Dear Colleagues,
We take immense pride in our role as a comprehensive university whose reach extends beyond our main campus in Bowling Green. Our regional campuses in Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, Glasgow, Owensboro and Somerset are far more than physical locations; they are integral components of our university’s identity and our institutional mission. They symbolize our dedication to accessibility, inclusivity and the pursuit of higher education opportunities for all, regardless of geographic location.
Offering 11 majors, either fully in-person or through an in-person/online hybrid delivery format, our regional locations provide students with numerous pathways to higher education, allowing them to pursue their goals and aspirations without leaving their communities.
As we strive to meet the unique needs of our service region, our regional campus leaders continue to engage in collaborations with each of our academic colleges, and I am thrilled to share with you the development of our Signature Regional Programs, set to launch fall 2024. Work is underway to strategically define the majors each regional campus will offer during a five-year period to best serve their individual communities, and we will support these efforts with dedicated recruitment and marketing plans.
In August, the inaugural group of 70 students began the Early College at WKU in Glasgow program. These students, on a path to earn 30 hours of WKU credit by the time they graduate high school, spend mornings at WKU in Glasgow taking classes with other WKU students and studying in one of five professional career tracks: Agriculture, Business, Crime and Legal Studies, Education and Nursing. Of the group, 30% are underrepresented minority students, and 34% will be the first in their family to attend college.
In addition to the critical role our regional campuses play for our students, they also enhance the communities in which they are located. Each of them fosters economic development by preparing local talent for the workforce and partnering with businesses and organizations to drive innovation. They also offer a sense of pride and connection to area residents who see WKU as part of the fabric of their communities.
We will continue to prioritize the growth in academic offerings at our regional campuses, nurturing partnerships that benefit our students, our communities and our university as a whole. I encourage all members of the WKU community to actively engage with our regional campuses, whether by teaching a class, participating in community events or simply visiting to see the incredible work taking place at each.
As a reminder, next Tuesday, October 24, we take on Liberty University at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Prior to the game, I hope you join me on South Lawn at 5:00 p.m. for a free pregame concert by country music superstar Jordan Davis. Every faculty and staff member will receive two free tickets to this game and may purchase additional tickets for only $10. You can claim your two free tickets at the Diddle Arena ticket office (M-F, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or on game day at the ticket booth (Gates 3 or 4) at the Stadium (opens three hours before kickoff). Additionally, when you pick up your free tickets, you will also receive one drink coupon per game ticket, good for a free bottled water or soda.
I look forward to a wonderful evening together on South Lawn and across the street in the Stadium. Go Tops!
Best,
Timothy C. Caboni
