The newsletter for the WKU community
December 5, 2023
President's Message:
End of the Fall 2023 Semester
Dear Colleagues,

As I reflect on another semester of Hilltopper successes, I am grateful for your unwavering dedication to our students and to our university. The spirit of collaboration and innovation – a hallmark of WKU – has once again shone brightly in our classrooms, labs, administrative offices and beyond this year.

As students prepare for their final exams and complete their assignments this week, I want to remind you of the crucial role we play in supporting them during this time. The end of the semester presents particularly stressful challenges, and your guidance, encouragement and support make a significant difference in their academic performance and overall well-being. Our commitment to their success makes WKU a truly special place.

As a reminder, our College Recognition Ceremonies take place this Friday, December 8. Please plan to join me as we celebrate our Fall 2023 graduates. If you do not plan to attend these ceremonies, I ask that all supervisors implement flexible working arrangements to the extent possible that will allow offices to remain open and supported by minimal staff on campus, with the majority of staff working remotely. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to ease campus congestion as we expect thousands of visitors to our Hill. You can find more information about the ceremonies here.
CLIMBING HIGHER
Gordon Ford College of Business was pleased to host William C. Carstanjen, the CEO of Churchill Downs, as part of the Hays Watkins Guest CEO Lecture Series. Carstanjen shared insights from his career, which spans executive roles at the General Electric Company and Churchill Downs Inc. Learn More
#WKUGrad: Senior pursues career in dietetics, nutrition
Calicia Smith, a senior from Harrodsburg, graduates this week with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and Dietetics, an important step on her journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.
#WKUGrad: Senior prepares for financial planning career
“I chose Finance because I figured I would have a wide range of careers to choose from when I graduated," said Evan Goetz, a senior from Owensboro who graduates this week with his bachelor’s degree in Personal Financial Planning. "Once I got into the program, I started to realize how much I love financial planning."
Spotlight: WKU Week in Photos
As the fall semester winds down, take a look back at the last week of November in the latest WKU Week in Photos from Clinton Lewis, WKU Communications & Marketing.
4 educators inducted into Kentucky Teacher of Fame
Four exceptional educators who made an impact in their classrooms and their communities were inducted into the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame on Friday.
Regents to meet Thursday
The WKU Board of Regents will conduct its final quarterly meeting of the calendar year at 1 p.m. Thursday in the Cornelius A. Martin Regents Room of Jody Richards Hall.
Celebration of the Arts 2024
The Abound Credit Union Celebration of the Arts juried exhibition continues in 2024, hosted at the Kentucky Museum. This competitive exhibition is open to all residents 18 years of age or older, living in a Kentucky county which falls within a 65-mile radius of Bowling Green. Entries due February 9.
Event Parking Information for Recognition Ceremonies
Check out an event parking reminder from WKU Parking & Transportation for Friday's College Recognition Ceremonies.
MI2 Newsletter
Check out the December newsletter from the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2). The nonprofit organization with a mission to foster innovation in Kentucky’s growing metals industry is headquartered at the WKU Innovation Campus.
Athletics
December
6
Wednesday
Staff Senate

The WKU Staff Senate will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More
December
6
Wednesday
Startup Garden

The WKU Innovation Campus and other partners will present the December Startup Garden with guest speaker Sean Stevens at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at White Squirrel Brewery, 302 State St. Learn More
December
8
Friday
Residence Halls Close

WKU residence halls will close for Winter Break at 6 p.m. Friday; Hilltopper Hall and Rodes Harlin Hall will remain open. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
1906 College Heights Blvd. 
Bowling Green, KY 42101