The newsletter for the WKU community
January 27, 2021
Gatton Academy student advances to finalist round in science competition
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science student Jason Zhang has advanced to the finalist round in the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) 2021. The 40 finalists are each awarded at least $25,000, and the top 10 awards range from $40,000 to $250,000.

The Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

“I am incredibly excited that Jason’s hard work and persistence has been recognized by his being named a Regeneron STS Finalist. This is an incredible honor. Jason is a remarkable scholar who also contributes in meaningful ways to our community,” said Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director of The Gatton Academy. “I appreciate the dedicated faculty members at Western Kentucky University and Gatton Academy staff who present opportunities to Gatton students and mentor them along their paths to infinite possibilities.”
WKU Forensics Team sweeps MAFL
The WKU Forensics Team took first in sweepstakes at the 4th and 5th tournament of the Mid-America Forensics League (MAFL) hosted virtually by Northern Illinois University on Jan. 23-24. WKU finished ahead of Bradley University, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Check WKU's Healthy on the Hill website for COVID-19 information, including FAQs, Reported Cases Dashboard, Symptoms & Health Checks, Flu Shots and more. 
CLIMBING HIGHER
Dr. Austin Griffiths, director of WKU’s Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, has been recognized with the Child Welfare League of America 100th Anniversary Champion for Children Award. Learn More
Open forum for Provost finalist
Four finalists have been selected for the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and are participating in on-campus interviews. The second is Dr. Ajay Samant, Dean of the College of Business at Illinois State University. An open forum begins at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Downing Student Union Auditorium or via Zoom.
Black History Month Opening Celebration Thursday evening
WKU's Black History Month Opening Celebration will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Harbaugh Club at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Keynote speakers will be Tracy Scott, a WKU senior from Louisville, and Carlos Bailey, Bowling Green attorney and City Commissioner.
Spotlight: Kevin Schmaltz
Dr. Kevin Schmaltz, professor of Mechanical Engineering in WKU’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Dedicated Service Award for his volunteer service to the ASME Student Design Competition and student members as the competition committee Chair, competition Judge and student advisor.
WKU to test emergency alert systems Thursday morning
At 9 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 28), WKU will test emergency alert systems including email, text message, and outdoor warning speakers. All current students, faculty and staff with a cell phone number listed in TopNet who have consented to receive text messages will be included in the test. To verify your emergency contact information is correct, please visit TopNet. WKU’s emergency preparedness plans are available at www.wku.edu/emergency.
Fall 2020 Dean's/President's Lists
WKU has released the honors lists for the fall 2020 semester. Full-time undergraduate students with a semester grade-point average of 3.4 to 3.79 are named to the Dean’s List. Students with a GPA of 3.8 to 4.0 are named to the President’s List. More student news: Panhellenic officers; IFC officers
Campus Master Plan Feedback
The WKU Master Planning Committee is seeking review and comments on the draft WKU Campus Master Plan 2021-2031 document now through Feb. 11. The Master Plan documents and feedback form can be found online.
Athletics
January
28
Thursday
Provost Candidate Open Forum

An open forum for the second of four finalists for the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at Downing Student Union Auditorium and via Zoom. Learn More
January
28
Thursday
3MT® Information Session

The Graduate School will host a virtual information session for its inaugural 3MT® competition at 3 p.m. Thursday. Learn More
January
28
Thursday
Hardin Planetarium Show

Perseverance to Reach Mars will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium. Learn More
More events: Check WKU Events calendar or follow @wkuevents on Instagram
Western Kentucky University 
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Bowling Green, KY 42101