Dear Colleagues,
As another WKU academic year draws to a close, I am filled with deep appreciation for all that we have experienced and accomplished together. Thanks to the dedication of our students, faculty and staff, we achieved extraordinary success and remained a hub of learning and progress in our region and beyond.
WKU continues to distinguish itself among Kentucky’s comprehensive universities, leading across a range of key enrollment indicators – including full-time, degree-seeking enrollment; full-time enrollment; total fall 2024 enrollment; and students pursuing a baccalaureate degree.
Our campus-wide commitment to student success further amplifies our progress. When we shift our attention from raw enrollment figures to student outcomes – particularly to degrees awarded, the most important measure of student success – WKU stands out even more. We confer over 20% more degrees than the next closest comprehensive institution in the state, underscoring the meaningful results of our student success initiatives.
With final exams just around the corner, I encourage you to continue offering our Hilltoppers the support and encouragement they need to achieve a strong finish. Your efforts can help ease the stress that often accompanies this busy season in our students’ lives.
Soon, we will proudly celebrate the achievement of our graduates. I invite you to join me at Houchens Industries – L.T. Smith Stadium on Thursday, May 8, to recognize our graduating class. Topper Walk begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by our Commencement Ceremony. On Friday, May 9, our academic colleges each will host their own recognition ceremonies at E.A. Diddle Arena, where we will gather to honor our graduates in a more personal way. Full details about these celebrations can be found here.
Additionally, as a reminder, we will celebrate the installation of the Hilltopper Fieldhouse’s final beam tomorrow, April 22, at 2:00 p.m. I 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. Then, on May 1, we will celebrate Cherry Hall’s past and unveil renderings of its exciting future. I hope you plan to join me in front of Cherry Hall at 2:30 p.m., then inside for an Open House and refreshments.
Thank you to all those who have worked incredibly hard to plan each of these significant events. I look forward to celebrating with our Hilltopper Family.
Go Tops!
Best,
Timothy C. Caboni
