Biology

WKU’s Board of Regents today (July 25) approved the use of up to $2.4 million in reserve funds to move forward with the Ogden Science Campus renovation project.

The funds, which will be replaced by the state once General Fund bonds are issued, will be used to raze Thompson Complex North Wing and start design of a renovation of the Thompson Complex Center Wing and a new science building. Demolition of the North Wing could take place over Christmas break, after hazards such as asbestos have been removed. Construction would begin after the start of the new fiscal year in July 2015.

Due to critical need for space on the science campus, WKU President Gary Ransdell said the University wants to be ready to begin construction as soon as state funds are available.

The Board also appointed Dr. Beverly Siegrist as a University Distinguished Professor. Dr. Siegrist, who has been at WKU for more than 25 years, is the Graduate Program Coordinator in Nursing and the first UPD from the College of Health and Human Services.

Dr. Siegrist played a lead role in the development and implementation of WKU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program and has advised numerous students in the Educational Leadership doctoral program. During her tenure, the number of graduate nursing students has grown from 36 to more than 200.

“I congratulate Dr. Siegrist on this richly-deserved honor,” Provost Gordon Emslie said. “Her contributions to the University and our nursing program in particular have been truly outstanding.”

The Board approved the following academic programs: a master of science in environmental and occupational health science; a bachelor of arts in paralegal studies; graduate certificates in global pathways to sustainability, business sustainability and communicating in healthcare; and undergraduate certificates in food science, advanced professionalism and interactive training design.

The Board also approved four programs designed to meet the needs of manufacturing industries in the region outlined in “An Urgent Call to Action” report received by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. Those undergraduate certificates are automation, manufacturing and logistics, manufacturing processing and technology and Six Sigma and quality.

In other business, the Board:

• Approved an undergraduate minor in citizenship and social justice.
• Renamed the Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport Department to the School of Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport.
• Appointed Dr. C. Wayne Higgins as Professor of Public Health, Emeritus.