Please read today's newsletter for a wide variety of coverage, including a story on WKU's growing subsidy of athletics, new academic programs, a contract extension for Coach Helton, anti-Trump protests, and much more. PICK UP A COPY OF OUR PRINT TODAY, and as always, GO TOPS!
Jake McMahon | Sports Editor
WKU subsidized $28.1 million into athletics in fiscal year 2023-24, an increase of $2 8 million from the previous year ’ s mark of $25 3 million, according to an accountant’s report required by the NCAA The subsidy made up 62% of athletics’ $45 1 million operating revenue generated by the program and its 16 sports teams, according to the report presented to the Board of Regents on Friday.
Read more by Jake McMahon
Board of Regents approve new academic programs, contract extension for Helton
Price Wilborn | Editor-in-Chief
The WKU Board of Regents approved three new academic programs, the university’s NCAA compliance report and philanthropic namings across campus at its committee and quarterly meetings today
The Board approved the creation of a Bachelor of Science in User Experience, which will be offered through a partnership between the university’s computer science and art and design programs
According to Kristina Arnold, chair of the Department of Art & Design, the major is an expansion of what students, faculty and staff on the Hill are already doing through projects like the SunSketcher app Arnold said the program ’ s would-be faculty and students are already at WKU.
Read more by Price Wilborn
Donna Schulte stands with a small group of protestors during an anti-Trump protest organized by SOKY indivisible outside of republican congressman Brett Guthrie’s office building in Bowling Green, Ky. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. “I feel like the love in America has gone away since Trump and Elon took office,” Schulte said Photo by Von Smith.
Local protest group SOKY Indivisible held a small protest outside of congressman Brett Guthrie’s (R) office on Friday in opposition of executive orders implemented by President Donald Trump and his relationship with billionaire tech CEO Elon Musk Protestors held signs with Guthrie’s phone number encouraging passing cars on Wilkinson Trace to call their local congresspeople.
Guthrie, who is chairman of theHouse Committee on Energy and Commerce, strongly supported Trump through his latest campaign, where he said “The inauguration of President
Donald Trump will help usher in a new era that is dedicated to putting the American people first,” in his statement on Trump’s Inauguration day in January
Read more by Anthony Clauson
IN PRINT: Emotional Support Animals make pawsitive impact for Hilltoppers
Talking, laughing and the occasional early morning fire alarm are sounds found in a WKU residence hall But what about a bark? A meow? Or even a squeak? Animals of all kinds are making their home in residence halls and apartments around campus as students’ emotional support animals (ESA) According to ADA gov, ESAs are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA describes ESAs as animals without specialized training that provide emotional comfort to their caretaker ESAs are brought by their owners and can be kept in dorms if approved by WKU Housing & Residence Life and the Student Accessibility Resource Center.
Western Kentucky Lady Toppers guard Destiny
Salary (1) attempts a layup during the matchup against Jacksonville State University in E.A Diddle Arena on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025. Photo by Ian Pitchford.
SPORTS ROUNDUP
Lady Toppers fall at MTSU, split season series with Blue Raiders
Read more by Austin Rice
WKU Baseball starts season 2-0, final 2 games against Illinois State canceled
Read more by David Quintanilla
Hilltoppers suffer season sweep against rival Blue Raiders
Read more by Nathan Mueller
WKU Softball goes 5-0 at Cardinal Clash
Read more by Adrianna Lein
The Toppers took on the Illinois State Redbirds at Nick Denes Field on Feb. 14, 2025. The Toppers won 4-3. Photo by Jacob Sebastian.
SONG OF THE DAY
'Something in the Orange' by Zach Bryan
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The College Heights Herald is the independent, student-run news organization operating on the campus of Western Kentucky University, emphasizing accuracy and truth while being a public forum for the fair display of diverse opinions and viewpoints The Herald works to be steadfast and unwavering in its pursuit of truth while being true to the tenets of the WKU Student Publications mission to grow exceptional journalists and innovative leaders through real-world experiences and a strong educational and ethical foundation centered on principled journalism. All creative and editorial decisions are made by the Herald’s student leadership, and all consequences of those decisions are the sole responsibility of these student leaders. While editorially and operationally independent from the university, the Herald participates in the mission of WKU to prepare students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society, both within and outside of its newsroom Views expressed are diverse and, as an independent publication, should not be taken as representative of views of WKU and any of its administration, faculty, staff, student body or other constituency.
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