In a meeting Friday at WKU’s Innovation Campus, the WKU Board of Regents voted to award University Distinguished Professor status to Biology Professor Dr. Thomas Keith Philips.
Considered an expert worldwide on several different types of beetles, Dr. Philips has led groups of WKU students to locations around the globe including Ghana, South Africa, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.
Speaking in support of Dr. Philips, WKU Provost Dr. Bud Fischer noted his contributions to applied research and learning. “He’s highly respected internationally for both teaching and research. His research gives students hands-on opportunities to learn, and that’s what he does best.” The University Distinguished Professorship program is designed to recognize faculty members who have served WKU with distinction and have compiled an outstanding record of achievement in teaching, research, and service.
Additionally, the Regents approved Faculty Emeritus status for Dr. Sam Evans, former Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences; Dr. John Moore, Professor of Teacher Education; and Mr. Rico Tyler, Practitioner in Residence of Teacher Education. Faculty members who are awarded Emeritus status must have served the university for a minimum of 10 years and have had distinguished records of achievement and university service.
The Regents also approved the adoption of a university admission policy and the adoption of an updated Student Code of Conduct.