WKU Week in Review: 2017

WKU Week in Review archives for 2017

WKU news summary for Aug. 21-25, 2017

Innovative student research paves way for med school: Sydnie Gordon, a junior from Taylorsville, studies Biology at WKU with a minor in Chemistry and Pre-Med concentration. In her program, Sydnie is getting hands-on experience in an innovative research project that connects to her plans for the future. Sydnie works closely with professors in the Biology department to research communication pathways in chameleons.

5 WKU students selected as Alumni Leadership Scholars: The WKU Alumni Association has selected five incoming freshmen as Alumni Leadership Scholars for the fall.

WKU CHNGES faculty, students conduct research in Vietnam: Dr. Leslie North and Dr. Jason Polk, along with two graduate students, Elizabeth Willenbrink and James Graham, from the WKU Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies (CHNGES) and Department of Geography and Geology, recently spent time in Vietnam conducting research on the region’s diverse karst landscape. While in Vietnam, the CHNGES researchers spent time in both Hanoi and Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng.

WKU launches International Year of Bosnia and Herzegovina: The International Year of Bosnia and Herzegovina will bring a diverse schedule of events to WKU campuses and the surrounding communities for the 2017-2018 year.

View from the Hill – President Caboni settles into new role: This week marked a lot of firsts for freshmen starting their first semester at WKU. The same can be said of WKU’s new President Timothy C. Caboni as Amy Bingham tells us in this View from the Hill.

Third group of students begins MFA in Creative Writing: A third cohort of students has joined WKU’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. The new MFA students are Emily Diehl of Nashville, Tennessee; Brodie Gress of Bretzville, Indiana; John Paul King of Hilliard, Ohio; Paula Konokh of Moscow, Russia; Hunter Little of Brookville, Indiana; and Marcee Wardell of Ortonville, Michigan.

Research results from 9 WKU students published in Open Access journal: Nine WKU undergraduate research students are authors on a manuscript published in the July issue of PLOS ONE, the world’s first multidisciplinary Open Access journal.

WKU Week in Photos Special Edition: Fall 2017 Semester Begins: Check out a special edition of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs. Tuesday (Aug. 22) was the first full day of classes for the fall 2017 semester at WKU. President Timothy C. Caboni participated in the Topper Directions program and handed out WKU T-shirts as part of a “Presidential Swap-Out.”

WKU Week in Photos: Aug. 11-20, 2017: Check out the first installment of WKU Week in Photos for the fall 2017 semester by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

Great American Eclipse at WKU: Check out photos from Monday’s eclipse viewing at WKU.

#PeopleofWKU: Gary Beu: Gary Beu is the Cheese Plant Manager & Artisan Cheesemaker at the Hilltopper Creamery located at the Charles L. Taylor Agriculture Center at the WKU Farm. The Hilltopper Creamery is part of the WKU Department of Agriculture.

#ThrowbackWKU: Col. Terry W. Wilcutt: Throwing it back with the WKU Alumni Association by spotlighting a very special alum. Col. Terry W. Wilcutt (’74) is the first Kentucky-born astronaut at NASA. The former Marine Corps officer piloted the October 1994 Space Shuttle Endeavor, is a veteran of four Space Shuttle missions and logged more than 1,000 hours in space.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU Admissions hosting events for prospective students & their families: WKU is taking its DiscoverWKU events across the United States this fall.

‘Kentucky in the Great War’ on display at Kentucky Building: Kentucky in the Great War is on display through Dec. 8 in the Jackson Gallery of the Kentucky Building. The exhibit is free and open to the public 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Society for Lifelong Learning to Host Fall Open House and Annual Meeting: The Society for Lifelong Learning at WKU (SLL) Annual Meeting and Open House will be held August 27 from 2-4 p.m. at the Knicely Conference Center.

8th annual Eric D. Yates Memorial Run set for Sept. 20: The WKU Army ROTC program will host the eighth annual Eric D. Yates Memorial Run on Sept. 20.

WKU’s 2017 Homecoming set for Oct. 14: Save the date: WKU’s 2017 Homecoming is scheduled for Oct. 14. The Hilltoppers will face Charlotte in the annual Homecoming football game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m. There’s No Place Like Home is the Homecoming theme. The Hall of Distinguished Alumni Luncheon and Induction ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 13.

WKU news summary for Aug. 14-18, 2017

President Caboni outlines strategic planning, doing in charting future: WKU President Timothy C. Caboni outlined the strategic planning process for WKU’s future as well as new initiatives being implemented this fall during the annual Faculty Staff Convocation Friday.

WKU presents faculty, staff awards at convocation: The annual faculty and staff awards were presented Friday morning at WKU’s 2017 opening convocation.

Sodexo pledges $650,000 to scholarship assistance for employees, dependents: Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services and the University’s partner in facilities management, has made a gift commitment to WKU to establish the Sodexo Scholarship Fund to support their employees, as well as their dependents, in the pursuit of higher education at any campus of WKU. Sodexo has pledged $650,000 in scholarship assistance over the next 13 years with $50,000 in scholarships awarded in a given academic year.

American Bank and Trust Scholarship Fund: New scholarship recipients: The recipients of the American Bank and Trust Scholarship Fund were announced this week at a celebration at The Bistro. Each of the five recipients was awarded a $1,000 scholarship toward his or her college education at WKU.

Innovative program is a winner for faculty member: Dr. Jason Crandall, associate professor of Exercise Science in WKU’s School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport, didn’t know what to expect when the idea for Bingocize® began to take shape in 2011. But six years later, the preventative health promotion program for older adults that combines bingo and exercise is starting to show its strength.

Shoaf receives Rotary Scholarship for master’s degree abroad: WKU alumna Emma Shoaf will use a $40,000 Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.

3 WKU students selected as Gilman Scholars: Three WKU students were awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to study abroad during the fall 2017 semester or academic year. Whitley Gregory of Nicholasville, Kelsy Leppo of Lexington, and Bradley Orr of Guston will receive scholarships of up to $8,000.

Nine new members elected to WKU Young Alumni Council: The WKU Young Alumni Council (YAC) recently added nine new members to serve for three years in collaboration with the WKU Alumni Association.

‘Kentucky in the Great War’ on display at Kentucky Building: WKU Library Special Collections recently opened Kentucky in the Great War exhibit in the Jackson Gallery of the Kentucky Building. The exhibit will be free and open to the public 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 8.

WKU’s Keeling visits 5 continents in 3 months: Dr. David Keeling, University Distinguished Professor of Geography at WKU, recently returned from Europe, completing a three-month research and expedition lecturing adventure that took him to five continents.

#PeopleofWKU: Dr. William Mkanta: Dr. William Mkanta, Interim Head for the WKU Department of Public Health, is celebrating 10 years at WKU! This week, he’s being recognized for #PeopleofWKU for his commitment to connecting culture to education. Dr. Mkanta organizes trips to Tanzania and Zanzibar each year to give students a unique learning experience.

What’s Happening at WKU

Hardin Planetarium presenting shows on eclipse, Saturn: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is presenting Into The Shadow Of The Disappearing Sun and Ring World: A Grand Finale.

WKU Admissions hosting events for prospective students & their families: WKU is taking its DiscoverWKU events across the United States this fall.

WKU preparing for fall 2017 semester & Great American Eclipse: WKU is preparing for two major events on Aug. 21 — the opening of the fall 2017 semester and the Great American Eclipse. To accommodate visitors to campus for the total solar eclipse, WKU has delayed the start of classes on all campuses until 4 p.m. Aug. 21. Offices at all WKU campuses will observe regular hours that day. (More: View from the Hill on eclipse plans.)

8th annual Eric D. Yates Memorial Run set for Sept. 20: The WKU Army ROTC program will host the eighth annual Eric D. Yates Memorial Run on Sept. 20.

WKU news summary for Aug. 7-11, 2017

WKU Learn and Earn adds partners, advisory board: WKU Learn and Earn is expanding opportunities for WKU students and local businesses with the addition of several new business partners and the creation of an advisory board.

WKU PBS picks up quartet of Emmy Awards for ‘Lost River Sessions’: WKU PBS, WKU’s Public Television Service, had an impressive showing at the 53rd Annual Ohio Valley Emmy Awards with a quartet of honors during an Aug. 5 ceremony in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Hardin Planetarium adding presentations of eclipse show: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is responding to the growing interest about the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21 by offering additional presentations of its free public eclipse show, Into The Shadow Of The Disappearing Sun.

Faculty member in WKU SKyTeach Program earns national award: Dr. Lisa C. Duffin, associate professor of psychology, has earned national recognition for her research on STEM education as part of WKU’s SKyTeach Program.

Summer research program offers a gateway to post-grad studies: For many college students, summer is a time to relax and recharge — or, at the very least, to enjoy a slightly less harried schedule. But for the students taking part in the Advancing Psychological Research with Technology Research Experience for Undergraduates program at WKU, summer is a chance to gain invaluable experience working side-by-side with WKU faculty mentors.

View from the Hill – Three Generations – WKU Recreation: A family with strong WKU ties continues making a difference in the lives of people with special needs. Amy Bingham shows us how in this View from the Hill.

Arizona BatWatch research project launches second season of videos: Arizona BatWatch, an online research project that engages the public in scientific research through citizen science, launched its second season of videos Tuesday (Aug. 8). “We are excited about the new season of videos,” said Shannon Trimboli, the creator of Arizona BatWatch and Education Coordinator of the Mammoth Cave International Center for Science and Learning, a partnership between WKU and Mammoth Cave National Park.

Faculty research seeks to solve big problems: People can go their whole lives without understanding data mining and business analytics, but Dr. Leyla Zhuhadar, WKU Assistant Professor in Information Systems, and her students use applied research in business analytics and data mining to improve businesses operations each semester.

Partnership Assists Kentucky Wesleyan Students Earn Graduate Degree from WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business: A collaborative partnership signed last week will assist students from Kentucky Wesleyan College achieve a graduate degree in accounting, applied economics, or earn an MBA from the Gordon Ford College of Business (GFCB) at WKU.

#PeopleofWKU: Dr. Dawn Bolton: “I work with great people,” said Dr. Dawn Bolton, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Mattie Newman Ford Professor and Associate Professor in Management. “I am not alone in this. There are lots of great people in my Center, my department, in my college and in this university.”

What’s Happening at WKU

Hardin Planetarium presenting shows on eclipse, Saturn: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is presenting Into The Shadow Of The Disappearing Sun and Ring World: A Grand Finale.

8th annual Eric D. Yates Memorial Run set for Sept. 20: The WKU Army ROTC program will host the eighth annual Eric D. Yates Memorial Run on Sept. 20.

WKU news summary for July 24-Aug. 4, 2017

Graduate student helps build new College & Career Readiness certificate program at WKU: When Rachel Bauer was in high school, she imagined herself on a very different career path. However, there was one persistent passion that continued to drive her forward: her love for people.

Roberts named president of World Council for Gifted and Talented Children: Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of The Center for Gifted Studies and The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU, has been named president of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC).

WKU President Timothy C. Caboni takes oath of office: With his wife Kacy holding a Bible belonging to WKU’s first president, Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry, Timothy C. Caboni took the oath of office Friday as WKU’s 10th president during the Board of Regents’ quarterly meeting.

WKU surpasses previous record with $36.3 million in private support during 2016-17: WKU has surpassed its previous record of private support in a fiscal year with a new high of $36.3 million gifted in 2016-17.

WKU Students Study Climate Change in Iceland: Drs. Leslie North and Jason Polk of the Department of Geography and Geology and Heather Thomas from WKU Housing and Residence Life recently led a group of 15 students on a journey around Iceland! This Faculty-Led Study abroad course focused on how the land of fire and ice experiences climate change and the diverse responses and resiliencies to these changes.

WKU Panhellenic Association earns national recognition: The National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), one of the largest advocacy organizations for women, announced that 42 College Panhellenic Associations, including WKU Panhellenic Association, are being recognized with awards for excellence and achievement in their work to advance the sorority experience.

9 retiring members thanked for service to WKU Alumni Association Board: The WKU Alumni Association recently thanked nine volunteers who are retiring from the WKU Alumni Association National Board of Directors after their term of office.

Stuff the Bus continues to grow in impact through scholarships: STUFF THE BUS provides an annual opportunity for community members to fill school buses with donated school supplies, which are distributed to Family Resources Centers at schools throughout Southcentral Kentucky.

189 participate in 34th year of VAMPY program at WKU: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU hosted its 34th annual Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY) from June 25 to July 15.

10 quick tips on the best study habits and more: Whether you are a first-time freshman or returning to college, do you possess the right study habits to help you succeed in college? Being aware of your good study habits and recognizing your weaknesses early on will help you figure out strategies, so you can achieve your academic goals.

View from the Hill – SOKY Film Commission: Hollywood seems to have found a new home in Horse Cave with three movies shot in less than a year right here in South Central Kentucky. WKU students are taking full advantage of the opportunity as Amy Bingham reports in this View from the Hill.

Eating Healthy in College 101: Whether you are a freshman, senior, or anywhere in between, eating healthy in college is so important. We understand that there is so much to take on – between homework, going to class, tests, extracurricular activities…it can get crazy. However, eating healthy can not only enhance your physical health, but can positively impact your intellectual and emotional well being! You will feel better and be a better student if you can learn how to successfully fuel your body.

Department of Counseling and Student Affairs offering new programs: The Department of Counseling and Student Affairs at WKU announces two new graduate certificate programs. Both the College and Career Readiness Graduate Certificate Program and Addictions Education Graduate Certificate Program can be completed online and are open to anyone with interest in the subject matter. Additionally, the Department offers two undergraduate courses that are open to any undergraduate student.

Veterans Upward Bound at WKU accepting new students: Veterans Upward Bound at WKU is currently accepting new students.

View from the Hill – Hilltopper Creamery: A cheese lab that’s been in the works at WKU for more than four years is now up and running. Amy Bingham takes us inside the facility in this View from the Hill.

#PeopleofWKU: Dr. Steven Wininger: Dr. Steven Wininger has been with WKU for 16 years. He serves as the co-department head and professor of Psychology at WKU. Dr. Wininger is being recognized for #PeopleofWKU for his inventive approach to running an academic department with co-department head, Dr. Pitt Derryberry.

#ThrowbackWKU: Dr. Frank T. Etscorn III: We’re teaming up with WKU Alumni Association for this #ThrowbackWKU to remember one of our great alums! Dr. Frank T. Etscorn III (’71, ’73) is the first patent holder for the nicotine patch to help cigarette smokers break the smoking habit.

Summer Updates for Week of Aug. 6: Parking & Transportation construction and maintenance projects on campus are winding down this summer.

What’s Happening at WKU

Hardin Planetarium presenting shows on eclipse, Saturn: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is presenting Into The Shadow Of The Disappearing Sun and Ring World: A Grand Finale.

WKU PBS Pool Party, with Curious George, set for Aug. 6: Get ready for the end of summer WKU PBS Pool Party being held at the Russell Sims Aquatic Park on Sunday, Aug. 6, from noon to 5 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Aug. 8 to Open GFCB on Fountain Square: The Gordon Ford College of Business will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, August 8, at 4:30 p.m. to officially welcome the College to Downtown Bowling Green’s Pushin Building.

WKU news summary for July 17-21, 2017

‘There’s No Place Like Home’ theme for WKU Homecoming 2017: WKU alumni and friends will celebrate There’s No Place Like Home for Homecoming 2017.

WKU PBS earns 7 Emmy nominations; Beckley receives Silver Circle Award: WKU PBS, WKU’s Public Television Service, has been nominated for seven awards in six categories for the 53rd Annual Ohio Valley Emmy Awards. Recipients will be announced during an Aug. 5 ceremony in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

WKU graduate nominated for Primetime Emmy Award: Becky Ann Baker, a 1975 WKU graduate, is a first-time nominee for a Primetime Emmy Award for her work on the HBO series Girls.

Bevin appoints George Nichols III as WKU Regent: Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin has appointed George Nichols III of Potomac, Maryland, to the WKU Board of Regents.

10 new members elected to WKU Alumni Association board: The WKU Alumni Association recently elected 10 new board members for 2017-2018.

WKU Meteorology Program hosts 5th annual youth weather camp: The WKU Meteorology Program is hosting more than 20 students from 10 states and Puerto Rico this week (July 17-21) for its fifth annual weather camp.

View from the Hill – WKU Weather Camp: Students from all over the country were at WKU this week honing their meteorology skills. It’s the fifth annual youth weather camp and for some of these kids it’s like a reunion as Amy Bingham explains in this View from the Hill.

2017 Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange to visit Bowling Green/Cave Country area: The Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX) will gather in Bowling Green next weekend (July 28-30) for the second 2017 Rural-Urban Exchange Community Intensive. The Kentucky Folklife Program, housed at WKU, is serving as the group’s regional host and has planned cultural experiences that showcase the area’s unique culture and assets.

EALR faculty enjoy multiple publications and presentations: The 2016-2017 academic year featured numerous research publications and presentations by faculty members in WKU’s Department of Educational Administration, Leadership, and Research.

Many EALR alumni achieve administrative positions for 2017: Numerous alumni from WKU’s Department of Educational Administration, Leadership, and Research programs have been named to various K-12 administrative posts throughout Kentucky for the upcoming school year.

Student Parking Permits Selling Out: Main campus Housing and Commuter permit sales are limited and sold on a first come, first served basis. For Housing students (living in a residence hall), parking permits for zones H6 (Adams Street lot), H7 (Chestnut Street South lot), H9 (Creason lot) and AS (Alumni Square Garage) are the only zones still available on main campus. When these main campus permits are sold out, South Campus will be the only permit option. More: 2017-18 parking overview; 2017-18 parking zone map

Cravens honored for playing in 60th straight WKU Faculty-Staff Golf Tournament: A special milestone was celebrated July 14 as Dr. Raymond Cravens, retired WKU administrator and faculty member, was recognized for playing in the annual Faculty-Staff Golf Tournament for 60 consecutive years.

WKU Student Selected for Assistantship at ESRI International GIS Conference: WKU student Kate Love of Madisonville was selected for an Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri) assistantship to attend and work at this year’s 36^th annual Esri international GIS conference.

Applied Physics Institute’s solid state physics research spans industries from defense to food: A sense of smell is an effective way to gather a wealth of information almost instantly. Imagine, then, the possibilities of “electronic sniffing”— a detection technique identified and refined by solid state physics. Data — ranging from food quality to bomb or hazardous material identification — is gathered by devices that analyze small chemical signatures in the air. Led by Director Vladimir Dobrokhotov, Ph.D., researchers at WKU’s Applied Physics Institute continue to explore the possibilities of “electronic sniffing,” leading to exciting applications in several industries.

View from the Hill – Bike4Alz trip winding down: On Sunday, seven young men from WKU who have been biking across the country in the name of Alzheimer’s research will cross the finish line. Amy Bingham catches up with this year’s Bike4Alz team in this View from the Hill.

Gatton Academy students at Harlaxton: Check out updates from Gatton Academy students who are participating in the Harlaxton 2017 program.

Follow Bike4Alz: The Bike4Alz riders are making their way across the United States in their 2017 cross country ride to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. Their trip is scheduled to end July 23 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. For updates, follow the group on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. More: Check out a new Bike4Alz video.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU Regents to hold retreat, quarterly meeting July 27-28: The WKU Board of Regents will hold its annual retreat and quarterly meeting July 27-28.

Kentucky Museum: Free Admission Wednesdays in July: Escape the heat and explore the Kentucky Museum with free admission Wednesdays in July.

Hardin Planetarium presenting shows on eclipse, Saturn: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is presenting Into The Shadow Of The Disappearing Sun and Ring World: A Grand Finale.

WKU news summary for July 10-14, 2017

WKU Institute for Rural Health Receives $50,000 Grant: The WKU Institute for Rural Health (IRH) in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) received a $50,000 grant from the Good Samaritan Foundation Inc., a ministry of the Kentucky Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

WKU CHNGES Student Completes International Internship and Researches Carbon Footprint of an Upcoming International Arctic Conference: Audrey Alexander, a senior in WKU’s Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies (CHNGES), participated in the third annual Iceland Faculty-Led Study abroad course focusing on the realities and perspectives of climate change in Iceland.

WKU Biology Professor participates in Howard Hughes Medical Institute workshop: Dr. Rodney King recently attended a writing workshop at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

WKU Biology Student Presents Research At National Microbiology Meeting: Biology student Millicent Ronkainen of Hodgenville recently presented her research at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.

WKU Honors College students present research results at Howard Hughes Medical Institute Symposium: Megan Dillingham and Dimond Shelton represented the 2016-17 WKU Genome Discovery and Exploration class at the 9th Annual SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance – Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) scientific symposium, sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

New Academic Advisor at Fort Knox: The Regional Chancellor of WKU Elizabethtown-Fort Knox (WKU-E), Dr. Evelyn A. Ellis, is pleased to announce the appointment of Royce Young to the position of academic advisor at Fort Knox.

Pop Culture gets out of the classroom and into history: The third week of VAMPY is starting off with a bang! The Pop Culture class is an interesting take on American history and culture that the students may not get in their traditional school curriculum. More: VCon 2017: Legends Vs. Heroes!; Students experience hands-on learning at Camp Innovate; Pictures of the Week

35 Signs of learning at Camp Innovate: In honor of The Center for Gifted Studies’ 35th year, check out 35 signs of learning at this year’s Camp Innovate. More: DNA and Genetics turns to GMOs; All-CTF night at optionals

Field trips give VAMPY students real world experiences: Students travel to Nashville, Indiana and Washington, D.C., for learning experiences. More: Field trips to Huntsville and Nashville deepen classroom lessons; Presidential Politics begins its Presidential Face-Off; Computer Science students ask, “What is ‘better’ code?”

Follow Bike4Alz: The Bike4Alz riders are making their way across the United States in their 2017 cross country ride to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research. For updates, follow the group on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. More: Check out a new Bike4Alz video.

What’s Happening at WKU

Kentucky Museum: Free Admission Wednesdays in July: Escape the heat and explore the Kentucky Museum with free admission Wednesdays in July.

Hardin Planetarium presenting shows on eclipse, Saturn: WKU’s Hardin Planetarium is presenting Into The Shadow Of The Disappearing Sun and Ring World: A Grand Finale.

WKU news summary for July 3-7, 2017

Timothy C. Caboni begins presidential tenure at WKU: Timothy C. Caboni has officially begun his role as the 10th president of WKU. More: President’s Monday Message.

Gift to connect downtown Bowling Green, WKU business students: John and Carolyn Ridley and Top Best Ever, LLC are helping business students and faculty from WKU connect with downtown Bowling Green.

2 WKU students recognized by Freeman-Asia scholarship program: Two WKU students were recognized by the Freeman Awards for Study in Asia scholarship program. Bradley Orr of Guston was awarded a scholarship of up to $7,000 to study abroad during the 2017-18 academic year. Rheanna Bostick of Cadiz was selected as an alternate. Both are students in the Mahurin Honors College at WKU.

WKU to offer Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Fort Knox: WKU will offer its Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at Fort Knox with the first cohort of students scheduled to begin the Ed.D. program in January 2018.

View from the Hill – Camp Big Red going strong after 23 years: It’s a summer tradition that started at WKU in 1994. We’re talking about Camp Big Red and it’s as popular as ever as Amy Bingham shows us in this View from the Hill.

Arabic students plunge in together: It’s the second Wednesday of the VAMPY Arabic course, and instructor Lhouie Guerwane is introducing his students to the Arabic cartoon Sidibad. As he shows them pictures of the main characters, he uses gestures, repetition, and an expressive voice to help them comprehend what he is saying in a language they could not understand 10 days before. More: Arabic class full of enthusiasm; VAMPY friendships show campers their own potential

VAMPY campers carry on camp traditions: VAMPY campers take part in many camp traditions including VAMPY Olympics, paper theater, and VAMPYstock. More: Presidential Politics studies the Bush-Dukakis campaign and prepares for D.C.

Roommate bonds are part of the VAMPY experience: A core part of the VAMPY experience is forming friendships. Campers meet like-minded young people both in class and outside of it, and the roommate relationship often enables them to cement bonds that will last long after camp is over. Here are four sets of friends who might never have gotten to know each other if not for VAMPY: roommates who live in different states, hundreds of miles apart. More: Freedom allows math campers to learn challenging content; Ultimate Frisbee brings out the best in campers; Presidential Politics focuses on Reagan

Hardin Planetarium to present shows on eclipse, Saturn: Attendance at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium has been running near capacity for the past two months as free public shows of Into The Shadow Of The Disappearing Sun have shared information about the Aug. 21 solar eclipse. This rare and remarkable event will continue to be discussed at the planetarium, but during July the eclipse shows are being interspersed with Ring World: A Grand Finale, a new show about another event about to occur in our solar system.

The Center for Gifted Studies hosts Advanced Placement Summer Institute: Four hundred Advanced Placement teachers from 17 states participated in a one-week professional development opportunity at WKU June 26-30.

152 participate in 35th annual SCATS program at WKU: The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU hosted 152 campers for its 35th annual Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students (SCATS) from June 11 to 23.

What’s Happening at WKU

Kentucky Museum: Free Admission Wednesdays in July: Escape the heat and explore the Kentucky Museum with free admission Wednesdays in July.

WKU news summary for June 19-30, 2017

WKU Regents approve 2017-18 budget: The WKU Board of Regents approved a $413.65 million budget for 2017-18.

Gatton Academy students conducting summer research in South Korea: Two Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky students are spending their summer completing research internships in South Korea. The 10-week internships are in the Chemistry Department of Changwon National University.

Ransdells to join WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni: This fall, Dr. Gary A. Ransdell (’73, ’74) and Julie Ransdell (’75) will join WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni. As new members of the 26th class of noted alumni, the Ransdells will be recognized during an 11 a.m. luncheon on Oct. 13 at Sloan Convention Center.

View from the Hill – Ransdell ready to lead Semester at Sea: As Gary Ransdell wraps up his final days as president of WKU, he’s also preparing to set sail on a whole new academic adventure. Amy Bingham talks to him about his next role as President and CEO of] Semester at Sea in this View from the Hill.

Kacy Caboni brings valued experience to WKU: Kacy Caboni has been named Director of Principal Gifts & Special Initiatives within WKU’s Division of Development and Alumni Relations.

With Spirit Funder support, WKU Storm Chasers documented multiple tornadoes: This year for Dr. Josh Durkee’s annual Field Methods in Weather Analysis and Forecasting class, the students had some extra support in the form of WKU’s new crowdsource funding project, Spirit Funder. To help offset travel costs associated with the class, the group was able to raise $4,500.

View from the Hill – WKU ties to Aviation Heritage Park: It’s been more than eight years since the dedication of Aviation Heritage Park in Bowling Green. The tribute to aviators from this area has WKU fingerprints all over it as Amy Bingham explains in this View from the Hill.

From camper to counselor: four SCATS alumni share their new view: In 2010, “Toy Story 3″ was released, Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” was playing nonstop on the radio, Rick Riordan’s “The Red Pyramid” was the number-one kids’ bestseller, and “Pretty Little Liars” premiered on TV. Also in June 2010, four of this year’s first-time SCATS counselors were campers themselves.

SCATS campers form strong bonds: Despite being together for only a short time, the gifted students at the Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students (SCATS) form fast friendships surrounded by their intellectual peers. More: To catch a monster: evening games bring out the best in campers; Going for the gold: campers showcase their talents at Olympics and Paper Theater

VAMPY campers get acquainted: VAMPY campers settled into their residence halls, met their counselors, and played icebreaker games Sunday. More: The uniqueness of VAMPY; STEAM Labs students get right to work

Camper brings real-world experience to the challenges of STEAM Labs: Not too long ago, W.P. Hurt of Edmonton was building a wheelchair ramp with his mother to help out a family in need. This week at VAMPY, a ramp is one of the structures that he will be using in STEAM Labs as he constructs chain reaction machines and learns about the engineering design process. Like many VAMPY campers, W.P. will be bringing real-life experience and interests into the classroom.

From morning to night, VAMPY campers stay engaged: From morning to night, it’s go, go, go for VAMPY campers. To see a typical day in the life of campers, we followed the campers in one counselor group, that of Max Tague, for a full day. More: Newcomers are welcomed by returning VAMPY campers

Mandatory fun fills campers’ evenings: Most evenings, VAMPY campers take part in a range of fun activities referred to as mandatory optionals. The term comes from it being mandatory that campers sign up for an activity but optional which activity they select. Each day counselors come up with creative optionals ranging from active to relaxing. More: Johnson and Nixon were the focus in Wednesday’s Presidential Politics; Math class approaches its subject in multiple ways; Hall Time Takes a Musical Turn

WKU Libraries Blog: Full Disclosure: It was an impressive resume, probably written for the Congressional Directory, that Edward Crossland (1827-1881) composed on letterhead of the 42nd Congress of the United States. Elected as a Democrat in 1870 to represent Kentucky’s First Congressional District, the Hickman County native was a lawyer and former state representative who had resigned a judgeship in order to go to Washington.

WKU’s Kentucky Folklife Program to host Rural-Urban Exchange cohort: The Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX) will gather in Lexington this weekend for the first 2017 Rural-Urban Exchange Community Intensive.

Multi-State Study Recently Published in INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing: Drs. Mkanta and Chumbler and Mr. Ezekekwu (CHHS) and other team members, Dr. Yang and Mr. Abdollahi (Wayne State University), Dr. Saigal (University of Michigan), and Dr. Mejia de Grubb (Baylor College of Medicine) have recently completed a multi-state study that examined the likelihood of home discharges among Medicaid enrollees following general hospitalizations. The findings of this study, “An Examination of the Likelihood of Home Discharge After General Hospitalizations Among Medicaid Recipients” have been published in Inquiry, one of the leading journals in healthcare organizations and outcomes.

Gordon Ford College of Business 2016 Annual Report to Stakeholders: Check out the Gordon Ford College of Business annual report to stakeholders.

Ogden College of Science and Engineering Spring 2017 Newsletter: Check out the Ogden College of Science and Engineering spring newsletter.

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Fall/Winter Magazine: Check out the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Fall/Winter 2016-2017 Magazine.

Potter College of Arts & Letters Spring 2017 Magazine: Check out the Potter College of Arts & Letters spring magazine.

Institute for Rural Health Biennial Report: Check out the WKU Institute of Rural Health’s “Biennial Report 2014-2016.

What’s Happening at WKU

Parking Affected by Disc Golf Tournament This Weekend: An 18-hole disc golf tournament will be held on WKU’s campus Sunday with a practice round Saturday evening.

Kentucky Museum: Free Admission Wednesdays in July: Escape the heat and explore the Kentucky Museum with free admission Wednesdays in July.

Hardin Planetarium to present eclipse show through July 2: Into the Shadow of the Disappearing Sun, the first of two shows about eclipses, will be presented through July 2 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium.

WKU news summary for June 12-16, 2017

24 students attending WKU Agriculture ASSET Conference: WKU’s Department of Agriculture is hosting 24 students this week (June 11-15) at the ASSET (Agriculture Students Striving for Effective Tomorrows) Conference.

Mechanical Engineering Students Tour KY Facilities: With funding from the Faculty Fund for Excellence in Ogden College/Hard Sciences, students enrolled in ME 497: Advanced CNC Machining toured two Kentucky manufacturing facilities. This course is a technical elective in the WKU Mechanical Engineering Program taught by Joel Lenoir, PE, and focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques in the area of computer numerical control (CNC) with particular emphasis on the engineering principles in the design of parts and processes.

SCATS campers get settled in at WKU: After moving into Florence Schneider Hall Sunday afternoon, campers at the Summer Camp for Academically Talented Middle School Students (SCATS) got to know their counselors and hallmates, toured campus, and played icebreaker games. More: SCATS Campers and Counselors Break the Ice; The Best Two Weeks of Summer

Long-distance travelers find SCATS worth the trip: This year, SCATS has brought together gifted middle schoolers from 10 different states. The majority hail from Kentucky, and many others have arrived from Tennessee and Missouri. There is also one camper each from Indiana, Alabama, Michigan, and North Carolina. In terms of distance travelled, however, four campers stand out, having journeyed at least 800 miles to be here. More: SCATS Teachers Make Sure Learning Is Fun; Optionals Provide Freedom and Fun after a Day of Learning

Campers keep busy schedules during SCATS: From morning to night, it’s go, go, go for SCATS campers. To see a typical day in the life of SCATS campers, we followed the campers in one counselor group, that of Priscilla Suh, for a full day. More: A day of splashing, soccer, and sticky situations; It’s raining fun and sun at SCATS

Wide variety of SCATS classes feeds student passions: “I love creating time paradoxes!” says a student in Summer Browning Rich’s class, The Craft of Storytelling. He’s talking with a classmate about his writing interests while they work on making covers for the notebooks they will use for the next two weeks of SCATS. In this course, one of 26 offered this year, students have ample opportunity to create. The chance to follow one’s passions and develop one’s creativity is a key component of SCATS. More: SCATS campers learn about The Gatton Academy; Victory and defeat on an optionals battlefield ; SCATS Pictures of the Week

Summer Camps In Full Swing at Kentucky Museum: The Kentucky Museum is in its second week of camp, and it is flying by! The campers have had tons of fun creating art while learning and making friends. Their innovation and energy continues to impress! Even though clay and sculpture camps have passed, it is not too late for children ages 5-11 to sign up for any of the remaining camps.

A Dog’s Life: On May 23, 1863, Illinois volunteer George Messer, nursing a swollen ankle and the first signs of scurvy, penned a letter to his wife from Camp Hobson near Glasgow, Kentucky. Some of his news, he admitted, “may appear somewhat ridiculous but it is nevertheless true.” He and his comrades had been ordered to surrender their tents in exchange for new ones. He then described the wedge-shaped tents that appear in so many images of Civil War encampments. Judging these accommodations to be more fit for canines than humans, the soldiers quickly dubbed them “dog tents.” More: Read more from the WKU Libraries Blog.

Kentucky Folklife Program spotlights cultural traditions through experiential exhibits: As a folklorist, Brent Björkman approaches peoples and their cultures as an opportunity to develop long-lasting relationships. “Folklore is knowledge of the people as it is learned in community. We learn what is important to them,” said Björkman, the director of the Kentucky Folklife Program and the Kentucky Museum at WKU. More: Read more news from the WKU Research Foundation.

Chatting with Chumbler: Passing the Baton…A Peek into our Summer at CHHS: Check out Dean Neale Chumbler’s recent post from his “Chatting with Chumbler” blog.

Spring 2017 Dean’s/President’s List: WKU’s Spring 2017 Dean’s and President’s List is available online at http://www.wku.edu/mediarelations/deanslist.php

Summer Projects Schedule for Week of June 19-25: Construction and maintenance projects on campus are continuing throughout the summer. PTS will coordinate with affected stakeholders and notify the campus community each week of expected disruptions. All schedules are weather dependent.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU news summary for June 5-9, 2017

WKU students 2nd in Hearst photojournalism, multimedia national championships: WKU students finished second in the photojournalism and multimedia national championships of the 2017 Hearst Journalism Awards Program.

The Medical Center highlights partnership with UK, WKU at groundbreaking: Groundbreaking for the UK College of Medicine-Bowling Green Campus took place Tuesday (June 6) at The Medical Center at Bowling Green. This four-year, regional campus medical school is the first of its kind in Kentucky and is a partnership between The Medical Center, the University of Kentucky and WKU. More: View from the Hill.

Science teachers engage in hands-on learning: Ten middle school science teachers from across the United States make up the second cohort of National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) Scholars. The group will spend one week at WKU engaged in hands-on, minds-on science activities and planning challenge projects that they will implement in their schools in the coming year with funding from NSCF.

Camp Explore instructors are powerful teachers: Wacky wordplay, oak trees, Chinese puzzles, cotton ball clouds, and peacock feathers: the tools being used by each instructor during Camp Explore varied, but what they have in common is their power to help students learn. Camp Explore is a one-week, interdisciplinary day camp offered by The Center for Gifted Studies for students who have completed first through third grade. More: Camp Explore photo gallery

Benefits and success strategies of learning online: Earning your degree online may seem scary at first, but interaction with your professor and classmates can carry just as much meaning, and provide even more freedom, than face-to-face interaction. There are also several other benefits to learning online – benefits that we may sometimes overlook.

PS1 Floors 3-4 Closed Until June 11: Parking Structure 1 Floors 3 and 4 will be closed beginning until Sunday (June 11) for cleaning and a special event. Alternate parking will be available in PS1 Floors 5-7.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU news summary for May 29-June 2, 2017

Summer of Research, Internships, and Study Abroad Await Gatton Academy Students: Ninety-three students from The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky will be involved in some form of summer learning. From research internships to study abroad to robust community service projects, students are gearing up for busy weeks ahead.

Hardin Memorial Health partners with WKU to create registered nurse career pathway: Hardin Memorial Health (HMH) and WKU officials announced a new partnership to remove financial barriers for HMH licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to advance their education and careers.

Warren County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund receives $10,000: On May 23, Dr. Martha Jenkins and Mrs. Romanza Johnson represented the Warren County Retired Teachers Association by giving more than $10,000 in donations to the Scholarship Fund bearing the association’s name. This generous gift will get the Warren County Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund to a $20,000 endowment level, which will award a $1,000 scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Kentucky EPSCoR hosts National Science Foundation Grants Conference June 5-6: Kentucky EPSCoR (the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) announced that the National Science Foundation Grants Conference it is hosting has quickly reached capacity. The Conference will take place June 5-6 at the Hyatt Regency in Louisville. Representatives from 38 states and 144 research institutions, including WKU, the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky as well as many of the Commonwealth’s public comprehensive universities and technical colleges, will be in attendance.

PTS Summer Construction and Maintenance Projects: Construction and maintenance projects on campus are continuing throughout the summer. PTS will coordinate with affected stakeholders and notify the campus community each week of expected disruptions.

The Spirit Makes The Master: Emily Woodward, WKU Class of 2017, discusses the importance of WKU’s campus in Owensboro and how it prepared her for life after graduation.

Making 1797-1850 Marriage Records Available Online: This week a patron from St. Louis came into the Library Special Collections Reading Room looking for documentation relating to his ancestors’ 1809 marriage in Warren County. He had already been to the courthouse, where he was told that Special Collections had many of the original Warren County marriage bonds from 1797 to around 1850. More: Additional news from WKU Libraries is available on the WKU Libraries Blog.

What’s Happening at WKU

International thought leader in education to speak June 7 at WKU: Harvard professor Eric Mazur, an internationally sought after speaker and thought leader in education, will speak during a free event June 7 at WKU as part of the Mary Nixon Speaker Series in conjunction with the National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) Scholars program.

WKU news summary for May 22-26, 2017

WKU finishes third overall in 2016-2017 Hearst competition: WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting has finished third overall in the 2016-2017 Hearst Journalism Awards Program – the school’s eighth consecutive top five national ranking.

Gatton Academy Team Wins 2017 State Envirothon Competition: Five students from The Gatton Academy took 1st place in the Kentucky Envirothon competition. The Gatton Academy’s team, sponsored by the Warren County Conservation District, will now compete in Maryland at the North American Envirothon contest in late July.

College of Business HR Curriculum Aligns With SHRM: The Gordon Ford College of Business’ Human Resource Management degree track has renewed its alignment with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

Academically talented seventh graders honored at Duke TIP ceremony: Academically talented seventh graders from throughout Kentucky were honored by the Duke Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) May 19 at WKU.

View from the Hill – Confucius Institute Building Dedication: Seven years after WKU started a Confucius Institute, a new building on campus is dedicated as the Chinese Learning Center. Amy Bingham has more in this View from the Hill.

International Journal of Exercise Science realizes increased visibility in PubMed: The International Journal of Exercise Science (IJES), published in WKU’s open access digital repository TopSCHOLAR®, is now being cited in PubMed, a database of more than 27 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals and online books. PubMed also links to the full-text articles of IJES in PubMed Central® (PMC), a free full-text archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature at the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine (NIH/NLM).

The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad Kicks off the Summer of 2017: The Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA) kicked off the 2017 Summer with “Ireland: One Island, Two Countries.” Students and faculty started the on-site course on May 17 and return to USA on May 31.

WKU Student Activities Office hosts 11th LeaderShape Institute: The Student Activities Office recently hosted its 11th campus-based WKU LeaderShape Institute, an intensive, weeklong experience that teaches students to lead with integrity and believe in the impossible.

Imagewest students working with Muhlenberg Humane Society: Summer may have just begun for WKU students but for Imagewest interns the work is just beginning. Imagewest is a student-run advertising and public relations agency. This week interns are part of a rigorous workshop program where they are taking on the Muhlenberg Humane Society, pro bono, to further develop their skills and initially come together on their first project as a team.

Follow the WKU Storm Chasers: The WKU Storm Chase course is under way. Follow the group’s daily recaps on the Storm Chase blog or on Twitter.

Follow Bike4Alz: The Bike4Alz group is continuing its 2017 cross country ride. For updates, follow the group on Twitter.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU news summary for May 15-19, 2017

WKU Commencement: President Ransdell reflects on ‘amazing 20 years’: In his final Commencement as WKU president, Dr. Gary A. Ransdell reflected on his tenure and thanked members of the Class of 2017 and the campus community “for the most amazing 20 years at the most amazing university in America.” More: WKU recognizes Ogden Foundation Scholar, other top students; Graduate ceremony begins WKU’s 181st Commencement

59 Students Graduate in The Gatton Academy’s Tenth Class: On May 13, 59 students representing 40 counties from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky were recognized during The Gatton Academy’s 10^th graduation ceremony in Van Meter Hall.

3 WKU students receive Boren Scholarships: Three WKU students have received David L. Boren Scholarships sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP) to fund study abroad in China and Jordan.

9 WKU students honored by Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Nine WKU students and recent alumni have been honored by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

16 WKU students awarded Lifetime Experience Grants for 2016-17: The Office of Scholar Development at WKU has awarded 16 WKU students more than $23,000 in Lifetime Experience Grants during the 2016-17 academic year.

Grant partnership will share lessons from the Holocaust: A new grant has enabled a partnership that will spread a powerful message of embracing diversity throughout Kentucky and beyond. The $72,000 grant from the Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence builds upon a previous grant that centered on a collection of murals depicting scenes from the Holocaust. The murals have been created by gifted seventh through tenth graders during the Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY) at WKU since the mid-1990s.

View from the Hill – Lost River Sessions: Lost River Sessions, the award-winning WKU Public Broadcasting television and radio series, has exploded in popularity over the last three years. Amy Bingham explains how the WKU PBS hit came about in this View from the Hill.

Never let your circumstances define you – Advice from a recent WKU graduate: Sometimes college is put on hold when other factors, such as family, come into play. Going to school while raising children can appear to be a challenging, if not impossible, task at times. Although life has thrown three unexpected, yet very special surprises at WKU Glasgow student Ashley Broady, nothing could stop her from achieving her dreams and bettering the future for her family.

WKU Week in Photos: May 8-14, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs. (More Commencement Weekend photos: WKU graduate and undergraduate ceremonies; The Gatton Academy graduation)

Follow the WKU Storm Chasers: The WKU Storm Chase course is under way. Follow the group’s daily recaps on the Storm Chase blog or on Twitter.

Follow Bike4Alz: The Bike4Alz group is preparing to begin its 2017 cross country ride. For updates, follow the group on Twitter.

What’s Happening at WKU

Eezy, member of Twitter’s design team hosting Meetup event May 25: Eezy and Jeremy Reiss from Twitter’s design team have scheduled a Meetup event on May 25 at Eezy’s office in WKU’s Small Business Accelerator at the Center for Research and Development.

WKU news summary for May 8-12, 2017

Student earns WKU’s top graduation awards in back-to-back years: Jessica Canada Wellman always wanted to do well in school while growing up in Williamsburg, but the past two years at WKU may have exceeded her own expectations. Wellman, a 2012 graduate of Whitley County High School, was honored last May as WKU’s Ogden Foundation Scholar, the top undergraduate academic award. On Friday night (May 12), she will receive the John D. Minton Award, The Graduate School’s top award. More: View from the Hill.

WKU to recognize graduates of 3 doctoral programs at 181st Commencement: Graduates of three doctoral programs will be recognized Friday night (May 12) during WKU’s 181st Commencement.

WKU wins 6th consecutive Hearst multimedia championship: WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting has won the Hearst Journalism Award Program’s Intercollegiate Multimedia Competition for the sixth consecutive year, and two WKU students have been named national finalists for the Hearst photojournalism championship.

8 WKU students recognized by Gilman International Scholarship Program: Eight WKU students were recognized by the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Six students will receive scholarships of up to $5,000 for summer study abroad programs while two others were named alternates.

Susann deVries appointed Dean of University Libraries: WKU Provost David Lee has announced the appointment of Susann deVries as Dean of University Libraries.

The Washington Post Lists The Gatton Academy as a Top Performing School for 9th Consecutive Year: The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU has been named to The Washington Post’s list of top-performing schools with elite students for the ninth consecutive year.

2 WKU graduates recognized by James Madison Fellowship Foundation: Two WKU graduates were recognized by the James Madison Fellowship Foundation. Kendrick Bryan, a WKU alumnus from Elizabethtown, was selected as a 2017 James Madison Fellow. Shelley Spalding, a WKU alumna and graduate student from Lebanon, was selected as an alternate.

It’s Never 2 Late® Partners with WKU Exercise Science to Develop Bingocize® App for Older Adults: It’s Never 2 Late, a company dedicated to bringing person- centered engagement technology and accessible computing to promote greater connections and enjoyment for today’s seniors, announced a new partnership with WKU to develop a Bingocize® app for seniors.

WKU Public Relations Students, Graduates Win Awards For 2016 Research, Campaigns: Five graduating seniors and 13 2016 graduates, all public relations majors from WKU, earned distinctions at the 31st annual Parthenon Awards in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday evening. The Nashville chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) sponsored the event.

Two generations gather to discuss the Stoic philosophy: WKU’s Society for Lifelong Learning (SLL) members shared their classroom with a younger generation this semester and enjoyed engaging discussions and new perspectives as a result.

WKU National Pan-Hellenic Council presents awards: The WKU National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) presented awards and recognized its spring 2017 graduates at a banquet on May 9.

Parking and Transit Summer Session Changes: Check out a list of WKU parking and transit changes in effect through Aug. 10.

View from the Hill – You still have time to donate to SpiritFunder Campaign: WKU has just over a week left in a month long social media driven campaign that gives the community a chance to fund three different projects. Amy Bingham has more on SpiritFunder, WKU’s very own crowdfunding platform in this View from the Hill.

WKU students receive Undergraduate Library Research Awards: WKU students Dylan Duckworth of Antioch, Illinois, and Madelynn Williams of Bowling Green were recognized for receiving the Undergraduate Library Research Award for University Experience (UE) classes.

WKU junior selected for Library Student Assistant Scholarship: WKU junior Charlotte Briggs of Lexington has been selected as the recipient of the WKU Library Student Assistant Scholarship for fall 2017.

University of Mississippi Professor Chris Offutt named winner of 2017 Kentucky Literary Award: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partnership announced Chris Offutt as the winner of this year’s Kentucky Literary Award (KYLA) for his book My Father, the Pornographer: A Memoir.

2017 New 25 Year Club Members and Retirees: Check out a list of all new members of the 25 Year Club and retirees who have at least 10 years of service at WKU.

Confucius Institute at WKU dedicates building: The Confucius Institute at WKU held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Model Confucius Institute Building on May 5.

WKU Week in Photos: May 1-5, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU to confer degrees and certificates to 2,605 during 181st Commencement May 12-13: WKU will confer degrees and certificates to 2,605 spring and summer graduates during its 181st Commencement May 12-13 at Diddle Arena.

WKU news summary for May 1-5, 2017

2 WKU students selected to participate in Fulbright Summer Institute: Two WKU students have been selected to participate in Fulbright Summer Institutes in the United Kingdom. Hayden Grace and Madeline Marita are the fifth and sixth WKU students to be selected for the prestigious nationally-competitive program since 2012. Both are students in the Mahurin Honors College.

6 Gatton Academy students win Department of State scholarships for summer language immersion: Six students at the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU have received nationally-competitive scholarships for immersive, critical language study this summer. They will travel to China, Estonia, and Morocco.

5 WKU students awarded Freeman-Asia scholarships: Five WKU students will study abroad this summer through support from the Freeman Awards for Study in Asia scholarship program. Nicole Andersen of Hiawatha, Iowa, Austin Barnes of Hodgenville, Heather Carpenter of Lancaster, Ashleigh Cleary of Hebron, and Reuben Tang of Glasgow were awarded scholarships of up to $3,000 to study abroad.

Mary Ellen Miller named WKU Poet Laureate: WKU President Gary A. Ransdell has announced the designation of English Professor Mary Ellen Miller as University Poet Laureate.

WKU dedicates Jody Richards Hall: WKU dedicated Jody Richards Hall on Thursday. During its meeting on April 28, the WKU Board of Regents approved renaming Mass Media and Technology Hall to honor the longtime WKU supporter and state representative.

WKU recognizes 2017 Faculty Award recipients: WKU recognized five faculty members for outstanding contributions in the areas of Teaching, Research and Creativity, Public Service, Student Advisement and Teaching by Part-Time Faculty.

21 KIIS study abroad students awarded Gilman Scholarships: Twenty-one KIIS students, including eight from WKU, received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad on Summer 2017 KIIS programs.

WKU prepares for 2017-2018 International Year of Bosnia and Herzegovina: WKU’s Office of International Programs (OIP) is preparing to launch the 2017-2018 International Year of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Global Business and Strategy Executive Joins Gordon Ford College of Business: The Gordon Ford College of Business will soon welcome a global executive into its faculty ranks. Dr. Kay Meggers, former Executive Vice President and Group President for Global Rolled Products at Arconic in New York City, will be joining the GFCB as the Hays Watkins Executive in Residence. He will serve as a faculty member in both the Department of Management and the Center for Leadership Excellence.

Accounting Students Place Third in PEAK Competition: A group of accounting students from WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business captured third place in the annual PEAK Competition, held April 28 and sponsored by the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants.

WKU Greek community presents awards at 2017 convocation: WKU’s Greek community hosted its annual awards convocation on April 30 at the Knicely Conference Center.

Gordon Ford College of Business Recognizes Outstanding Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni: WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business held its 20th annual Recognition Dinner on April 28 at the WKU Knicely Center.

11 inducted into WKU chapter of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society: The WKU chapter of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society inducted 11 members April 20 at its Spring 2017 Induction Ceremony on the WKU campus in the Downing Student Union.

WKU Week in Photos: April 24-30, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis, Bryan Lemon and Bob Skipper of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

Confucius Institute at WKU to dedicate building May 5: The Confucius Institute at WKU will dedicate the Model Confucius Institute Building at 2 p.m. Friday (May 5). The building, located on Normal Drive, is the home of the CI at WKU.

WKU Film features alum, student work in spring festival on May 6: WKU Film celebrates student work with a lineup of films and research projects from the year and a special screening of WKU alum and screenwriter Jack Bryant’s feature film Fair Haven. The festival begins at 1 p.m. Saturday (May 6) in the Mass Media Technology Hall auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

WKU news summary for April 24-28, 2017

Regents approve tuition, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: WKU’s Board of Regents on Friday (April 28) approved tuition and mandatory student fees for the 2018 fiscal year. Regents also approved consolidating the departments of Engineering, Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences and Computer Science into the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

WKU to rename building in honor of Rep. Jody Richards: WKU’s Board of Regents on Friday (April 28) approved renaming a campus building to honor long-time WKU supporter and state representative Jody Richards of Bowling Green. Mass Media and Technology Hall will become Jody Richards Hall during a May 4 ceremony.

WKU Bike4Alz group to ride across country again this summer: A group of WKU students will bike across the country this summer to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. They are riding with the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Bike4Alz, which was founded by WKU students in 2010. This summer’s ride is the organization’s fifth. The previous four teams have biked over 10,000 miles and raised nearly $200,000 for research.

The Gatton Academy Advances to 2017 National Science Bowl: A team from The Gatton Academy won the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) West Kentucky Regional Science Bowl on Feb. 17 to advance to this week’s DOE National Science Bowl® (NSB) in Washington, D.C.

WKU Storm Chase students prepare for annual trip with new SpiritFunder campaign: Eight WKU students will participate this year in Dr. Josh Durkee’s Field Methods in Weather Analysis and Forecasting course, an innovative learning experience to forecast, analyze, document and study severe convective storms across the Great Plains. This year the WKU Storm Chase is part of the inaugural WKU SpiritFunder, a crowdsource funding campaign.

WKU Entrepreneurs win at Idea State U: Two WKU students were among the award winners during the annual Idea State U competition, a business plan competition designed to identify and support the next generation of Kentucky innovators and entrepreneurs. Idea State U took place April 22 in Lexington.

WKU Student Selected for Fulbright Summer Institute to the Globe Theatre: WKU student Madeline Marita has received a place on a Fulbright Summer Institute to study at the Globe Theatre (London, England) on one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programs operating worldwide.

WKU CEC announces Next Generation Initiative for those on Autism Spectrum over age 21: When a person diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum reaches age 21, mandated state and federal services end. Mary Lloyd Moore, Director of the Suzanne Vitale Clinical Education Complex at WKU, says this has been compared to falling off a cliff. Dr. Moore quoted a colleague, Denise Resnick: “As the school bus stops coming, families and communities are faced with Autism’s perfect storm: an increasing population of special needs adults, dwindling government resources, individuals losing their skills, few housing options and a lot of fear for what happens next.” This need is the impetus for an upcoming pilot project called the Next Generation Initiative, which is a logical extension of services the CEC provides for individuals over age 21 diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum and their families.

WKU melting old keys for classroom projects: After years of traditional recycling of keys, the Access Control staff at WKU has found a new and innovative way to reuse the keys for student development.

Cultural Enhancement Series announces 2017-18 season lineup: The 2017-2018 Cultural Enhancement Series Committee has announced its season lineup for the academic year beginning this fall.

WKU Nonprofit Organization Hosts 10th Annual Awards Luncheon: Hosted by WKU’s Nonprofit Student Association, two local nonprofit organizations and one local business were recognized for their hard work and influence within the Bowling Green community.

WKU graduate student awarded counseling fellowship from NBCC: The NBCC Foundation, an affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), recently selected WKU graduate student Holly C. Osterman of Bowling Green for the NBCC Minority Fellowship Program-Addictions Counselors (MFP-AC).

WKU student awarded Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant: WKU student Emily Peck of Russell Springs recently was awarded a Study Abroad Grant worth $1,000 from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Peck is one of 50 students nationwide to receive the award.

WKU Global Reach: WKU professor and students make their mark on a global healthcare crisis: As a university with international reach, WKU has partnered with a variety of study abroad organizations to make it easier for students as well as faculty to extend their academic experiences beyond the U.S. Dr. William Mkanta, an associate professor of healthcare administration in the department of public health, helps his students interact with international communities by leading study abroad programs with the Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS).

Attorney General presents $500 award to SGA for ‘Voice of Justice’ video contest: During a visit on Wednesday (April 26), Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear awarded the WKU Student Government Association (SGA) $500 for winning the “viral award” in the “Voice of Justice” video contest. SGA will be matching the $500 to provide the WKU Counseling and Testing Center with $1,000 for resources aimed at preventing sexual assault and providing services for survivors of sexual assault.

View from the Hill – WKU Applications on the rise: More and more college bound students are choosing WKU earlier in the decision making process. Amy Bingham looks at the reasons why in this View from the Hill.

WKU Week in Photos: April 17-23, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU to present ‘Evening of Dance’ April 28-May 1: Evening of Dance is the culmination of a year of intense study, training and rehearsal for the WKU Dance Company. This year WKU Dance faculty members Amanda Clark, Meghen McKinley, Kylene Stephens and Christa St. John will be joined by guest choreographers April 28-May 1 to present a spectacular show filled with tap, jazz, modern dance and ballet.

‘Phantom of the Universe’ to be presented through April 30 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium: Phantom of the Universe, which is presented through April 30 at the Hardin Planetarium, shares how scientists around the world are collaborating to track down the constituents of dark matter in our universe.

Hardin Planetarium to present eclipse show May 2-July 2: Into the Shadow of the Disappearing Sun, the first of two shows about eclipses, will be presented May 2-July 2 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium.

WKU news summary for April 17-21, 2017

WKU Forensics Team wins NFA national speech & debate championships: The WKU Forensics Team won both the National Forensic Association National Tournament championship and the National Forensic Association Lincoln-Douglas Debate Team Sweepstakes national championship, hosted this year by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire over the April 13-17 weekend.

Statement from WKU President Gary A. Ransdell on recent Student Government Association resolution: Read the statement from WKU President Gary A. Ransdell on the recent Student Government Association resolution.

WKU launches SpiritFunder with 3 inaugural crowdfunding campaigns: SpiritFunder, WKU’s very own crowdfunding platform, launched Monday (April 17). Crowdfunding is a unique tool that harnesses energy and enthusiasm and allows alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff to make a collective impact on the community. Similar platforms are being implemented at universities across the nation as a way to bring attention to small, but important initiatives that might otherwise go unfunded.

Geoscience graduate student awarded GSA research grant for project in Ethiopia: Shelby Bowden, a WKU Geoscience graduate student from Greenville, South Carolina, has been awarded the prestigious 2017 Graduate Student Research Grant ($1,775) from the Geological Society of America (GSA) for his master’s thesis project in Ethiopia.

WKU steel bridge, concrete canoe teams finish 3rd at regional competition: WKU civil engineering students competed in the Ohio Valley Student Conference April 5-9 at The Ohio State University. More than 400 civil engineering students 13 colleges and universities from Ohio, Kentucky and western Pennsylvania competed.

WKU Upward Bound student helps Kentucky team win regional academic competition: WKU Upward Bound participant Sylas Morris, a sophomore from Logan County High School, helped the Kentucky All-Star Scholar’s Bowl team to victory at the regional competition on April 8. The team remained undefeated during six rounds of quick-recall competition in Atlanta, Georgia.

Accounting Students Earn KyCPA Scholarships: Three WKU Accounting students of the Gordon Ford College of Business were selected to receive scholarships for 2017 through the Kentucky Society of CPAs Educational Foundation.

Students from WKU Arabic Program represent U.S. in international debate competition: Three students from the WKU Arabic Program — Savannah Gillam of Bowling Green, Jordan Miller of Villa Hills and Mollie Todd of Flemingsburg — represented the United States at the International Universities Arabic Debating Championship April 8-12 in Qatar.

WKU chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta honor society inducts new members: WKU’s chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) inducted 10 new members on Monday (April 17). Alpha Epsilon Delta is the National Health Pre-professional Honor Society dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in pre-professional health scholarship, including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy and others.

WKU Week in Photos: April 10-14, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis, Bryan Lemon and Bob Skipper of WKU Public Affairs.

View from the Hill – Coach Mike Sanford excited about Red/White Spring Game: The annual Red/White Spring football game is just one day away and for the fifth time in eight years, WKU will have a new person at the helm. Amy Bingham introduces us to head football coach Mike Sanford in this View from the Hill.

What’s Happening at WKU

Several events coming up April 21-23 at WKU: Check out a listing of several events that are coming up this weekend (April 21-23) at WKU.

Kentucky Museum hosting quilt registry April 21-22: The Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society will hold a quilt registry at the Kentucky Museum at WKU from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21 and April 22 to register quilts made in Kentucky during the period from 1800 to 1960.

WKU to host Kentucky Science Olympiad April 22: About 700 students from across Kentucky will compete in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU on April 22.

More than 160 authors, illustrators expected at 2017 SOKY Book Fest: More than 160 authors and illustrators are expected to be in attendance for the Southern Kentucky Book Fest weekend of April 21-22, including New York Times bestselling authors Ann Patchett, Tim Crothers, David Grann and R.L. Stine, well-known for his Goosebumps series.

Cultural Enhancement Series season concludes April 22 with David Sedaris: Bestselling author and humorist David Sedaris completes WKU’s 2016-2017 Cultural Enhancement Series season with a presentation at 7:30 p.m. CT April 22 at Van Meter Hall.

Greek Week 2017 events April 23-30: Greek Week 2017 will be held April 23-30 at WKU.

WKU graduate to present lecture on U.S. immigration law April 25: Mario H. Nguyen, a 2012 WKU graduate, will return to campus on April 25 to give a talk on the origins, evolution and current state of U.S. immigration law as part of the 11th annual Tracing the Unexplored Series.

WKU TRIO Programs to host area high school juniors and seniors April 26: High school juniors and seniors in Educational Talent Search and Upward Bound have been invited to WKU’s campus for an event on April 26. ETS and UB serve students in Allen, Barren, Butler, Cumberland, Edmonson, Simpson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe and Warren counties.

WKU news summary for April 10-14, 2017

WKU student awarded Humanity in Action Fellowship: A WKU student has been awarded a Humanity in Action Fellowship to study human rights in Warsaw, Poland, in the summer of 2017.

WKU video wins ‘viral’ award in #VoiceofJustice contest: A video produced by WKU students won the $500 “Viral Video” award in the #VoiceofJustice video contest. The video, “We All Need to Speak Up,” produced by WKU Student Government Association and co-produced by students Sam Kirby and SGA President Jay Todd Richey, won the award by receiving the most views on Attorney General Andy Beshear’s YouTube channel.

WKU geology team participates in international finals of Imperial Barrel Award contest: A team of WKU geology students participated in the 2017 finals of the prestigious Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) program.

WKU Greek Homearama raises $1,155 for Circle of Sisterhood Foundation: Last week, WKU Greek organizations opened their homes for tours as part of a fundraiser for the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation.

View from the Hill – BG Night Market: An exciting night time event made its debut in Bowling Green recently with plenty more to follow. Amy Bingham has more on the Bowling Green Night Market in this View from the Hill.

Region Two winners announced in Lieutenant Governor’s Entrepreneurship Challenge: Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton attended the Region Two competition of the Lieutenant Governor’s Entrepreneurship Challenge (LGEC) at WKU’s Center for Research and Development on April 11 to welcome teams from across Kentucky and present awards to the winners.

View from the Hill – Alum returns for Hays Watkins Lecture: The head of a St. Louis-based technology company returned to his alma mater for the first time in nearly 40 years. The CEO has lots of fond memories of how WKU helped shape his successful career as Amy Bingham reports in this View from the Hill.

Chatting with Chumbler: Annual CHHS Awards Banquet: This past weekend, our college had the opportunity to host our annual College of Health and Human Services’ Awards Banquet, at the Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green. This awards ceremony celebrates and acknowledges the accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff and community.

Event Parking for WWE: WKU welcomes the WWE to Diddle Arena on Monday. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the event scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. Diddle North Lot will be reserved starting Sunday at 9 p.m. through Monday at 11:30 p.m. for performer and bus/truck parking. Event parking will be available in PS1 & PS2 for $10. Current permit holders will be allowed access to PS1 and PS2 at no charge during the day, for evening classes, and for university related business. More: WWE ticket information

WKU Week in Photos: April 3-7, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

WWE Live coming to WKU on April 17: WWE Live will return to WKU’s Diddle Arena at 7:30 p.m. April 17.

Indiana University history professor to present 2017 Harrison Distinguished Lecture on April 19: Dr. Christina Snyder, Thomas and Kathryn Miller Associate Professor of History at Indiana University-Bloomington, will present WKU’s 2017 Harrison Distinguished Lecture on April 19.

WKU to host Kentucky Science Olympiad April 22: About 700 students from across Kentucky will compete in the Kentucky Science Olympiad at WKU on April 22.

WKU news summary for April 3-7, 2017

2 WKU students honored by Goldwater Program: Two WKU students have been honored by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program, the premier award for undergraduates pursuing careers in science, mathematics or engineering. Andrew Davis of Williamstown was named a Goldwater Scholar. He was one of only two students from Kentucky to receive a Goldwater scholarship this year. Ayush Prasad of Flatwoods received an Honorable Mention in the competition.

9 WKU students recognized by State Department’s Critical Language Scholarship Program: Nine WKU students have been recognized by the U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship Program. All are students in the Dixie and Pete Mahurin Honors College at WKU. Four students will receive full funding to participate in eight-week summer intensive language programs abroad while five others were named alternates.

WKU Forensics Team second at AFA National Tournament: The WKU Forensics Team placed second at the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament championship, hosted this year by Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, during the March 31-April 3 weekend.

WKU joins Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate: WKU is one of 22 new graduate schools of education to be accepted into the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate as members of the consortium.

Dr. Tony Norman named American Council on Education Fellow: Dr. Tony Norman, Director of the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at WKU, has been named a Fellow by the American Council on Education for the 2017-18 academic year.

WKU Student Team Wins $10,000 in Alltech Innovation Competition: An undergraduate student team representing the Gordon Ford College of Business’ Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation took home the top prize of $10,000 in the Alltech Innovation Competition held April 1 in Lexington.

WKU’s Model Arab League team participates in national event: WKU’s Model Arab League team participated in its first National University Model Arab League March 31-April 2 in Washington, D.C.

7th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes raises $2,500 for Hope Harbor: WKU’s Interfraternity Council hosted the seventh annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event, the international men’s march to raise awareness for rape, sexual assault and gender violence, on April 4.

Rural-Urban Exchange highlights Kentucky’s creativity and diversity: Kentucky Rural-Urban Exchange (RUX) has convened more than 130 Kentuckians from 24 counties. The Kentucky RUX network aligns people working across the arts, agriculture, community health and small business to work together towards the transformation of Kentucky’s economies, communities and sense of self.

Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society Inducts 45: The WKU chapter of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society in business inducted 45 students, faculty, and business professionals during its annual ceremony on March 30.

WKU Student to Compete in e-Fest National Business Plan Competition: WKU entrepreneurship student Muamer Razic was selected to compete in “e-Fest,” a competition that will award more than $200,000 in grants and scholarships for the best undergraduate business ideas during the weekend of April 6-8 in Minneapolis.

Lexington eighth-grader wins 2017 Kentucky Geographic Bee: Evan Winkler of Lexington, an eighth-grader at Morton Middle School, took top honors at the 2017 Kentucky Geographic Bee on Friday (March 31) at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center in Bowling Green.

CBS Sunday Morning to air segment on exhibit at WKU: CBS Sunday Morning will air a segment April 9 on Living On A Dollar A Day: The lives and faces of the world’s poor, an interactive photo exhibit by Renée C. Byer that is on display at WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting.

EALR Welcomes Donna Link as Program Advisor: Veteran Kentucky educator Donna Link has joined WKU’s Department of Educational Administration, Leadership, and Research as student program advisor.

2017-18 WKU parking permits on sale: WKU faculty, staff and students can order their 2017-18 parking permits online. More: 2017-18 parking overview; faculty/staff permits; commuter permits; student permits/Parking Structure 3 update

WKU Week in Photos: March 27-April 1, 2017: Check out latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

Portion of Normal Street Closed Friday Afternoon: Parking, traffic and bus service will be affected in support of the Honors College International Center Renaming Ceremony this afternoon. The event takes place at 4:30 p.m.

WKU hosting regional competition in Lieutenant Governor’s Entrepreneurship Challenge on April 11: About 40 teams of high school students will participate in the Zone 2 Regional Competition of the inaugural Lieutenant Governor’s Entrepreneurship Challenge April 11 at WKU’s Center for Research and Development.

WKU hosting 2017 International Fly Fishing Film Festival on April 11: The WKU Recreation Administration program, with the generous support of local co-sponsor Cabela’s, will host the 2017 International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) at Downing Student Union on April 11.

2017 Faculty Awards Reception April 12: The 2017 Faculty Awards Reception will be held at 3 p.m. April 12 at the Faculty House. WKU annually recognizes outstanding contributions by faculty members in the areas of Teaching, Research/Creativity, Public Service, Student Advisement and Part-Time Teaching.

‘Game of Thrones’ language creator to present 2017 Hatcher Lecture on April 13: David J. Peterson, the full-time conlanger (language creator) for HBO’s Game of Thrones, will visit WKU on April 13 as the 2016-2017 Paul G. and Ernestine G. Hatcher Lecturer. Peterson’s lecture, Living Language: Conlang and the Power of Language, will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Downing Student Union Auditorium. Admission is free and open to the public.

WWE Live coming to WKU on April 17: WWE Live will return to WKU’s Diddle Arena at 7:30 p.m. April 17. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 17).

WKU news summary for March 27-31, 2017

The Gatton Academy selects 95 students for Class of 2019: The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky has selected 95 Kentucky sophomores for the Class of 2019.

2 WKU faculty members selected for Fulbright awards: WKU faculty members Saundra Curry Ardrey and Kam C. (Johnny) Chan have been selected for Fulbright U.S. Scholar grants. Dr. Ardrey, head of WKU’s Department of Political Science, will spend a year at the University of Limpopo in South Africa, while Dr. Chan, Leon Page Chair of Finance and University Distinguished Professor, will spend the fall 2017 semester in China.

WKU, Aramark agree on 20-year contract for dining, catering services: Improved dining options, catering choices and new and renovated facilities are hallmarks of a 20-year contract with Aramark for dining and catering services at WKU.

WKU Public Health student awarded Fulbright Fellowship: Department of Public Health student Laura Allen was awarded a Fulbright fellowship for the 2017-2018 school year.

WKU Forensics Team wins debate at Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament: Seven members of the WKU Forensics Team traveled to Boise, Idaho to compete in the 50th Biennial Pi Kappa Delta Convention and National Tournament the weekend of March 21-25.

View from the Hill – Alexis Swift Memorial Scholarship: A scholarship has been established at WKU that pays tribute to a Greenwood High School graduate who died suddenly last year from a seizure. The money for the scholarship has come together in a unique and healing way as Amy Bingham explains in this View from the Hill.

Learn and Earn’s new Franklin partnerships benefit students and businesses: With new partnerships at Kentucky Downs and Mission Catering, WKU Learn and Earn extends scholarship and employment opportunities to Simpson County.

‘Focus on Innovation’ program serves as resource for small businesses: The WKU Small Business Accelerator continued its collaboration with the Central Region Office of the Kentucky Innovation Network to host its quarterly Focus on Innovation small group discussion on Tuesday (March 28) at the WKU Center for Research and Development.

Session winners announced from 47th Annual WKU Student Research Conference: Winners from the 47th Annual WKU Student Research Conference have been announced.

WKU Students Earn Cash in Business Plan Competition: Two WKU students earned first place awards at the Idea State U Regional Competition, a statewide business plan competition designed to encourage innovation among college students, in Owensboro on March 27.

ENATCUS Team Takes Projects to Regional Competition: WKU’s ENACTUS team presented its five community engagement projects in regional competition in Atlanta on March 24.The ENACTUS team is sponsored by the Gordon Ford College of Business and the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Kentucky Climate Center participates in Regional Mesonet Program Workshop: Representatives of the Kentucky Mesonet at WKU, a program of the Kentucky Climate Center, recently participated in the 2017 Regional Mesonet Program and Partners Workshop.

WKU’s Public Health Students Promote a Healthier Campus through Community Collaboration: Students in the Department of Public Health in the College of Health and Human Services partnered with several community agencies for Healthy Days 2017 to meet the shared goal of promoting healthier choices on campus.

High school journalists honored at annual awards ceremony: More than 80 high school journalists and advisers from 10 high schools across Kentucky attended the 37th annual Mark of Excellence newspaper, broadcasting and online awards ceremony at WKU on March 24.

March 2017 news from WKU Libraries: Check out a list of March 2017 news items from the WKU Libraries Blog.

Top Economics Students Inducted Into Honor Society: The WKU chapter of the Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honor Society in Economics inducted 30 students during its annual initiation banquet held March 24.

2017 State MATHCOUNTS Competition results: WKU hosted the 2017 State MATHCOUNTS Competition on the Knicely Conference Center.

Department of Agriculture’s Spring Break Study Abroad Class: The “Agriculture at the Equator” study abroad class studied plant and animal agriculture in Ecuador over Spring Break.

Confucius Institute at WKU hosts inaugural Chinese Bridge Competition: Sixty-five students showcased their knowledge of Chinese language and culture during the Confucius Institute at WKU’s inaugural Chinese Bridge Competition on March 25.

WKU Week in Photos: March 20-25, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

‘Phantom of the Universe’ to be presented March 12-April 30 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium: Phantom of the Universe, Hardin Planetarium’s newest public show opening Sunday (March 12), shares how scientists around the world are collaborating to track down the constituents of dark matter in our universe.

WKU Theatre & Dance, Music team up to present ‘A Pair of Puccinis’ March 31-April 2: The WKU Department of Theatre & Dance and the Department of Music will join together to present A Pair of Puccinis March 31-April 2.

Transfer Scholarship application deadline April 1 for fall 2017 admission to WKU: College students wanting to transfer to WKU may be eligible for up to $4,000 in scholarship assistance. The application deadline for the Transfer Scholarship is April 1 for fall 2017 admission.

Press freedom subject of 2017 Gaines Family Lecture on April 3: Joel Simon, executive director of the international nonprofit Committee to Protect Journalists, will speak at WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting at 7 p.m. April 3 in Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

WKU to celebrate 2nd annual Fulbright Week April 3-7: WKU will celebrate the second annual Fulbright Week April 3-7 with events for prospective students and faculty.

WWE Live coming to WKU on April 17: WWE Live will return to WKU’s Diddle Arena at 7:30 p.m. April 17. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 17).

WKU news summary for March 20-24, 2017

WKU wins Hearst program’s photojournalism competition: WKU’s School of Journalism & Broadcasting has won the Hearst Journalism Award Program’s Intercollegiate Photojournalism Competition for the 23rd time in the past 28 years.

WKU geology team advances to international finals in Imperial Barrel Award contest: A team of WKU geology students won the 2017 Eastern Regional in the prestigious Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) program and is one of 12 universities that advanced to the international finals April 1 in Houston.

WKU PBS engineer selected for national project: Jordan Basham, Special Projects Engineer for WKU PBS, is among 25 digital professionals from PBS member stations to become Digital Immersion Partners.

Gabbi Doolin Memorial Scholarship Fund established: The memory of Gabbi Doolin—a second-grade student at the Allen County Primary Center when her life was taken on November 14, 2015—will live on forever through the establishment of the Gabbi Doolin Memorial Scholarship Fund. The announcement of the fund — administered through the College Heights Foundation at WKU — was made Thursday (March 23) at Allen County-Scottsville High School.

View from the Hill – Student Research Conference Preview: Hundreds of WKU students engaged in research get a chance to show off their findings at the 47th annual Student Research Conference on March 25. Amy Bingham has a preview of some of the unique topics in this View from the Hill.

Biology graduate publishes research on perception of elephant impact on ecosystem: WKU biology graduate Adam Edge of Shepherdsville is the lead author of a paper titled “Examining Human Perception of Elephants and Large Trees for Insights into Conservation of an African Savanna Ecosystem” that has been published in the journal Human Dimensions of Wildlife.

WKU Learn and Earn teams with Caverna for academy program: WKU Learn and Earn is pleased to announce that it is working with Caverna Independent Schools to provide more WKU scholarship opportunities for Caverna High School seniors and community members while also meeting the growing workforce needs within the region.

Sexual Assault Prevention Month events begin March 27: One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college, and WKU Counseling and Testing and Hope Harbor, Inc., are leading efforts to raise awareness for prevention resources in the Bowling Green/Warren County area during Sexual Assault Prevention Month. In addition to the services offered throughout the week by both offices, other campus and community groups have joined efforts to coordinated 10 events to raise awareness, share prevention information, and encourage support for sexual assault victims.

WKU Hosts Meeting of the Kentucky Chapter of the American Physiological Society: WKU hosted the 5th Annual Meeting of the Kentucky Chapter of the American Physiological Society on March 18.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU’s 47th Annual Student Research Conference March 25: About 400 students will make presentations at WKU’s 47th Annual Student Research Conference on March 25 at Downing Student Union.

WKU hosting 2017 MATHCOUNTS State Competition March 25: The practices are over. They qualified to represent their school. They survived the grueling chapter competitions. Now, the state finals are upon us. Starting at 9 a.m. March 25, 158 middle school students representing 48 schools across the Commonwealth of Kentucky will compete in the 2017 MATHCOUNTS State Competition at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center.

WKU Glasgow co-sponsoring March 25 event with cast and crew of ‘An Uncommon Grace’: “A Conversation with the Cast and Crew of An Uncommon Grace” will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday (March 25) at the Plaza Theatre, 115 E. Main St., Glasgow.

2017 Boyd-Lubker Visiting Scholar to discuss sex trafficking, policing sexuality March 28: Dr. Jessica Pliley, Associate Professor of History at Texas State University-San Marcos, will present Sex Trafficking and the FBI: Policing Sexuality and the Growth of the American State as part of the 2017 Boyd-Lubker Visiting Scholars Program at WKU.

WKU hosting 2017 National Geographic State Bee March 31: WKU will host 100 fourth- through eighth-graders from across Kentucky for the 2017 National Geographic State Bee on March 31. The state competition will begin with preliminary rounds at 9 a.m. CT followed by the final round at 10:30 a.m. The event will be held at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center, 2355 Nashville Road.

Vic Richey to Discuss Leadership in March 31 Lecture: Vic Richey, Chairman, CEO, and President of ESCO Technologies, Inc., a St. Louis-based technology company with subsidiaries operating throughout the United States and around the world, will deliver a lecture titled, “Everything I Learned about Leadership I Learned in the Army” on March 31 at 10 a.m. in Grise Hall Auditorium on WKU’s main campus.

WKU to celebrate 2nd annual Fulbright Week April 3-7: WKU will celebrate the second annual Fulbright Week April 3-7 with events for prospective students and faculty.

WWE Live coming to WKU on April 17: WWE Live will return to WKU’s Diddle Arena at 7:30 p.m. April 17. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 17).

WKU news summary for March 13-17, 2017

Grant opens opportunity for middle, high school students to study Arabic during VAMPY: Ten students will be able to study Arabic tuition-free this summer thanks to a grant from the Qatar Foundation International. The grant will fund tuition and travel expenses for 10 students to enroll in Arabic during the Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY) June 25 to July 15 at WKU.

Confucius Institute at WKU to host exhibit of Chinese art: The Confucius Institute at WKU will host the grand opening Wednesday (March 22) of Exposing Chinese Culture to the World through Art, an exhibit by 13 Chinese painters and calligraphers who are the first cohort of Confucius Institute Distinguished Artist.

‘Elizabeth Bishop’s Prosaic’ by Vidyan Ravinthiran receives Warren-Brooks Award: Elizabeth Bishop’s Prosaic, by Vidyan Ravinthiran, has been selected as the 2016 winner of the Robert Penn Warren–Cleanth Brooks Award for outstanding literary scholarship and criticism, by the Robert Penn Warren Center at WKU.

View from the Hill – WKU PR students raise awareness about mental health: Some WKU Public Relations students are using their capstone project to help change the conversation about mental health. Amy Bingham shows us how they are getting their message out in this View from the Hill.

WKU School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport Student Selected as Award Recipient by NIRSA: WKU School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport student Gabrielle Ringenberg has been selected as a 2016 recipient of the William N. Wasson Student Leadership and Academic Award from the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association.

WKU Dental Hygiene Students Receive Awards at KDHA: The WKU Dental Hygiene Program recently participated in the Kentucky Dental Hygienist’s Association (KDHA) annual meeting, earning awards for their presentations.

WKU Week in Photos: March 6-10, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU AD + PR program hosting ‘Focus on your Future’ March 20-24: The WKU AD + PR program will be hosting “Focus on your Future” the week of March 20-24. There will be in-class speakers motivating and directing students on the path to finding an internship of career that is right for them.

Korean pop culture experience in spotlight at WKU March 22-23: Sherri Ter Molen, a scholar and researcher on Korean pop culture from Wayne State University, will present “K-poppers for Hilltoppers: The Korean Pop Culture Experience” at 5 p.m. March 22 in the Gary Ransdell Hall Auditorium as part of the Department of Communication’s 2017 Above and Beyond Series and WKU’s International Year of South Korea.

WKU Board of Regents to hold committee meetings March 24: The WKU Board of Regents will hold committee meetings on March 24, beginning at 9:30 a.m. CDT. The meetings will be in the Martin Regents Room, Mass Media and Technology Hall.

WKU’s 47th Annual Student Research Conference March 25: About 400 students will make presentations at WKU’s 47th Annual Student Research Conference on March 25 at Downing Student Union.

WWE Live coming to WKU on April 17: WWE Live will return to WKU’s Diddle Arena at 7:30 p.m. April 17. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 17).

WKU news summary for March 6-10, 2017

Class of 2017 inducted into Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame: Three new members of the Governor Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame were inducted Wednesday (March 8) during a ceremony at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort. Members of the ninth class, chosen by a statewide selection committee, were Opal T. Sibert, Ron Skillern and Joe Westerfield. More: View from the Hill on the 2017 inductees.

WKU student selected as Jane Jacobs Fellow: Jennifer Ottersbach, a WKU graduating senior from Crestwood, will work with the Center for the Living City as the Jane Jacobs Fellow to develop civically-engaged young women who lead local and global action. Ottersbach will engage the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to identify, create and disseminate resources to support young women’s developing voices.

WKU introduces Bias Incident Reporting program: WKU is taking steps to provide a safer environment for its diverse populations. The university encourages students to take advantage of the safe places the campus has to offer and utilize the new programs. Bias Incident Reporting is an online portal that will allow students, staff and faculty to report incidents of bias or hate to a campus representative. The university has been working on this program for several months and hopes to have it up and running in the fall of 2017.

WKU meteorology students, White Squirrel Weather staff survey tornado damage: On March 1, a powerful storm system swept across the region, which produced 11 tornado, 590 high wind and 108 severe hail reports. Among the 11 reported tornadoes, one touched down just 10 miles southeast of WKU at 7:24 a.m. and produced a swath of property and tree damage along the 12000 block of Cemetery Road.

WKU Graduate Student Awarded Fellowship at University of Louisville: WKU graduate student Regis Pearson recently received an Integrated Programs in Biomedical Science (IPIBS) Fellowship to study for the Ph.D. of Physiology and Biophysics degree at the University of Louisville.

White Squirrel Weather Staff Attends FEMA Training Event: On February 21-23, the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) hosted their advanced workshop, “Enhanced Sports and Special Events Incident Management” at WKU. The focus of the event was to gain certified FEMA training for emergency response and management for various large-scale incidents and potential hazards during sporting or other special events with high-volume crowds.

Department of Social Work Attends Social Work Lobby Day: Students and faculty from the WKU Department of Social Work participated in Social Work Lobby Day on March 3 in Frankfort.

Topper Transit Green Line Express Discontinued: Effective March 20, the WKU Green Line Express shopping shuttle (2 p.m.-6 p.m. weekdays) will be discontinued. Students can still reach the destinations served by the Topper Transit Green Line Express by using the GObg Public Transit Purple Line (Route 5).

Spring Break 2017 Parking & Transit: Intersession services will be in effect during Spring Break Week (March 13-17).

WKU Week in Photos: Feb. 27-March 4, 2017: Here’s the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

Fourth annual IdeaFestival Bowling Green March 15 at WKU: The fourth annual IdeaFestival Bowling Green will be held in the Downing Student Union at WKU on March 15 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CST.

WWE Live coming to WKU on April 17: WWE Live will return to WKU’s Diddle Arena at 7:30 p.m. April 17. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 17).

WKU news summary for Feb. 27-March 3, 2017

6 WKU students awarded Gilman International Scholarships for summer 2017: Six WKU students will study abroad this summer on Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. Bryan Anders of Bowling Green, Magen Estep of Bowling Green, Rachel Fisher of Russellville, Courtney Hurst of Louisville, Melissa Reeves of Louisville and Chanel Watkins of Louisville were awarded scholarships of up to $5,000 to take their studies overseas.

16 selected for 2017-18 Cherry Presidential Scholarship: WKU has selected 16 students as recipients of the 2017-18 Cherry Presidential Scholarship, the school’s most prestigious academic award.

February 2017 likely to be Kentucky’s warmest on record, climatologist says: Following consecutive cold and snowy winters, the warm and dry winter of 2016-17 will rank as one of the warmest on record in Kentucky, according to state climatologist Stuart Foster. “February is likely to go down as the warmest on record, breaking a record set in 1932,” said Dr. Foster, director of the Kentucky Climate Center and the Kentucky Mesonet at WKU.

Ademuyewo crowned WKU’s 2017 Coming Home King: Adeleke Ademuyewo of Cincinnati, Ohio, was crowned WKU’s 2017 Coming Home King on Thursday night (March 2).

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Approve Funds for the Implementation of Bingocize® in 20 Kentucky Nursing Homes: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have approved $744,202 of civil money penalty (CMP) funds for the implementation of Bingocize® in 20 Kentucky certified nursing homes. Bingocize®, a preventative health promotion program designed by Dr. Jason Crandall, Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport, is designed to increase the functional performance, health knowledge and social engagement of older adults in a variety of settings.

Forensics Team wins debate tournament at Illinois State: The WKU Forensics Team closed out the semifinal round of debate, capturing the top four spots to win the debate tournament in Normal, Illinois, the weekend of Feb. 25-26. WKU acted as co-host to the tournament and was therefore ineligible for the team sweepstakes awards.

Summer Early Entry prepares students for first year at WKU: College courses like English and math have minimum ACT requirement before students can enroll in them. When students’ ACT scores fall below the minimum, students can complete developmental courses to qualify them for enrollment in their required English and math courses. Summer Early Entry (SEE) allows students to complete developmental courses during the summer so they are fully prepared to take courses in the fall.

View from the Hill – International Year of South Korea: WKU students have experienced Ecuador, South Africa and now South Korea without ever leaving campus. It’s through the International Year of program as Amy Bingham explains in this View from the Hill.

School of KRS Faculty Member Selected to Serve on Editorial Board: Dr. Brad Stinnett, Assistant Professor in the WKU School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport, has been selected to serve as an Editorial Board member of the Recreational Sports Journal. The RSJ is one of the longest running scholarly journals in sport, and it is the premier journal in the field of recreational sport, particularly campus recreation.

WKU Upward Bound students win state Scholar’s Bowl: The WKU Upward Bound Scholar’s Bowl team won first place at the state Scholar’s Bowl on Feb. 25.

CSD Faculty Members Selected for National and State Leadership Opportunities: Two faculty members from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders have been selected to represent WKU in national and state leadership opportunities.

Coutts named winner of 2017 Isadore Gilbert Mudge Award, library group’s highest honor: Brian Coutts, Professor and Head of the Department of Library Public Services at WKU, was selected as the 2017 winner of the Isadore Gilbert Mudge Award, which is Reference and User Services Association’s (RUSA) highest honor. The award recognizes Coutts for his distinguished contributions to reference services and librarianship.

4 WKU students honored in 2017 Flo Gault Poetry Contest: Four WKU students have been honored for their poetry in the 2017 Flo Gault Poetry Contest, sponsored by Sarabande Books in Louisville.

Morel appointed to WKU Alumni National Board of Directors: The WKU Alumni Association recently appointed Joe Morel (’02), a Lifetime Member of the WKU Alumni Association, to serve as a member of the organization’s National Board of Directors.

WKU Learn and Earn Program: The Learn and Earn program at WKU partners with area companies and businesses to employ both traditional and non-traditional college students thus helping meet their company production goals. In return, those students work for wages and receive college scholarships from their employers as well. For more information, visit https://www.wku.edu/learnandearn/

Easy Steps To Ensure A Smooth Student Transfer: The Transfer Center at WKU strives to ensure transfer students have a seamless transition from their previous institution. Located in the Academic Advising and Retention Center (AARC), the Transfer Center is the one-stop shop assisting students with transfer admission, credit evaluation, advising, and much more.

ICYMI: News Around Campus — February 2017 edition: In case you missed it, check out links to some February 2017 news items/social media posts from WKU colleges, departments and programs.

WKU Week in Photos: Feb. 20-24, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

Hardin Planetarium to present ‘Curiosity and a Habitable Mars’ through March 30: Curiosity and a Habitable Mars will be presented through March 30 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium.

Used Book Sale March 3-5 will benefit SOKY Book Fest: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest Used Book Sale will be held March 3 through March 5 at the Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Public Library, 175 Iron Skillet Court, in Bowling Green. The sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 4; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. March 5.

22nd annual regional bridge building competition March 4: The 22nd Annual Regional Bridge Building Championships will be held Saturday (March 4) at the WKU Center for Research & Development’s Commons Area.

‘A Way with Words’ co-host Barnette to visit WKU March 9: Martha Barnette, co-host of the public radio show A Way with Words, will be in Bowling Green on March 9 for a presentation on the state of language followed by a question-and-answer session. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. CST and will take place at the Augenstein Alumni Center ballroom.

WWE Live coming to WKU on April 17: WWE Live will return to WKU’s Diddle Arena at 7:30 p.m. April 17. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 17).

WKU news summary for Feb. 20-24, 2017

WKU tied for 2nd in 2016-17 list of top Fulbright producers: WKU is tied for second in the list of top Fulbright-producing master’s degree-granting institutions. WKU had eight Fulbright grantees in 2016-17, making it the only public master’s institution in the top three. WKU tied with Loyola Marymount University while Villanova University ranks first with 11 grantees. This is the fourth time and the third consecutive year WKU has been named a top Fulbright-producing institution as reported today (Feb. 21) in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

WKU Forensics Team wins 2017 state championship: The WKU Forensics Team won the 2017 Kentucky state forensics tournament on Saturday (Feb. 18) at Owensboro Community and Technical College. WKU won the overall state championship, sweeping all three of the team sweepstakes championships along the way: individual events, NPDA debate and IPDA debate. The team also collected 11 individual state championships.

38 WKU students to present research at 2017 Posters-at-the-Capitol: Thirty-eight WKU students, including 11 from The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, will present their research at the 2017 Posters-at-the-Capitol event March 2 in Frankfort.

Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Wins Major Awards: The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Gordon Ford College of Business at WKU came away with several top awards this past weekend at the Small Business Institute® Annual Conference in San Diego, California.

Global UGRAD-Pakistan student joins Hilltopper family: WKU once again qualifies as a host institution welcoming Rida Fatima as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program.

4 WKU staff members among 2017 Trailblazer honorees: For 20 years, Bowling Green’s Trailblazers Committee has recognized community leaders during Black History Month. This year, four of the six honorees are members of the WKU community.

President Gary A. Ransdell’s response to University Senate resolutions: President Gary A. Ransdell sent memos Tuesday to Dr. Kate Hudepohl, chair of the WKU University Senate, in response to the University Senate resolutions related to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and sanctuary campus designation.

SOKY Book Fest partners select finalists for 2017 Kentucky Literary Award: The Southern Kentucky Book Fest partnership announces the three finalists for the 2017 Kentucky Literary Award. This year’s award will go to a work of nonfiction by a Kentucky author or with a significant Kentucky theme that was published in 2015 or 2016.

View from the Hill – Freshmen get an advantage with Summer Start Program: Freshmen entering WKU this fall will have the opportunity to jump start their college career. Amy Bingham explains the Summer Start program in this View from the Hill.

WKU Week in Photos: Feb. 13-17, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

Webcams available to view WKU Housing construction projects: Construction webcams are now in place so you can watch the progress of Hilltopper Hall and the Southwest and Northeast Hall connectors online at www.wku.edu/webcams; images are uploaded from 5 a.m.-5 p.m.

What’s Happening at WKU

Hardin Planetarium to present ‘Curiosity and a Habitable Mars’ Feb. 16-March 30: Curiosity and a Habitable Mars will be presented Feb. 16-March 30 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium.

Theatre production of ‘Dog Sees God’ explores teen issues: Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, called an “unauthorized parody” by playwright Bert V. Royal, is a darkly humorous, ultimately touching theatrical exploration of the existential challenges faced by 21st century teens. WKU’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present Dog Sees God Feb. 23-28 in the Lab Theatre of Gordon Wilson Hall. Show times are 8 p.m. Feb. 23-25 and Feb. 27-28 and 3 p.m. Feb. 26.

‘Physics of Shadows’ theme of Feb. 25 Physics Olympics at WKU: Physics of Shadows is the theme of the 2017 Western Kentucky Physics Olympics on Feb. 25.

WKU Engineering to conduct 17th annual LEGO Robotics Competition Feb. 25: WKU Engineering faculty and staff, with support from the Tau Beta Pi student Engineering Honors Society, will conduct the 17th annual Kentucky Bluegrass LEGO Robotics Competition on Saturday (Feb. 25) at Henry Moss Middle School, 2565 Russsellville Road, Bowling Green.

WWE Live coming to WKU on April 17: WWE Live will return to WKU’s Diddle Arena at 7:30 p.m. April 17. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 17).

WKU news summary for Feb. 13-17, 2017

16 Gatton Academy seniors named National Merit Finalists: Sixteen Gatton Academy seniors learned this week they were selected as National Merit Finalists.

WKU music faculty members, alumni honored by KMEA: Two WKU music faculty members and two WKU alumni were honored Feb. 10 at the annual Kentucky Music Educators Association conference in Louisville.

WKU Forensics Team wins at Bowling Green State University: The WKU Forensics Team traveled to Bowling Green, Ohio, to compete in two tournaments the weekend of Feb. 11-12. WKU’s team of 10 was crowned team sweepstakes champion at both tournaments, capturing 15 individual championships, and advancing all members to at least one final round each.

25 WKU students candidates for 2017 Coming Home King: Twenty-five WKU students are vying for 2017 Coming Home King. The king will be crowned March 2 during halftime of WKU’s men’s basketball game versus North Texas. Tipoff is 7 p.m. at Diddle Arena.

Cabela’s, WKU Student & WKU School of KRS Support High School Fly-Fishing Course in Montana: The WKU Recreation Administration program will offer their second annual summer fly-fishing course in Montana for high school students. New this year is a high school student scholarship made possible by a current WKU student. This year’s unique fishing program is supported by the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, a WKU student, and the WKU School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport (KRS).

WEVV-TV to begin using data from Kentucky Mesonet at WKU: The Kentucky Mesonet at WKU has signed an agreement with WEVV-TV (CBS/Fox 44) in Evansville, Indiana, to provide weather and climate data for viewers in that area.

WKU students help create new style of movie making; film nominated for Project of Year: While most students were at home relaxing over the holiday break, more than 15 WKU students, alumni and faculty worked on a proof of concept film called “The Reign,” written by WKU film professor Luke Pennington.

View from the Hill – The Kidz Club changes career path for WKU student: For the past year, Bowling Green has been home to the Kidz Club, a pediatric medical day treatment facility. Amy Bingham shows us the impact the facility has had on a WKU student in this View from the Hill.

WKU Student Leaders Win Awards at KARH 2017: WKU residence hall student leaders won several awards at the Kentucky Association of Residence Halls (KARH) annual conference at Bellarmine University Feb. 10-11.

WKU music professor receives alumni award from UNCG: WKU Professor of Music John Cipolla was presented with a distinguished alumni award by the administration and faculty at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro College of Visual and Performing Arts.

WKU Faculty Awarded NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice Grant to Design a 100% Online Career Development Program for Student-Athletes: A WKU team of researchers, Evie Oregon, Lauren McCoy and Lacee Carmon-Johnson have been awarded an NCAA Innovations in Research and Practice grant to design a 100% Online Athlete Bridge to Career Development (A.B.C.D.) Program. WKU is one of five university research teams across the country that will receive funding to perform research designed to enhance student-athletes’ psychosocial well-being and mental health.

Students from WKU’s Department of Public Health Visit Logan Aluminum: Students from WKU’s Department of Public Health in the College of Health and Human Services visited Logan Aluminum on Feb. 9.

Campus parking advisory: PS2 Reserved Feb. 20: Parking Structure 2 will be reserved Monday morning (Feb. 20) for a major student recruitment event. The garage is scheduled to reopen at approximately 10 a.m. A list of alternate parking options for commuters is available online at http://www.wku.edu/transportation/news/index.php?view=article&articleid=4732

WKU Fall 2016 Graduates List: The WKU Fall 2016 Graduates List is available online at http://www.wku.edu/mediarelations/gradlist.php

WKU Week in Photos: Feb. 6-10, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

2017 #HeartsontheHill: WKU, ranked one of the best campuses to fall in love, celebrated Valentine’s Day by encouraging Hilltoppers across the world to share their WKU love stories.

What’s Happening at WKU

Hardin Planetarium to present ‘Curiosity and a Habitable Mars’ Feb. 16-March 30: Curiosity and a Habitable Mars will be presented Feb. 16-March 30 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium.

Ethical Leadership Speaker Coming to Gordon Ford College of Business on Feb. 17: Alfonzo Alexander, Chief Relationship Officer of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the President of NASBA’s Center for the Public Trust (CPT), will present “Ethical Leadership: The True Sustainable Leadership” at 2 p.m. Feb. 17 in Grise Hall Auditorium on WKU’s campus.

Cultural Enhancement Series: Black Violin to perform Feb. 21: The 2016-2017 WKU Cultural Enhancement Series will present Black Violin in concert at 7:30 p.m. CST Feb. 21 in Van Meter Hall.

‘Physics of Shadows’ theme of Feb. 25 Physics Olympics at WKU: Physics of Shadows is the theme of the 2017 Western Kentucky Physics Olympics on Feb. 25.

WWE Live coming to WKU on April 17; tickets on sale Feb. 17: WWE Live will return to WKU’s Diddle Arena at 7:30 p.m. April 17. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 17).

WKU news summary for Feb. 6-10, 2017

Ransdell to become president and CEO of Semester at Sea: The Institute for Shipboard Education, parent organization to the Semester At Sea program, announced on Wednesday that Dr. Gary A. Ransdell will become president and CEO of Semester at Sea on Jan. 1, 2018.

Grant supports WKU research on human-elephant conflict in agricultural region of Kenya: Dr. Bruce A. Schulte, head of WKU’s Department of Biology, and his research collaborators have been awarded a grant from the International Elephant Foundation (IEF) for a study of human-elephant conflict (HEC) in an agricultural region of Kenya.

4 Gatton Academy seniors recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates: Four Gatton Academy seniors learned recently they are candidates for the 2017 United States Presidential Scholars. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

WKU Forensics Team members win 24 individual event titles at Illinois and Murray State: WKU’s Forensics Team traveled to Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, and Murray to take part in four tournaments the weekend of Feb. 6-7, winning 24 individual event championships along the way.

Thursday Night SGA Safe Ride Service Suspended: Effective immediately, Thursday night SGA Safe Ride transit route service is suspended due to extremely low ridership. Friday and Saturday service will continue until a suitable alternative is implemented.

212° Academy students win Young Authors Contest: 212° Academy students Allison Cleaver and Eva Cook have been selected as the winners of the SOKY Book Fest – 212° Academy Young Authors Contest.

View from the Hill – Mahurin Gift to Honors College: For decades, Pete and Dixie Mahurin have given back to their alma mater, WKU. Amy Bingham has more on their most recent gift in this View from the Hill.

Graduate Research Assistant Awarded Doctoral Student Assistantship from Vanderbilt University: WKU graduate research assistant Alyssa Olenick was recently awarded with a fully funded doctoral student assistantship from Vanderbilt University’s Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences.

11 WKU students inducted into leadership honor society: The WKU Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society inducted 11 members Feb. 9 at a ceremony in the Downing Student Union.

Kentucky Folklife Program announces 2017 recipient of Homer Ledford Award: The Kentucky Folklife Program announces Doug Naselroad as the 2017 recipient of the Homer Ledford Award.

Winter Super Saturdays: Week Two: Check out The Center for Gifted Studies’ photo gallery from week two of Winter Super Saturdays.

Chatting with Chumbler: Las Vegas… Bright Future for our WKU Study Away Students: In his latest blog post, Dr. Neale Chumbler, dean of WKU’s College of Health and Human Services, discusses a recent Study Away trip to Las Vegas with 11 Hospitality Management and Dietetics students from the Department of Family & Consumer Sciences.

WKU MBA Students Receive Top Scores on National Exam: Students graduating from WKU’s Gordon Ford College of Business Professional MBA program (PMBA) recently scored in the 99th percentile (Top 1%) on the comprehensive national assessment of MBA programs in 2016. In the previous two testing cycles, PMBA students ranked in the Top 5% nationally. Further, the Online MBA program earned a 93rd percentile (Top 7%) in 2016 after scoring in the Top 10% in prior years.

The Ford Report: The Fall 2016 magazine from the Gordon Ford College of Business is available online at https://issuu.com/gfcb/docs/gfcb_ford_report_magazine_fall_2016

Fall 2016 Dean’s/President’s List: The Fall 2016 Dean’s and President’s List is available online at http://www.wku.edu/mediarelations/deanslist.php

WKU Week in Photos: Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

Dance Project 2017 opens spring season Feb. 10-12: The WKU Department of Theatre & Dance kicks off its spring season this weekend (Feb. 10-12) with Dance Project 2017 at Gordon Wilson Hall. This annual student-produced concert features work created by seven dance majors who have been chosen to present their work by dance faculty.

‘Starry Tales for a Winter Night’ open through Feb. 12 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium: Starry Tales for a Winter Night, a highly interactive planetarium experience designed to help you find your way around winter’s night skies, will be presented Jan. 3-Feb. 12 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium.

Lone Star Rodeo Feb. 10-12 at WKU’s Ag Expo Center: The Lone Star Rodeo Company will make its 2017 visit to WKU’s L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition Center for four shows at 8 p.m. Feb 10; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 11; and 2 p.m. Feb. 12.

Scholar Development hosting ‘Fellowships in :15’ on Feb. 14: The Office of Scholar Development (OSD) is hosting “Fellowships in :15” on Tuesday (Feb. 14) to raise campus awareness of nationally competitive scholarships and other opportunities to fund study abroad, research, creative work and professional development.

Cultural Enhancement Series resumes with presentation by Sarah Parcak on Feb. 15: The 2016-2017 WKU Cultural Enhancement Series resumes on Feb. 15 with a lecture by space archaeologist Sarah Parcak at 7:30 p.m. at Van Meter Hall.

Hardin Planetarium to present ‘Curiosity and a Habitable Mars’ Feb. 16-March 30: Curiosity and a Habitable Mars will be presented Feb. 16-March 30 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium.

Cultural Enhancement Series: Black Violin to perform Feb. 21: The 2016-2017 WKU Cultural Enhancement Series will present Black Violin in concert at 7:30 p.m. CST Feb. 21 in Van Meter Hall.

WKU news summary for Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2017

3 Gatton Academy students receive Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition has recognized three Gatton Academy students for their poetry and fiction entries.

WKU Winter Term 2017 reports record numbers: WKU faculty and staff made the most of their time in January, resulting in record numbers for Winter Term 2017. WKU Winter Term reported record high course enrollment, with 2,268 students taking classes during the three-week term between the fall and spring semesters – the most students taking courses since its inception in 2006.

Gifted Education Month to be celebrated in Kentucky: The Kentucky Association for Gifted Education (KAGE) will celebrate Gifted Education Month in Kentucky with a ceremony Wednesday (Feb. 8) at the State Capitol. The ceremony will begin at noon EST in the rotunda of the Capitol in Frankfort.

WKU recognized at United Way awards ceremony: More than 230 southern Kentucky residents joined United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK) for the LIVE UNITED Awards and Annual Meeting on Thursday (Feb. 2) at WKU’s Knicely Conference Center.

View from the Hill – Presidential Search ends with Caboni Hire: Almost a year to the day that WKU President Gary Ransdell told the Board of Regents he planned to retire in 2017, the same board approved hiring his successor. Amy Bingham looks back on the process that led to hiring Dr. Timothy Caboni in this View from the Hill.

WKU statement on White House Executive Order: Officials at WKU have identified 22 students and at least two faculty members who are from the seven countries named in the White House Executive Order banning entry into the United States. We are reaching out to each of them individually and advising that they not travel out of the U.S. while this ban is in place. We are aware of no WKU students or faculty members who are currently overseas or being prevented from re-entering the country.

More members of WKU Forensics Team qualify for national tournaments: WKU’s Forensics Team traveled to Saint Louis, Missouri, and DeKalb, Illinois, to take part in three tournaments the weekend of Jan. 28-29. At St. Louis, WKU’s team of 15 placed third in overall team sweepstakes, which combined individual events and debate. In Illinois, WKU’s team of 12 won the team sweepstakes championship at the MAFL 6 tournament. The three tournaments together qualified several more students for the April national tournaments.

ICYMI: News Around Campus — January 2017 edition: In case you missed it, check out links to some January 2017 news items/social media posts from WKU colleges, departments and programs.

Department of Public Health Sponsors Applied Epidemiology Training: On Jan. 27, The Public Health Undergraduate-Graduate Associated Students sponsored WKU’s first-ever Kentucky Public Health Assistance and Support Team (K-PHAST) training.

WKU Institute of Rural Health Receives 2017 Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation Grant: The Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation selected WKU’s Institute of Rural Health (IRH) to receive a 2017 Delta Dental of Kentucky Foundation grant. The grant will be used to further service IRH clients in the rural communities of central Kentucky.

WKU Assistant Professor Michelle Reece Selected as Co-Chair for Southeastern Health Equity Council: WKU Department of Public Health Assistant Professor Michelle Reece has been selected as the new Co-Chair for the Southeastern Health Equity Council (SHEC).

GFCB Online MBA Program Moves Up 23 Spots in U.S. News: The Gordon Ford College of Business’ Online MBA Program has moved up 23 spots to a ranking of 61 out of 300 eligible Online MBA programs for 2017 by U.S. News and World Report.

Accountants Can Earn Professional Education Credits: Accountants in Kentucky and Tennessee can earn up to eight hours of Continuing Professional Education credits for participating in the WKU CPE Program for Accountants, sponsored by the Gordon Ford College of Business’ Department of Accounting. The daylong CPE program will take place on April 21 in the Augenstein Alumni Center, located on WKU’s campus.

Winter Super Saturday: Week One Photos: Students engaged in a variety of hands-on, minds-on learning during the first week of Winter Super Saturdays.

WKU Week in Photos: Jan. 23-27, 2017: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

WKU eSports team will host live viewing of Feb. 4 match: The WKU eSports team will host a live viewing of its Week 4 match in the University League of Legends (ULoL) regular season on Feb. 4. The match will be a best-of-three against Murray State University and will be held at Nite Class in the Downing Student Union. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. with the match starting at 2 p.m.

WKU news summary for Jan. 23-27, 2017

Dr. Timothy C. Caboni named 10th president at WKU: The WKU Board of Regents selected Dr. Timothy C. Caboni as the University’s 10th president. Dr. Caboni will begin his duties July 1 following the retirement of President Gary A. Ransdell.

Regents approve naming Honors College at WKU for Dixie and Pete Mahurin: The WKU Board of Regents honored Dixie and Pete Mahurin for their legacy of support for gifted education by naming the Honors College for them.

WKU Summer Start program will offer first-year students early credit & tuition savings: A new program at WKU will make students’ first college experience more affordable and less intimidating. It will also prepare students for success. WKU Summer Start is a unique summer introduction to college for first-year students, connecting them to campus life while living in residence halls. Students complete six credit hours and take advantage of tuition savings, as well as get to know other new students and staff through social events and activities.

Professor Wins Top Paper Awards at Conference: Dr. Whitney Peake, Vitale Professor of Entrepreneurship and Assistant Professor of Management in the Gordon Ford College of Business, received two of the top awards during the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Annual Conference held in Philadelphia January 19-22.

10 WKU Graduate Students Participate in Winter Session Study Away at NCAA Convention: The School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport has partnered with the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach’s Study Away office to offer a winter Study Away at the NCAA Convention January 17-20. Led by KRS faculty Dr. Evie Oregon and Dr. Lacee Carmon-Johnson, 10 students were afforded the opportunity to attend educational sessions, network, participate in meetings and discussions with NCAA officials, conference staff, athletic administrators, upcoming professionals, and meet Dr. Mark Emmert, NCAA President.

What’s Happening at WKU

Department of Music’s 22nd annual PRISM Concert Jan. 27: The WKU Department of Music will present its 22nd annual PRISM Concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at Van Meter Hall. More: View from the Hill segment.

WKU news summary for Jan. 16-20, 2017

WKU Board of Regents announces preferred presidential candidate: The WKU Board of Regents has selected Dr. Timothy Caboni, vice chancellor for public affairs at the University of Kansas, as the preferred candidate to be the 10th president of WKU. Dr. Caboni will visit WKU and hold a series of meetings and campus forums Jan. 25 and 26. The Board will consider extending a formal offer to Dr. Caboni at its quarterly meeting on Jan. 27.

‘The Skeleton Revealed’ showcases WKU biology faculty member’s expertise: WKU biology faculty member Steve Huskey isn’t afraid of the skeletons in his closet. In fact, he’s showing off nearly 200 of them in a new book, The Skeleton Revealed.

WKU students honored in Hearst photojournalism, multimedia competitions: Students from WKU’s School of Journalism and Broadcasting won the first multimedia and photojournalism competitions of the 2016-2017 Hearst Journalism Awards Program.

McFarland serving on APA Task Force on Human Rights: Sam McFarland has taught human rights for more than 20 years and has a longer history as a human rights activist. Now the WKU Psychology Professor Emeritus is part of a task force that could help one of the largest professional psychological organizations in the U.S. better understand and support human rights.

WKU Forensics Team places 2nd at tournaments in Illinois: Members of the WKU Forensics Team traveled to Peoria, Illinois, to compete in two tournaments co-hosted by Bradley University and the University of Texas at Austin the weekend of Jan. 14-15.

View from the Hill – WKU Online programs ranked among best in nation: For the third year in a row, WKU’s online degree programs were ranked in the top five in the country by U.S. News and World Report. There are plenty of reasons why as Amy Bingham tells us in this View from the Hill.

WKU new home for ‘Soundings,’ journal affiliated with SVHE: WKU has been selected as the new home for the editorial operation of century-old journal affiliated with the Society for Values in Higher Education.

WKU history professor Hardin receives Humanitarian Award: John Hardin, professor of History at WKU, has been honored with the Humanitarian Award from the Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee.

Generous Gift Received for Bingocize®; a Preventative Health Promotion Program for Older Adults: Bingocize®, a successful, preventative health promotion program designed by Dr. Jason Crandall, Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport (KRS) in WKU’s College of Health and Human Services, recently received a $1,000 gift from Diane Amos. Amos, Post-Award Specialist in the Office of Sponsored Programs at WKU, donated the funds to the KRS Foundation as a supportive effort to create a Bingocize® program at the Barren River Adult Daycare Center, where her mother, Lou Ann Russell, formerly attended.

Spring 2017 Parking and Transportation: Check out a list of updates for WKU parking and transit operations for the spring semester.

What’s Happening at WKU

Department of Music’s 22nd annual PRISM Concert Jan. 27: The WKU Department of Music will present its 22nd annual PRISM Concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at Van Meter Hall.

WKU news summary for Dec. 12, 2016-Jan. 13, 2017

WKU professor receives China’s top science award: A WKU professor has received China’s top award for foreign scientists for his two decades of research on water resources in the karst systems of southwest China. University Distinguished Professor of Hydrogeology Chris Groves was one of six recipients of China’s 2016 International Science and Technology Cooperation Award, the top honor for foreign scientists working in China. The awards were presented by President Xi along with other leaders on Monday (Jan. 9) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

U.S. News & World Report ranks WKU online programs among best in nation: In its annual ranking of the best online degree programs, U.S. News & World Report has named WKU among the top schools nationwide in five areas for 2017.

WKU Passport Services Office honored by State Department: WKU’s Passport Services Office is being recognized by the U.S. Department of State for providing outstanding service.

View from the Hill – Registrar named to National Board: Registrar Tiffany Robinson has been at WKU less than three years and has been named to a position on a national board. She will serve as Vice President of Access and Equity for American Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and is one of two people who will be receiving the group’s Emerging Leader Award at its annual meeting in April. Amy Bingham talks with Tiffany Robinson in this View from the Hill.

WKU GIS group attends URISA Cumberland Chapter meeting: WKU students, faculty and alumni attended a Kentucky and Tennessee statewide geographic information systems (GIS) meeting Jan. 8-9 to share ideas and discuss challenges and practices of GIS.

Crawford Hydrology Lab research presented at U.N. water conference in Africa: Crawford Hydrology Lab Director Chris Groves and WKU graduate student Autumn Turner attended the International Conference on African Large River Basin Hydrology in Senegal.

View from the Hill – Presidential Search Update: The new year will mean a new president for WKU. Amy Bingham has an update on the Presidential Search in this View from the Hill.

WKU SBDC consultants recognized at conference: WKU Small Business Development Center Director Miller Slaughter and management consultant Nathan Lee received the 2016 Kentucky Small Business Development Center’s Spirit Award. This award recognizes the center that demonstrated the SBDC spirit of service and accomplishment during the year.

View from the Hill – Admissions Tour Bus Driver: For the past eight years, WKU’s admissions tour bus driver has added his own brand of humor and Hilltopper devotion to prospective students. Amy Bingham takes us along for the ride in this View from the Hill.

Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council announce 2017 officers: WKU’s Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council have announced their officers for 2017.

Cumberland Trace students awarded Rzepka scholarships: The recipients of the Cumberland Trace Incentive-Matt Rzepka Memorial Scholarship Fund were announced Dec. 12 during the morning assembly at Cumberland Trace Elementary School. This year’s recipients are Carson Morgan, Mallory Renshaw, Blair Nix, Finley Johnson, Emma Ahmed, Callie Akin and Emma Baker. Each student will receive $2,000 toward his or her college education.

WKU confers degrees to 1,372 during 180th Commencement: WKU conferred degrees and certificates to more than 1,370 graduates Saturday at its 180th Commencement. More: Commencement photos

WKU student awarded Freeman-ASIA scholarship: WKU student Dominique Wood of Nashville, Tennessee, will study abroad next spring through support from the Freeman Awards for Study in Asia scholarship program.

3 WKU students receive undergraduate library research awards: WKU undergraduate students Elizabeth Hurm, Susannah Roy and Mahdi Alawami were honored in their University Experience classes for winning undergraduate research awards. WKU Libraries and WKU University Experience faculty offer the awards in an effort to recognize the important role of good undergraduate research in college academic success.

WKU Library Student Assistant Scholarship presented: WKU sophomore Alexa Anderson of Bowling Green has been selected as the Fall 2016 recipient of the WKU Library Student Assistant Scholarship. Anderson, a family studies major, works as a library security patroller for WKU Libraries.

Bowling Green High School Students Win Public Health Video Contest: As part of an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance, the Masters of Public Health (MPH) capstone students from WKU’s Department of Public Health challenged local high school students to develop a video public service announcement to spread the message. The winners of the video contest were a group of creative students from Bowling Green High School.

WKU Week in Photos: Dec. 5-9, 2016: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

Department of Music’s 22nd annual PRISM Concert Jan. 27: The WKU Department of Music will present its 22nd annual PRISM Concert at 8 p.m. Jan. 27 at Van Meter Hall.

WKU news summary for Dec. 5-9, 2016

2 WKU students awarded Gilman Scholarships: Two WKU students will study abroad next spring on Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. Dominique Wood of Nashville, Tennessee, and Deven Richardson of Bowling Green were awarded scholarships of up to $5,000 to take their studies overseas.

3 WKU students awarded Foreign Service Internships: Three WKU students will begin working in the U.S. Department of State next summer. Margaret Sullivan of Louisville, Noah Stevens of Elizabethtown and Erick Murrer of Nancy were awarded prestigious U.S. Foreign Service Internships, funded by the U.S. Department of State.

Small Business Accelerator, Kentucky Innovation Network launch ‘Focus on Innovation’: The WKU Small Business Accelerator collaborated with the Central Region Office of the Kentucky Innovation Network to host its first Focus on Innovation small group discussion on Tuesday (Dec. 6) at the WKU Center for Research and Development.

WKU Forensics Team finishes semester with win at Ohio State: Eight WKU Forensics Team members traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to take part in a tournament hosted by the Ohio State University Dec. 2-3. WKU won the team sweepstakes, defeating such schools as Ball State University, Florida State University and the University of Akron. In all, the crew of eight took away seven of the tournament’s 11 individual event championships.

NSF awards grant for biology professor’s research project: The National Science Foundation has awarded WKU Biology Professor Shivendra Sahi a grant to fund his research project titled, “Functional characterization of gold responsive genes and development of plant based system for efficient synthesis of gold nano-particles.”

Students from WKU Arabic Program to represent U.S. in international debate event: Four students from the WKU Arabic Program will represent the United States at an international debate competition next spring in Qatar.

WKU establishes varsity eSports program: WKU has launched its first eSports team making the public university second in the nation to offer a varsity eSports program.

Ogden Foundation Scholar – Austin Hatfield: WKU will host its 180th commencement this weekend where close to 1,400 degrees will be conferred. Amy Bingham talks to the top graduate in this View from the Hill.

WKU Habitat chapter sending group to North Carolina for winter break trip Dec. 11-17: WKU’s Habitat for Humanity campus chapter will be sending a volunteer group to North Carolina for a winter break trip Dec. 11-17. The WKU group will travel to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to assist the local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate with various projects as part of Habitat’s Collegiate Challenge.

WKU statement regarding Request for Proposals for sports medicine complex: On September 26, 2016, WKU issued a Request for Proposals seeking a medical provider to lease the campus health clinic, provide orthopedic services for student athletes and construct a Sports Medicine Complex on the WKU campus, with a deadline of November 15 for submission of proposals. The University has determined that no proposal met all of the requirements of the RFP. Therefore, WKU is unable to award a contract and is officially closing the current RFP process.

Honors College, WBKO recognize 2016-2017 Scholar of the Week recipients: The Honors College at WKU and WBKO-TV hosted a reception on Dec. 6 to honor the 2016-2017 Scholar of the Week recipients.

WKU Week in Photos: Nov. 28-Dec. 2, 2016: Check out the latest installment of WKU Week in Photos by Clinton Lewis and Bryan Lemon of WKU Public Affairs.

What’s Happening at WKU

Hardin Planetarium to present winter show Dec. 1-29: Celebrations for a Long Winter’s Night will be presented Dec. 1-29 at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium.

WKU to confer degrees to 1,372 during Fall 2016 Commencement ceremonies on Dec. 10: WKU will confer degrees to 1,372 graduates during its Fall 2016 Commencement on Dec. 10 at Diddle Arena. In morning and afternoon ceremonies of its 180th Commencement, WKU will award 75 associate, 925 bachelor’s, 307 master’s, 13 doctoral and three specialist degrees and 19 undergraduate certificates and 30 graduate certificates.

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WKU news summary for Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2017

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WKU news summary for Dec. 12, 2016-Jan. 13, 2017

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WKU Week in Review: 2017

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WKU news summary for Aug. 21-25, 2017

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WKU news summary for July 3-7, 2017

WKU news summary for June 5-9, 2017

WKU news summary for May 29-June 2, 2017

WKU news summary for May 22-26, 2017

WKU news summary for May 15-19, 2017

WKU news summary for May 8-12, 2017

WKU news summary for May 1-5, 2017

WKU news summary for April 24-28, 2017

WKU news summary for April 17-21, 2017

WKU news summary for April 10-14, 2017

WKU news summary for April 3-7, 2017

WKU news summary for March 20-24, 2017

WKU news summary for March 13-17, 2017

WKU news summary for March 6-10, 2017

WKU news summary for Feb. 27-March 3, 2017

WKU news summary for Feb. 20-24, 2017

WKU news summary for Feb. 13-17, 2017

WKU news summary for Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2017

WKU news summary for Jan. 23-27, 2017

WKU news summary for Jan. 16-20, 2017

WKU news summary for Dec. 12, 2016-Jan. 13, 2017

WKU news summary for Dec. 5-9, 2016

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