The newsletter for the WKU community
April 18, 2024
2 students named Goldwater Scholars
WKU students Mykah Carden of Greenville and Gabriel Nowaskie of Elizabethtown have been awarded the 2024 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. They are two of only five students studying at Kentucky institutions to be named Goldwater Scholars in this application cycle.

The Goldwater Scholarship, established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to recognize the former senator from Arizona, identifies and honors university sophomores and juniors who excel in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) research. To support future career researchers, winners receive $7,500 annually to apply toward undergraduate tuition, room and board, fees and books.

Carden, the daughter of Heather Carden, will graduate from The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in May 2024. She will continue studies in geological sciences with the WKU Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences and the Mahurin Honors College at WKU.

Nowaskie, the son of Lisa and Tim Nowaskie, is a physics major with a minor in mathematics in the Ogden College of Science & Engineering and Mahurin Honors College at WKU.
CLIMBING HIGHER
Congratulations to Jessica Dorris, Assistant Registrar, for winning the WKU Internal Audit Bracket Challenge with a score of 317 points. Bruce Weisman, Director of Internal Audit, presented the award. Stuart Burris, Associate Dean in the Ogden College of Science & Engineering, took honorable mention among the 139 entrants. Learn more about the Office of Internal Audit
WKU senior Alexis Elder awarded Fulbright grant
Alexis Elder of Louisville, a graduating senior in Elementary Education, is WKU’s third Fulbright US Student Program grantee of the 2024-25 award year. She has been awarded an English Teaching Assistantship for Spain. 
Spotlight: WKU Day of Giving
Here's a reminder from WKU Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement: Don't forget to wear red on Tuesday for WKU Day of Giving as you share the WKU Spirit and support the University.
Educator recruitment focus of Grow Your Own Summit
Over 100 Individuals from Kentucky school districts, community colleges, universities, and government agencies met at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center on Wednesday for the second Grow Your Own Summit.
WKU honors faculty, staff at Employee Excellence Dinner
WKU recognized the recipients of this year’s Staff Excellence Awards, University Faculty Awards and the President’s ONE WKU Awards as well as the newest University Distinguished Professors at the Employee Excellence Dinner on Tuesday.
2 to join Music Wall of Fame
The Department of Music at WKU will induct alumna, Dr. Sheila Johnson (’77), and Professor Emerita, Dr. Mitzi Groom, to its Wall of Fame on April 26.
PCAL Program Highlight:
User Experience (UX)
As technology’s role in day-to-day life grows, it is paramount that universities offer programs that cater to this cultural shift to make students marketable and invaluable employees. In the Department of Art & Design, the User Experience (UX) program is paving a new way for students to excel in the workforce.
Evening of Dance
The WKU Dance program will present its Evening of Dance 50th Anniversary production this weekend at the Russell H. Miller Theatre in Ivan Wilson Fine Arts Center. Showtimes are 7:30 tonight, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $16; $12 for students and seniors (62+).
Beam Raising Ceremony
WKU will celebrate a milestone in the construction of the new Gordon Ford College of Business building with a Beam Raising Ceremony this afternoon at the site on Normal Street. Attendees will have an opportunity to sign the final steel beam at 1:30 before the ceremony at 2.
Department of Music Events
The WKU Department of Music will host the following events at Van Meter Hall:
 
WKU Football Spring Showcase
WKU Football will host the Red & White Spring Showcase at 2 p.m. Saturday at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. The event is free and open to the public. In addition to the Spring Showcase, WKU Softball will face MTSU at 1 p.m. Saturday and WKU Baseball will face Liberty at 4 p.m. Saturday as part of weekend series.
Athletics
April
18
Thursday
Faculty Senate

WKU Faculty Senate will meet at 3:45 p.m. today at Downing Student Union, room 2081. Learn More
April
18
Thursday
Child Welfare Expo

The LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research will host the 2024 Child Welfare Expo at 5 p.m. today at Downing Student Union, third floor. Learn More
April
22
Monday
Graduand

WKU in Glasgow will celebrate its 2024 graduates during Graduand at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the T.J. Health Pavilion Community Room in Glasgow. Learn More
Western Kentucky University 
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Bowling Green, KY 42101