The newsletter for the WKU community
August 19, 2020
2 students awarded SMART Scholarships
Two WKU students have been awarded the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship.

Chloe Cooper (left) of Louisville majors in Geography and Environmental Sciences in WKU’s Department of Earth, Environmental and Atmospheric Studies. Lee-Lee Knupp (right) of Russell is a 2020 graduate of the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky.

The SMART Scholarship is a scholarship-for-service. The SMART Scholarship funds full tuition, a living stipend, a health insurance allowance, a miscellaneous allowance, summer internships, and provides recipients with an experienced mentor. After recipients complete their degree requirements, they begin working in a civilian position for their sponsoring DoD facility.
CLIMBING HIGHER
Congratulations to WKU’s six new DEI Community of Practice Fellows: Fabian Alvarez, Monica Burke, Nicholas Fortune, Kimberly Green, Michelle Jones and Gayle Mallinger. This fellowship is the first of its kind at WKU and in the next three years these six fellows will help to fulfill the twin goals of empowering faculty in their teaching and engaging students in culturally responsive and high-impact learning. Communities of Practice are sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning.
As WKU reopens for the fall semester, check the Healthy on the Hill website for the latest updates and information, including FAQs, case dashboard, Health & Safety guidelines and much more. Today's updates include a campus message from Susan Howarth, EVP for Strategy, Operations and Finance; and the Healthy on the Hill video series continues with a message from David Oliver, WKU Emergency Manager.
Special Collections may be future of libraries, Richey says
Many times, physically touching and seeing history with your very own hands and eyes can be a more effective alternative to simply reading and learning online. Such is the method most preferred by Professor Nancy Richey, Reading Room Coordinator and Visual Resources Librarian for the WKU Department of Library Special Collections.
Spotlight: Donald Smith
"I am incredibly honored to be the 2020 recipient of the Spirit of WKU Award. I feel blessed to work with outstanding colleagues across the institution and truly do something I love each and every day. As a third-generation WKU graduate, this institution is very special to me.” – Donald Smith, President of the College Heights Foundation and WKU Foundation
History faculty member spent semester as Lapidus fellow
After winning a fellowship from the Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery for her project titled Involuntary Pilgrimage: Black Southerners and Territorial Separatism, 1783-1904, Dr. Selena Sanderfer Doss of the WKU History Department spent spring 2020 living and working in the Harlem section of New York City. The Lapidus Center is housed in the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, part of the New York Public Library system and one of the premier collections of material related to Black history and culture in the country.
Program adds Concentration in Museum Studies
The Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology announces the establishment of a new Museum Studies Concentration in the MA Program in Folk Studies, formalizing a longstanding strength of the program in preparing students for a variety of museum careers.
Join Back to School SpiritFunder campaign to support students
As a new class begins and returning students continue their journey in a uniquely challenging time, let’s show these students the entire Hilltopper Family is here to support them as they follow their dreams. Upholding WKU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion while continuing the spirit of providing access and opportunity to WKU students, the WKU Opportunity Fund is a focused fundraising campaign to remove barriers to education through needs-based financial assistance to support recruitment, retention and experiences beyond the classroom. More: Updates on Toppers Assist Scholarship partners
WKU Online Update
Here’s an update from WKU Online: Online Student Services offices and DELO Testing Centers located in Garrett Conference Center are relocating to South Campus.
WKU Construction Webcams
Check out webcam images as work continues on the First Year Village and The WKU Commons at Helm Library.
Jordan Webb of Nashville, Tenn., says the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed her to be more creative with communication. More: Submit a Hilltoppers Who Help nomination
Athletics
August
20
Thursday
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan

M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan activities for WKU's Class of 2024 officially begin Thursday. Learn More
August
21
Friday
Graduate Student Orientation

The Graduate School will conduct Fall 2020 New Graduate Student Orientation in a virtual format from 10 a.m. to noon Friday.
August
22
Saturday
Residence Halls Open

Residence halls open at 8 a.m. Saturday for all students. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
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Bowling Green, KY 42101