Dear Colleagues,
A point of pride for generations of Hilltoppers, our historic hilltop campus stands among the most picturesque in the nation. Through strategic investments and a bold vision, we continue our work to ensure that it remains not only a place of beauty but also a hub for innovation, collaboration and academic excellence. I am excited to share with you updates on several transformational projects set to shape the future of WKU while enhancing the experience of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.
Hilltopper Fieldhouse
On Tuesday, April 22, we will mark a significant milestone in the construction of the Hilltopper Fieldhouse as we raise the final beam into place. This 122,000-square-foot facility will unite four diverse and dynamic aspects of our campus life - Athletics, Esports, Forensics and our Big Red Marching Band - providing state-of-the-art, technology-rich practice, classroom and competition spaces. I hope you will join me at the Fieldhouse (Avenue of Champions side, across from the Preston Center) at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate this momentous occasion. I also invite you to sign the beam before the ceremony, from 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., and then join me for an open house of the Harbaugh Club and newly-opened press box immediately following the ceremony.
Cherry Hall
Six years ago, we committed to restoring our hilltop’s collaborative, oval academical village, a vision first set forth by our founding president, Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry. We began with the renovation of The Commons at Helm Library, followed by the development of Garrett Plaza. Now, thanks to more than $71 million in asset preservation funding from the Kentucky General Assembly, we turn our attention to campus’s most iconic building, Cherry Hall.
Originally opened in 1937, Cherry Hall has stood as the heart of our institution, but with its last major renovations occurring in 1973, it is time for significant transformation. I invite you to join me on Thursday, May 1, at 2:30 p.m. as we celebrate Cherry Hall’s storied past and unveil renderings of its exciting future. Construction is set to commence this summer as we target a 2027 reopening.
Gordon Ford College of Business building
This fall, we will welcome students to the new home of the Gordon Ford College of Business. Designed to inspire collaboration, innovation and learning, this modern academic environment features flexible classrooms, advanced technology and spaces designed to emulate real-world working environments. We broke ground on this facility in 2023, and we look forward to dedicating it alongside the entire campus community during the fall semester.
Academic Complex replacement
Looking ahead, the 2025-2026 academic year will bring another historic milestone: the groundbreaking for a new facility to replace the Academic Complex. Made possible by $160 million from the Kentucky General Assembly – the largest capital project appropriation in our institution’s history – this facility will transform teaching and learning within our College of Health and Human Services and provide a home for our campus public media.
Each of these projects reflects our unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional experience for our students, faculty and staff and ensuring that WKU remains at the forefront of academic excellence and student success. I appreciate your engagement, flexibility and patience as we work to bring these important developments to life.
Join me at the ballpark!
Finally, one of the most treasured traditions in American higher education is gathering with students, colleagues and alumni to cheer on our student athletes - cultivating school spirit and strengthening community.
Our WKU Baseball team is off to one of the strongest starts in the country, and our Softball team continues its outstanding performance in both non-conference and conference play this season.
I hope that you will join me at Nick Denes Field on Thursday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. as our baseball team takes on MTSU, and again on Friday, May 2, at the WKU Softball Complex at 6:00 p.m. as our softball team faces Jacksonville State. The first 500 attendees at each game will receive a voucher for a free hotdog and bottled water or soda; so, let’s pack the stands and demonstrate our support!
Thank you for your continued passion for WKU and for all that you do to move our institution forward.
Go Tops!
Best,
Timothy C. Caboni