Colleagues,
I hope your summer provided some well-deserved rest and renewal. While many took time to recharge, campus remained active with a wide range of camps, conferences and workshops. I’m grateful to those who helped organize and support these programs; they create meaningful experiences for countless participants and enable us to demonstrate our unique brand of Hilltopper hospitality. I also appreciate the opportunities I had this summer to connect with leaders across our region. These conversations are valuable in deepening our partnerships and reaffirming WKU’s commitment to meeting the needs of the communities we serve.
We made great strides toward completing the new home for our Gordon Ford College of Business, and we look forward to opening its doors to students this fall. We will officially dedicate the building with a formal ribbon cutting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 19. I hope you will join me as we celebrate this remarkable milestone in our institution’s history and the beginning of a new chapter for business education on The Hill.
Earlier this summer, the Student Life Foundation – the independent organization that owns and maintains WKU’s on-campus residence halls – shared several important updates regarding our campus housing landscape. Among the most notable changes, Hilltopper Hall will be taken offline permanently due to the prohibitively high cost of repairs. In addition, Regents Hall and Normal Hall will temporarily close after a recent engineering assessment identified concerns requiring further attention. As a result, fall housing assignments have been adjusted to accommodate these changes. Our Housing and Residence Life team worked tirelessly throughout the summer to adapt to this evolving situation, ensuring that our students have a safe, welcoming place to call home this fall. I’m incredibly grateful for their creativity, flexibility and commitment.
At the same time, several residence halls across campus received significant upgrades – from fresh paint and modern flooring to new furnishings, remodeled bathrooms and improved common spaces. One of the more innovative solutions was the transformation of the former Hyatt Hotel into our new Center Hall, which will now serve as student housing. These improvements and adaptations reflect our ongoing dedication to providing a high quality residential experience.
As summer winds down, we prepare to launch another academic year on the Hill. Before the semester officially begins, we’ll welcome the newest members of our Hilltopper family during M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan, which starts August 12. This week-long program plays a vital role in helping the Class of 2029 build confidence, form connections and prepare for the academic transition ahead. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many faculty and staff who volunteer as Cluster Facilitators; your time and support help set the tone for our students’ success from day one.
Move-In Week represents another major milestone for our incoming and returning students, and every year, the support they receive from our WKU faculty and staff makes a lasting impression. If you’re able to lend a hand with Move-In this year, I encourage you to review the schedule and sign up on the registration page.
On Monday, August 11, we’ll gather in Van Meter Auditorium at 10:00 a.m. for our annual Faculty and Staff Convocation. This event marks the formal start of our academic year – a moment to reflect on our shared accomplishments and set our sights on the work ahead. Immediately following Convocation, Med Center Health at WKU Health Services is hosting a reception for faculty and staff in the Commons. I look forward to connecting with you at both events as we reaffirm our commitment to our mission.
To celebrate the new semester, don’t miss our fifth annual Topper Fest on Friday, August 15, at 5:30 p.m. on South Lawn. It’s a fun-filled evening for students, WKU employees and their families, featuring live music from The Downtown Band, a variety of local food trucks, delicious offerings from Aramark, student-athlete meet-and-greets, giveaways and more. Each faculty and staff member will receive two complimentary drinks with a WKU ID. The night will end in spectacular fashion with fireworks at dusk.
Until then, I hope you’re enjoying the last days of summer. Thank you for the many ways you contribute to WKU’s success. I look forward to beginning a new year together soon.
Go Tops!
Best,
Timothy C. Caboni