to consider donating to the Heather Strode Scholarship Fund.
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MFA students travel to Los Angeles
Students from WKU’s Creative Writing Graduate program traveled to Los Angeles, California on March 26 to attend the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference.
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Exhibition reception and book launch
The Great Meadows Foundation and the Kentucky Museum are pleased to announce a special event celebrating the life, legacy and lasting impact of Mary and Al Shands, two of Kentucky’s most influential champions of contemporary art.
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Student Spotlight: Max Etienne
| Max Etienne always knew he wanted to do "anything and everything." A self-described curious person, he found that film provided the perfect opportunity to explore a multitude of worlds, professions, and stories all in one career. "You can spend half a year researching firefighters or restaurants, learn all this, apply it to movie logic, and bada bing, bada boom, you basically get all the careers rolled up into one," he explained. | | |
WKU's First Therapy Dog Passes Away
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of WKU’s first therapy dog, CanDoo, at the age of 13. He was truly the spirit of a Hilltopper, always ready with a warm welcome to anyone who stepped onto the Hill.
| | | Check out photos from WKU Agriscience and Education Field Day. Students showcased their skills and knowledge through hands-on contests and demonstrations, from welding to dairy judging. Photos by Clinton Lewis, WKU Communications & Marketing. | WKU Innovation Campus Events | Check out the latest news and events from WKU Innovation Campus. | | | |
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Faculty Senate
WKU Faculty Senate will meet at 3:45 p.m. Thursday at Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More
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Hilltopper Fieldhouse Final Beam Raising
WKU will host the final beam raising ceremony for Hilltopper Fieldhouse on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Avenue of Champions across from Preston Health and Activities Center. Learn More
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Production
The WKU Dance program will present Evening of Dance 2025 Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. the Russell H. Miller Theatre in Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center. Additional showtimes are Friday and Saturday, April 25-26 at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Tickets are $17; $12 for students and seniors (62+). Learn More
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