College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

Irene and Don Dizney (’14, H.D.) of Ocala, Fla., made a gift to establish the Donald R. and Irene S. Dizney Dean of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at WKU, the first endowed deanship at the University.

The endowment will provide funding for the Dean of CHHS and support an active research agenda in STEM+H (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and health care) concentrations in the College.

Longtime supporters of the University, the Dizneys previously established opportunities to directly benefit the WKU Nursing program through the Dizney Clinical Learning Center in memory of Helen Turner, who mentored Don Dizney while he worked at the Bowling Green-Warren County Hospital (the predecessor to The Medical Center).

When asked why the couple wanted to make this gift now, Don Dizney said the time was right.

“We were impressed with President Caboni and the commitment he, Dean Basta and the Board are making toward health care education,” Don Dizney said.

Increasing their impact, the Dizney’s gift was matched dollar-for-dollar by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education 2022-2024 Endowment Match Program through the Comprehensive University Excellence Trust Fund, often referred to as Bucks for Brains.

“I think it is nice that Kentucky gives a matching grant like this,” Don Dizney said. “That really means your gift was doubled, and that’s exciting.”

“Not only have Don and Irene made a historic gift to endow the first deanship at WKU, they have also endowed the first position within the College of Health and Human Services,” WKU President Timothy C. Caboni (’94) said. “Continuing with firsts, as we aspire to become Kentucky’s first Carnegie classified high research institution or R2 for short, positions like the Dizney Dean with an active research agenda will continue our growth and position us well.”

The Donald R. and Irene S. Dizney Dean of the College of Health and Human Services position is held by Dr. Tania Basta, who began her tenure at WKU in 2019.

“I am honored and humbled that Don and Irene Dizney made this generous donation to endow the first Dean position at WKU,” Dean Basta said. “This funding will support my wellness research initiatives focused on increasing the quality of life among our faculty, staff and students. Thank you for your profound belief in my academic success, leadership and the future of CHHS.

“As recruiting academic leaders gets more competitive, this will ensure that CHHS is well-positioned to recruit and retain a Dean with demonstrated excellence in research,” Dean Basta said, adding that the significance of programs housed in CHHS can be found in the College mission statement: “We prepare health and human services professionals who will work to improve the quality of lives in their communities and beyond.”

“Nothing is more important than the health and quality of life of the communities we serve, and our graduates positively impact both daily,” she said. “I believe this gift reflects the outstanding work we do every day to educate future health and human service professionals.” 

“Health care has been part of our lives for a long time, and it is important for every person for the rest of their lives,” Irene Dizney said of the importance of the need for support for these areas.

“Donors like Don and Irene Dizney are more than just friends to WKU, they are true partners in the success of the University,” said Amanda Trabue (’02, ’04), Vice President for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. “Their support strengthens the University’s competitive edge and will allow the College to be even more forward-thinking and innovative in all that they do. Thank you, Don and Irene, for being part of our ongoing success now and well into the future.”

“We believe that to whom much is given, much is expected in return, and we’ve been happy to give back to the University when we can,” Don Dizney said.

“We’ve been unbelievably blessed, and we wanted to share,” Irene Dizney said. “Giving back gives us great joy.”

Don Dizney is the former Chairman of the Board of United Medical Corporation, the company that developed numerous chains of specialty hospitals and was a partner in joint venture affiliations with some of the nation's largest proprietary, public companies and non-profit networks.

His lifelong commitment, for more than 60 years, was developing hospitals and health care facilities that offer specialized care as well as investing in research, education, advocacy and health and human services. Though he did not graduate from WKU, Don Dizney attended from 1962 through 1964. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from WKU in 2014.

Currently, Don Dizney is Chairman of the Board and Irene Dizney is the President of Double Diamond Farm, a 550-acre thoroughbred nursery and equine training and racing facility in Ocala, Fla., that has been in operation for more than 40 years.

They have a horse they hope may be eligible for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

“We always go to the Derby, but it’s really nice to have a horse running,” Don Dizney said.

Don Dizney is a member and past Steward of the Jockey Club, four term Past President of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, as well as Board Member Emeritus of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and Past President of the Florida Citrus Bowl. The Dizneys are actively involved in numerous Christian and educational organizations.

Don and Irene Dizney shared a long friendship with the late Lee Robertson (’50, ’57) and his wife, Joyce Robertson (’65). Lee Robertson’s commitment to WKU spanned seven decades through numerous roles. At the time of his death in 2024, at the age of 102, he was serving as Special Assistant to the Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.

“We considered Lee our dear friend, and we consider Joyce our dear friend,” Don Dizney said. “We’ve attended the Derby with them, and we’ve named horses after them. Lee definitely deserved the title ‘Mr. Western,’ as I’ve never seen anyone with his length of time dedicated to a place. He was so committed to and involved with the University.”

For more information, please contact Kristina Harvey in the College of Health and Human Services at kristina.harvey@wku.edu.