The newsletter for the WKU community
July 6, 2022
Governor appoints 2 new Regents
Governor Andy Beshear has appointed Melissa B. Dennison of Lexington and Gary L. Broady of Franklin to the WKU Board of Regents. Both will serve through June 30, 2028.

“I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve on the WKU Board of Regents,” Dennison said. “Higher education will face numerous challenges in the future, but I remain optimistic that the leadership at WKU is focused on what is best for our students. I look forward to the work ahead.”

Broady said: “I have always had a strong affinity for WKU. My wife and I are graduates and have been very involved in the university community. I am humbled and honored to be given the opportunity to serve WKU in this capacity.”
CLIMBING HIGHER
Dr. Julia Link Roberts, a WKU Distinguished Professor, is one of the editors of a new book on gifted education published on June 30. Learn More
Spotlight: Bike4Alz
The Bike4Alz team has arrived in Kentucky as part of a cross country ride to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research. The group of WKU students will host an event from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at SOKY Marketplace in downtown Bowling Green. Follow Bike4Alz on social media for updates on other events as they make their way across the state.
Planetarium to host watch party for telescope images
WKU’s Hardin Planetarium will host a free, public watch party at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday for NASA’s release of the first science images from the James Webb Space Telescope. The event is open to all interested parties, with the planetarium’s Star Chamber doors opening at 8:45 a.m., and the NASA livestream beginning at 9:30. The one-hour livestream will include many full-color images, along with some interpretation from NASA subject matter experts.
State Climate Office discusses current drought conditions
Portions of Kentucky have progressed into moderate drought, according to the latest United States Drought Monitor released on June 30. Approximately one-third of the state is categorized as moderate drought with an additional 50% of the state in abnormally dry conditions. As a service to the Commonwealth, the State Climate Office of Kentucky, a division of the Kentucky Climate Center at WKU, hosts a monthly webinar on drought and hydrologic conditions in conjunction with the Midwestern Drought Early Warning System. Interim Kentucky State Climatologist Megan Schargorodski will lead the July webinar at 1 p.m. (CT) Thursday with a review of recent conditions and climate outlook.
View from the Hill
Clemette Haskins, Claire Donahue, Alyssa Cavanaugh -- just a few of the legends that helped put women’s sports on the map at WKU. The Hilltopper Athletic Foundation launched a Women’s Legacy Fund earlier this year in honor of the 50th anniversary of Title IX. WKU’s Amy Bingham has more in this View from the Hill.
Athletics
July
7
Thursday
Planetarium Show

MoonBeings will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hardin Planetarium. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Tuesday, 7 p.m. Thursday and 2 p.m. Sunday through July 31. Learn More
July
12
Tuesday
Telescope Watch Party

The Hardin Planetarium will host a free, public watch party at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday for NASA’s release of the first science images from the James Webb Space Telescope. Doors open at 8:45 a.m. Learn More
July
12
Tuesday
Book Discussion

Author David Bell will discuss his new thriller, The Finalists, at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Warren County Public Library, 1225 State St. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101