WKU 2023 President's Report

CLIMBING TO GREATER HEIGHTS

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The year ahead promises even more accomplishments as we work to advance our students, our university and our region.

—

President Timothy C. Caboni “

FROM THE PRESIDENT

At WKU, we have one job – to ensure every Hilltopper we enroll succeeds and ultimately graduates.

Last year, we achieved extraordinary successes across our university, each of which supports our students and the ambitious goals set forth in our strategic plan, Climbing to Greater Heights:

• We celebrated the first increase in overall degree-seeking enrollment in 13 years and the highest first-to-second year student retention in recorded university history.

• We engaged nearly one third of our entering class in a Living Learning Community.

• We reached more than 500 first-generation students through targeted programming, including the new First Gen Alumni Advocates program.

• We launched the Early College at WKU in Glasgow program to bring the WKU experience to even more high school students near our regional campuses.

• We continued our push to expand hands-on, applied learning opportunities and research, including remarkable growth at our Innovation Campus.

• We broke ground on our new Gordon Ford College of Business building, Hilltopper Fieldhouse and Press Box; cut the ribbon on our Softball/Soccer Complex; and continued work on our Hilltop Restoration Project.

The year ahead promises even more accomplishments as we work to advance our students, our university and our region. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to WKU and for partnering with us to transform lives.

Go Tops!

President Timothy C. Caboni

STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL:

PREPARATION FOR THE GLOBAL STAGEPREPARE STUDENTS FOR CAREER AND LIFE IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT

VIVIAN RIVERA—SENIOR

2023 BARRY M. GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

SCHOLARS-&-SCHOLARSHIPS

WKU OFFICE OF SCHOLAR DEVELOPMENT CHAMPIONS STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

From first drafts to final submissions with multiple revisions in between, WKU’s Office of Scholar Development helps make scholars’ dreams a reality. The office provides valuable mentorship to students interested in applying for nationally competitive scholarships. These scholarships often provide for academic extras beyond what is covered by tuition, such as funding for study abroad, research, professional experiences and more.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship are two of the many prestigious awards WKU students received in 2023.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

WKU senior Vivian Rivera was awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship during the 2023 application cycle. One of only three students studying at Kentucky institutions to be named a 2023 Goldwater Scholar, Rivera is WKU’s first Goldwater Scholar since 2019. A Mahurin Honors College scholar earning a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry, Rivera plans to earn a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing in Natural Products at the Ohio State University through a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1986 to recognize former Senator

Barry M. Goldwater from Arizona, the Goldwater Scholarship program identifies and honors university sophomores and juniors who excel in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) research. To support future career researchers, winners receive $7,500 annually to apply toward undergraduate tuition, room and board fees and books.

Goldwater’s recognition of Rivera’s potential in STEM research is a testament to her academic focus. “Vivian has diligently pursued and deepened her interest in plant science and ethnobotany at every turn,” said Dr. David Brown, Dean of the WKU Ogden College of Science & Engineering. “She has taken opportunities made possible by the Ogden College of Science & Engineering and the Mahurin Honors College at WKU to develop expertise that will benefit the world beyond our campus.”

Rivera conducts research with Senior Instructor Nilesh Sharma and Assistant Professor Joseph Marquardt from the Department of Biology. She earned both a Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement Grant and an Honors Development Grant to support her undergraduate thesis.

She completed a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates at Missouri Botanical Gardens, where she worked with Dr. Robbie Hart,

SCHOLARS -&- SCHOLARSHIPS

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Director of the William L. Brown Center. Rivera also studied abroad in Ecuador for a semester through a WKU Global exchange program, which put her in proximity to the Amazon Rainforest.

“When I was a freshman, I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish while in college, but I hadn’t considered Goldwater as an opportunity,” Rivera said. “I am thankful the Office of Scholar Development encouraged me to apply. It helped me develop my story and realize how different aspects of my experience link together. Goldwater and the process of applying helped me achieve those goals I set years ago.”

Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship

WKU graduate Ralphy Gardner was named a 2023 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellow. He is one of 45 fellows selected nationwide and only the third WKU student to earn this honor.

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship supports extraordinary individuals

who want to help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy through a career in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. Gardner will receive up to $84,000 for a twoyear master’s degree, two paid internships in the U.S. Congress and a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, and opportunities for mentoring and professional development.

Through a master’s degree in Security Policy focused in Transnational Security at George Washington University, Gardner focuses on international threats, human trafficking and terrorism.

“I hope to use the skills and theories I’ve studied in psychology and criminology, along with my language skills, to help the U.S. and other nations solve crimes and improve global security,” Gardner said.

At WKU, Gardner studied criminology, forensic psychology and Arabic. He discovered an interest in the Middle East and North Africa region. In 2021, he earned a Benjamin A. Gilman

Scholarship to study Standard Arabic and Darija in Morocco through WKU Global.

While in Morocco, Gardner lived with a host family, and he credits this experience with broadening his perspective on diplomacy in the Arabic-speaking world. “It’s important to have first-hand experience in another culture to understand complicated issues from other people’s perspectives, and my study abroad in Morocco gave me that understanding,” Gardner said.

In addition to his Arabic language study, Gardner’s involvement with the Psychology, Law, Emotions and Attitudes (PLEA) Lab has prepared him for a career in the Foreign Service.

“Researching in the PLEA Lab showed me the importance of numerical data when trying to understand human behavior,” Gardner said. “Now, I will be able to expand that knowledge and understanding to a global level through the Foreign Service.”

RALPHY GARDNER

2023 CHARLES B. RANGEL

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE FELLOW

Impact Grant paves way for WKU’s first Catalyst Cohort

The Office of Scholar Development was awarded a $20,208 Impact Grant from the WKU Sisterhood to help create the Catalyst Cohort in the Mahurin Honors College. The Catalyst Cohort will support Pell Grant-eligible, firstgeneration and/or underrepresented minority scholars toward high-impact academic experiences through study abroad and research in the Mahurin Honors College.

Participants will earn credit toward the Honors College curriculum through mentored processes to identify interests, chart pathways to relevant research and evaluate study abroad options.

The initiative is aimed at helping the college identify scholars early in their careers to launch pathways leading to national scholarships and scholarly activities. The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. The office welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in nationally competitive scholarships.

WKU students and recent alumni have earned millions of dollars in national scholarships since OSD was founded in 2008. National scholarships help students to study abroad, conduct research and complete undergraduate and graduate degrees.

FIRST GEN

FACULTY AND STAFF COLLABORATE FOR FIRST GEN SUCCESS

STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL:

COMPLETION & SUCCESS -

ENSURE WKU STUDENT

COMPLETION AND SUCCESS

WKU’s First Gen Initiative, launched in 2021, emphasizes self-advocacy, socialization and professional development to ensure students’ successful transition to college life. The program is especially important at WKU since 31% of its students are first-generation college students.

Aspects of the initiative include Make it Count programming and events to connect students with faculty and staff, First Gen student ambassadors, a Living Learning Community, a First Gen Parent and Family session, a First Gen Summer Camp and a First Gen Advocates Network.

Partnerships include the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, TRIO, Intercultural Student Engagement Center, Housing and Residence Life, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences’ Student Success Center, Gordon Ford College of Business, Student Financial Assistance, Advising & Career Development Center and WKU Alumni Association. The strong, cross-campus partnerships have contributed to extraordinary success.

More than 140 faculty, staff and alumni joined the First Gen Advocates Network and committed to fostering community and enhancing the success of first-generation Hilltoppers. Some members of the advocate network take part in the Professional Learning Community to better understand the unique challenges and strengths of first-generation students and craft strategies to enhance their academic journey. Everyone participating in the network can engage in programming and events, and their contact information is available for them to serve as resources for students.

With a strong number of faculty, staff and alumni involved, multiple events take place for students and families to learn from each other and make connections. Notable events coordinated include the First Gen Welcome Dinner, National First Gen Day Celebration and First Gen Alumni-in-Residence Day. The First Gen Welcome Dinner took place during the annual M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan week for firstyear students, and the Alumni-in-Residence program, taking place on First Gen Day, facilitated valuable interactions between students and accomplished alumni.

The Make It Count series, coupled with partnerships formed with the First Gen Leadership Team and campus partners, offer enriching academic engagement opportunities with students.

Each aspect of the First Gen Initiative is set to expand in 2024 to further benefit students. Learn more about the progress of those activities at wku.edu/firstgen.

31% OF WKU STUDENTS ARE FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS

FIELDHOUSE GROUNDBREAKING

NEW FACILITY CREATES SPACE FOR SPORTS, ESPORTS, BAND AND FORENSICS

WKU celebrated a rich history of student success and looked to the future during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Hilltopper Fieldhouse on Nov. 10, 2023.

“This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub of innovation and collaboration, uniting four diverse and dynamic aspects of our campus life – athletics, forensics, Esports and the Big Red Marching Band. It will be a place in which dreams are realized, skills are honed and competitive passions are ignited,” President Timothy C. Caboni said.

The 120,000-square-foot facility between Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium and Nick Denes Field will be the home of WKU Forensics, WKU Esports and the Big Red Marching Band and will provide practice and training space for those programs and Hilltopper Athletics.

WKU Forensics, the nation’s most dominant collegiate speech and debate organization, has had many homes on the Hill, but the

Hilltopper Fieldhouse will provide the team with modern classroom, practice, office and competition space. “It truly will be a place where greatness happens,” Director of Forensics Ganer Newman said.

WKU Esports Advisor Patricia Todd said the growth and success of WKU’s Overwatch, League of Legends, Valorant and Rocket League teams will continue in the Hilltopper Fieldhouse. Esports provides students with more than gaming, she said, noting that students learn management, teamwork and community-building skills, as well as employment skills in management, marketing, accounting and game design.

For the Big Red Marching Band, the Hilltopper Fieldhouse’s indoor football field will provide muchneeded space for rehearsals, especially during rain, snow, storms or summer heat. “This new facility will enhance the experience of the current students in the BRMB and will help as we work to recruit future members,” said Dr. Matthew McCurry, Director of Athletic Bands.

The 87,000-square-foot indoor training facility also will be used by WKU Football, other athletic programs, Intramurals and the campus community. In addition, the Hilltopper Fieldhouse will include a new baseball clubhouse and hitting facility.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2025.

“

This new facility will enhance the experience of the current students in the BRMB and will help as we work to recruit future members.

— Dr. Matthew McCurry — Director of Athletic Bands

NASA-FUNDED SUN SKETCHER APP

NASA-FUNDED SUNSKETCHER APP SET TO CAPTURE ECLIPSE IMAGES

STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL: RESEARCH & CREATIVE ACTIVITIES INCENTIVIZE AND SUPPORT RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE STUDENT LEARNING, EXPAND UNIVERSITY OUTREACH & SERVICE AND BOLSTER THE REGIONAL ECONOMY

WKU faculty and student researchers spent much of 2023 preparing for their day in the sun by developing SunSketcher, a smartphone app, to capture images during the total solar eclipse that occured on April 8, 2024.

The NASA-funded citizen science project allowed volunteers in 12 states along the path of totality to record eclipse images of Baily’s Beads (bright points of sunlight that briefly appear as light penetrates the lunar valleys around the edge of the moon) and transmit those images to WKU for analysis to measure the size and shape of the sun.

The path of totality from Texas to Maine included Paducah, Ky., and Evansville, Ind., as well as Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland.

“Our goal is millions of people using the app,” said Andrea Florence, a Computer Science major from Hodgenville, who is among about 13 WKU students involved with various aspects of the project, including writing app code, managing data transfer and storage, image processing, website development and public relations.

Physics & Astronomy Professor Gordon Emslie is the project’s lead investigator with Professors Greg Arbuckle and Michael

Galloway from the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences and Professors Leah Moss and Mark Simpson from the Department of Art & Design. Dr. Hugh Hudson from the University of Glasgow in Scotland is Science Advisor to the project.

During an annular eclipse on October 14, 2023, the SunSketcher team traveled to Odessa, Texas, and worked with about 70 community members and students from The University of Texas Permian Basin to test the app.

“Scientifically speaking, we learned a lot,” said Computer Science and English major Starr May, who stayed in Bowling Green to collect data from the October test.

“We only get one chance at what we’re doing. We can’t re-create an eclipse at will.”

Using results from the October test, the WKU team worked to refine and improve the app for iOS and Android devices. “Our goal was to make the app as simple to use as possible,” said Graphic Design and UX Design major Tabby Cline of Glasgow.

CLIMBING TO

GREATER HEIGHTS

WHITE SQUIRREL WEATHER NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

White Squirrel Weather at WKU earned the 2023 National Weather Association Walter J. Bennett Public Service Award. This is the third national-level award for weatherrelated programs and initiatives of the Meteorology Program at WKU.

INNOVATIVE APPLIED LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS

Announced in April 2023, WKU’s Imagewest joined a three-year partnership with Doe-Anderson, a Louisville-based independent creative agency. This innovative program brings WKU students together with experienced Doe-Anderson colleagues for mentorship and experiential learning.

SOCCER/SOFTBALL COMPLEX DEDICATION

In September 2023, WKU Athletics held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Soccer/Softball Complex. The complex will serve as home to both the soccer and softball programs, with dedicated locker rooms, offices, training turf with batting cages, athletic training and nutrition space and a team room/ classroom.

COLLEGE HEIGHTS FOUNDATION CENTENNIAL

In July 2023, the College Heights Foundation at Western Kentucky University hosted a Centennial Celebration in recognition of its 100th anniversary. CHF remains steadfast to its original purpose of providing students with access and opportunity to a college degree.

NEW KENTUCKY MESONET STATION

In June 2023, the Kentucky Mesonet hosted a ribbon cutting for its 78th station, located in Russell County. Each station in the network provides real-time weather data for emergency management and agricultural usage, with a goal of establishing at least one station in all 120 counties across the Commonwealth.

NEW GORDON FORD COLLEGE OF BUSINESS BUILDING GROUNDBREAKING

In June 2023, WKU broke ground on a new state-of-the-art building to house the Gordon Ford College of Business. The facility will feature a modern, flexible, open-space interior that supports active learning, academic innovation, curriculum enhancement and a strong community.

WKU YMLA HONORS

The WKU Young Male Leadership Academy (YMLA) earned multiple awards at the Educators Rising National Conference. Additionally, Program Coordinator Julia Rivas won the Educators Rising Champion Award - Teacher Leader Division.

FIRST SCHOLARS NETWORK RECOGNITION

WKU joined the First Scholars Network for 2023-24 as one of 76 new members recognized by the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation.

WKU CONCRETE CANOE TEAM

WKU’s chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) placed fifth overall in the 36th annual ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition, continuing a tradition of national competition appearances.

JOURNALISM AND PHOTOJOURNALISM AWARDS

WKU’s School of Media and Communication continued its tradition of success in the Hearst Journalism Awards Program with a third-place finish in the 2022-2023 Overall Intercollegiate Competition and a first-place finish in the Hearst Intercollegiate Photojournalism Competition for the seventh straight year.

Additionally, Cherry Creative and Student Publications Advertising received multiple awards in the 2023 College Media Business & Advertising Managers annual contest. WKU Student Publications earned two more national Pacemaker Awards from Associated Collegiate Press for 2023 and finished as finalists in three additional areas.

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CLIMBING TO GREATER HEIGHTS

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ANNUAL RECOGNITIONS FOR GFCB HONORARY SOCIETIES

WKU’s Zeta Theta chapter of Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity earned eight awards at its annual conference, including the Nelson Mitchell Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award.

WKU’s Eta Omicron chapter of Beta Alpha Psi International Honor Society earned Gold Chapter status at its annual conference. Chapter President Alyssa Gorman was also awarded the AICPA Medal of Inspiration.

EARLY COLLEGE AT WKU IN GLASGOW

More than 70 students from seven partner high schools began the Early College program in August, allowing them to participate in one of five Professional Career Tracks and earn 30 hours of college credit during their junior and senior years by taking courses alongside university students at WKU in Glasgow.

FORENSICS & DEBATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The WKU Forensics Team won the National Forensic Association Championship in April 2023, and the WKU Debate Team won the American Debate Association Championship – Junior Varsity Division in November 2023.

ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The varsity WKU League of Legends team won the fall division championship in the Riot Games’ College League of Legends tournament, and the varsity WKU Rocket League team won the fall division championship in the NACE Starleague tournament.

BEST FOR VETS

For the 11th consecutive year, WKU earned national recognition as a “Best for Vets” school by Military

Times. WKU is ranked 36th in the nation and fifth in the Appalachia region.

GUIDE TO GREEN COLLEGES

WKU was recognized as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges for the 14th consecutive year, according to The Princeton Review®.

WKU SISTERHOOD GRANTS

The WKU Sisterhood awarded a record $106,511 in grants to fund six university initiatives in 2023: The WKU Digital Concert Hall; WKU Center for Financial Success Micro-Learning Videos and Coaching; The Catalyst Cohort in the Mahurin Honors College; New State Registered Nurse Aide Textbooks/Workbooks; Refuge Bowling Green Service-Learning Music Class; and the WKU Equestrian Team Impact Fund.

TOP RANKED LPN TO ASN ONLINE PROGRAM

WKU’s online programs in the medical field earned top honors for their overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success from EduMed.org.

BIG RED MARCHING BAND TRAVELING TO LONDON, ENGLAND

The WKU Big Red Marching Band received an invitation to perform in the 2025 London New Year’s Day

Parade. This invitation coincides with a landmark year for the WKU Big Red Marching Band as 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the WKU Band program.

KENTUCKY ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AWARDS

12 WKU students ranked among the top scorers for research presentations given at the Kentucky Academy of Science’s 2023 Annual Meeting. Additionally, 17 students from The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at WKU received top honors for their presentations at the annual KAS Student Competition. Of those, six were selected as delegates for the 2024 American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) Conference.

ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE COMPETITION

Members of the WKU community rolled up their sleeves to win the annual WKU vs. MTSU 100 Miles of Hope blood drive for the first time in nearly 10 years.

PROGRAMS -&PARTNERSHIPS

CREATED

TO ADDRESS THE TEACHER SHORTAGE

With about 390 graduates earning initial or advanced certification in 2023, WKU’s School of Teacher Education continues its work to address the state and national teacher shortage.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 45% of public schools reported feeling that they were understaffed going into the 2023-24 school year. They also reported that 79% of public schools reported difficulty in filling teaching positions. WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences continues to do its part to lessen the teacher shortage by preparing qualified teachers.

“Our programs, our freshman recruitment efforts and our partnerships with our schools have really increased the number of students we have in the pipeline,” said Dr. Corinne Murphy, Dean of WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS).

STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL: QUALITY OF LIFE

IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE REGIONALLY AND SUPPORT REGIONAL ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

Those programs and partnership efforts consist of expanding general recruitment through collaborations with college and career readiness counselors, education students serving in substitute teaching roles, Grow Your Own programs for staff and faculty to continue their education to further serve in teaching and administrative roles and promoting alternative routes to certification through master’s degrees.

The CEBS Educator Recruitment Program Manager collaborates with local and regional high school college and career-ready counselors to deliver recruitment presentations to high school students. Traveling to high schools across the state and in nearby states, recruitment staff emphasize the important role of educators.

Students can then visit WKU to participate in campus tours, special preview days and Head for the Hill events for families.

The School of Teacher Education works closely with local and regional partners to refer qualified candidates for teaching and paraprofessional vacancies. Many WKU education students serve as substitute teachers during their student teaching semester.

Director of the Office of Professional Educator Services

Stephanie Martin said, “We have many education majors who are taking courses through a hy-flex model that allows them to serve as emergency substitute teachers and paraprofessionals in our partner school districts throughout their final semesters, even before student teaching.”

Lucas Firkins, an English for Secondary Education major from Edmonton, Ky., has been in his own classroom at Warren Central High School since fall 2023. Teaching English 3 and 4 to juniors and seniors, Firkins helps fill an open position in the school district and is gaining more experience for after graduation.

“I feel this experience has prepared me to be a teacher. There are just so many things that you don’t think of until a situation arises,” Firkins said, giving examples of how he created a system for students to submit their work and for him to organize his documents and records. “I have always wanted to be a teacher, and it has lived up to my expectations! The students I work with are excellent and down-to-earth, while my co-workers are all really kind and helpful. This really has been a golden opportunity for me, and I could not be more grateful.”

WKU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences has developed several programs and partnerships to ease a statewide teacher shortage. The apprenticeship program with Nelson County Schools selected seven students for its first cohort, and Grayson County Schools also started student selection last fall. These students start their college coursework and clinical experiences in high school and receive some college credit through a series of competencies.

With the apprenticeship, students can take college courses online at WKU while assisting in a school within their district, staying on track to teach in the

school after college graduation. The apprenticeship program is one part of the Grow Your Own program at WKU. In addition to identifying high school seniors, WKU is working with school districts on Grow Your Own programs to identify classified employees who are interested in teaching careers. Martin said, “We currently have approximately 15 Grow Your Own partnerships with districts across our region with 260 students actively working toward licensure in both the teaching field and administrative positions.”

With Grow Your Own, school partners are investing in their current teachers and paraprofessional staff members to become licensed teachers. Instructional assistants, bus drivers, and many more can complete their degrees at WKU while keeping their jobs and benefits. In addition, some high school students enrolled in the Teaching and Learning Pathway are sponsored by partnering districts to attend WKU. These teacher candidates will then return to their districts to teach.

CEBS is a sponsor of the community-based Gamechangers Initiative, with Warren County Public Schools and Bowling Green Independent School staff seeking a Kentucky teaching licensure as targeted participants. Staff from diverse backgrounds receive priority to become a Gamechanger candidate.

Lastly, enrollment in WKU’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program continues to grow and provides an alternate route to certification.

INNOVATION CAMPUS

INNOVATION CAMPUS FORGES BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS AND BUILDS STUDENT EXPERIENCES

STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL: QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE REGIONALLY AND SUPPORT REGIONAL ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

With state-of-the-art labs and equipment, collaborative workspaces and access to expert faculty and resources, the WKU Innovation Campus continues to forge partnerships with companies and organizations, providing WKU students with hands-on experience and career opportunities while helping businesses stay competitive in developing new technologies and solutions.

Bringing together industry partners, faculty and students to drive innovation and economic development in the region, the WKU Innovation Campus creates an environment where companies can engage meaningfully with researchers, students, start-ups and funders to tackle challenges that grow the strengths and diversity of our nation’s business community.

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ATION

INNOVATION CAMPUS

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The Innovation Campus welcomed several new companies in 2023, including Coleus Academy, Community Venues, Ellcie USA, Fan Stand, Gott Enterprise, Kerrick Bachert, Lunae Innovation Lab, MyXR, Oria Health, The DeCesare Group, Uniqat Brands and OI-Glass.

Innovation Campus members hosted several conferences in 2023:

• Metals Innovation Initiative held its ‘Factory of the Future’ conference in Louisville in September, which brought together industry leaders and experts to learn about the latest

trends and advancements in manufacturing.

• AccelerateKY and the University of Southern California Civic Imagination Project held their ‘Civic Imagination and Worldbuilding’ conference at the Innovation Campus in September, which brought together storytellers and innovators from around the globe interested in using storytelling to imagine the future of places, challenges and communities and to use those stories of the future to find opportunities and solutions.

• Central Region Ecosystem for Arts, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (CREATE),

the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and KY Innovation held their third annual Summit of the South at the Innovation Campus in November, which brought together entrepreneurs and connected them with a range of resources from around Kentucky.

The Innovation Campus also awarded its first Buckman Prize during the Summit of the South. Nessa Unseld, a WKU senior, Mahurin Honors College student and graduate of The Gatton Academy, received the inaugural prize for her exceptional dedication and innovation through the creation of Coleus

Academy, an online e-learning platform which aims to bridge the gaps left by the de-emphasis and, at times, outright omission of practical skill-centric education in American curriculums.

Named for Dr. Bill Buckman, a former physics professor and entrepreneur at WKU’s Innovation Campus, the Buckman Prize was designed to celebrate and support the entrepreneurial endeavors of WKU students.

Unseld received a comprehensive package aimed at supporting her entrepreneurial journey, including a workspace at the Innovation Campus headquarters, startup

fees and access to business and technical advisers. The prize will create a path for honorees to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality. “The prize means everything to me.

Just having access to such smart and dedicated people has been, in and of itself, an incredible accelerant for Coleus. I always said I never pictured myself as an entrepreneur.

“I wanted to solve a problem, but I knew next to nothing about business. But now here I am, and I’m more confident in this endeavor than I’ve ever been. “Very quickly, I was able to sit

down with an advisor and discuss a path to sustainability. Be it recurring revenue or strategic partnerships, there are a number of avenues that had been raised to me before but that I wasn’t in a position to fully grasp or act on.

“Thanks to this experience, I’m now confident that we can make Coleus a self-sustaining venture in the near term without compromising on providing free educational content to the public. Fingers crossed: I’d like to see Coleus in a handful of Kentucky schools this upcoming school year,” Unseld said.

WKU ATHLETICS

STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL: ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE

SUPPORT ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE AND THE SUCCESS OF WKU STUDENT-ATHLETES

FOOTBALL

WKU Football overcame a 28-point deficit to defeat Old Dominion, 38-35, in the 2023 Famous Toastery Bowl. The bowl victory was the fourth-largest comeback in bowl history.

WKU is one of seven programs nationally to win a bowl game in three straight seasons and one of 16 to have played in a bowl game in each of the last five seasons. The Hilltoppers finished the season 8-5, generating $34.29 million in media exposure for the university during the 2023 campaign.

VOLLEYBALL

WKU Volleyball went 30-5 overall, its sixth 30-win season in program history and 24th consecutive season with 20-or-more victories. The Hilltoppers own the nation’s longest streak for 20+ win seasons. WKU finished the season ranked No. 22 in the AVCA Top 25 poll and defeated Coastal Carolina in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Hilltoppers are one of just 12 teams nationally to have won a match in the NCAA Tournament and finished the season ranked in the final Top 25 poll in five consecutive seasons.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

WKU finished the regular season in third place in the Conference USA (CUSA) standings with a 4-2-2 record in league play. Senior Annah Hopkins earned the CUSA Spirit of Service award and was honored as WKU’s Ogden Foundation Scholar in December. Six Hilltoppers earned Academic All-District honors from College Sports Communicators.

CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD

Katie Isenbarger swept the CUSA high jump with victories at both the indoor and outdoor championships. She set a school record indoors, clearing a height of 1.85m, to qualify for 2023 NCAA Indoor Championships where she finished 12th – cementing All-American

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WKU ATHLETICS

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status for the second straight season. In addition to Isenbarger qualifying for NCAA Regionals outdoors, hammer thrower Ajla Basic qualified as well. WKU retired the jersey of National Champion shot putter Jesse Stuart on April 1, 2023, at the Hilltopper Relays.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Steve Lutz joined WKU Basketball as the new head coach on March 18, 2023. Dwight Smith’s jersey was retired on February 4, 2023, becoming the 11th Hilltopper Basketball player with his jersey retired. Men’s basketball finished non-conference play in December with an 11-3 mark, the best 14-game start for the Hilltoppers since 2001-02.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Women’s Basketball set WKU school records for the most three-pointers made in a season (289) and most steals in a season (389). The team qualified for the WNIT after finishing second in both

the CUSA regular season and runner-up at the CUSA Tournament in Frisco, Texas.

BASEBALL

In head coach Marc Rardin’s first season on The Hill, the Tops won 33 games in route to a 33-26 record and appearance in the CUSA Tournament semifinals. The 33-win campaign was the Hilltoppers’ best season in 14 years and marked its first 30-win season since 2011. Sixteen of WKU’s 33 victories were comeback triumphs during the 2023 campaign.

SOFTBALL

Despite battling injuries throughout the season, softball still won 30 games under head coach Amy Tudor. Faith Hegh set the school record for most doubles in a season with 19.

TENNIS

WKU went 15-11 for its third winningest season in program history. Over the last two springs, the Tops have combined for 33 victories, marking the second and third best seasons in program history over the last two years.

Samantha Martinez set a record for doubles wins in a career with her 41st victory last spring. Rachel Hermanova entered the spring 2024 campaign with 37 singles wins, just eight shy of a new program record.

MEN’S GOLF

WKU alum Austin King was hired as the Hilltoppers’ new coach on May 12, 2023. In King’s first fall leading the Hilltoppers, WKU claimed its first team victory since 2016, when King was in the lineup as a player for the Tops.

WOMEN’S GOLF

Sophomore Catie Craig became WKU’s first-ever conference champion, becoming just the second woman in program history to earn multiple victories in a single season. Craig went on to tie for 31st at NCAA Regionals and was named CUSA Most Improved Golfer of the Year.

WKU CHEER

WKU Cheer brought home the program’s third national championship in three years in January, claiming the title in the D1A All-Girl Division of the UCA Collegiate National Championship.

ONWARD, UPWARD WE CLIMB

TO VIEW ALL OF OUR PROGRESS TOWARD THE GOALS OF CLIMBING TO GREATER HEIGHTS, VISIT WKU.EDU/STRATEGICPLAN.

FINANCIAL AID COUNSELING

2027-28 Strategic Goal: Counsel at least 90% of students with outstanding financial aid needs prior to enrollment.

2016-17

2022-23

OVERALL FIRST-TO-SECOND YEAR RETENTION RATES

2027-28 Strategic Goal: Increase the first-tosecond year retention of first-time, full-time baccalaureate degree-seeking students.

69.9% 78 %

2016-17

2022-23

FALL TO SPRING PERSISTENCE

Strategic Plan Goal: Ensure WKU student completion and success.

FALL 2017 to SPRING 2018

FALL 2023 to SPRING 2024

CAMPUS PRIDE INDEX RANKING

2027-28 Strategic Goal: Improve WKU’s rating on Campus Pride Index to 5 stars. 2016-17 2018-19 2022-23

UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY RETENTION RATES

2027-28 Strategic Goal: Enact and practice all aspects of WKU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plans to support students.

2016-17 2022-23

UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

2027-28 Strategic Goal: Enact and practice all aspects of WKU’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plans to support students.

Increase of 83 degrees between 2016-17 and 2022-23