WKU News

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. To celebrate, we would like to introduce you to WKU Alumni Kohen Andy Cheng (’22) from Brentwood, Tennessee.

Cheng grew up in a Chinese immigrant household. He said he is very proud of his Chinese/Asian heritage and that Chinese New Year was an important celebration for his family and one he looks forward to continuing.

Earlier this month, Cheng’s family celebrated another significant milestone. He became the first person in his family to graduate from college. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in accounting and is now pursuing a Master of Accountancy and Data Analysis. Cheng said most of my family are restaurant owners and seeing their hard work day in and day out makes him cherish his education more.

“My college degree means a lot to my family and me. Growing up in an Asian immigrant family, my family must constantly work extremely hard to provide for me.”

Cheng sees his college degree as a stepping-stone that will provide a better lifestyle for his family.

“Being a skilled college graduate, I also have the privilege of achieving my own ambitions and dreams, while using what I have learned and know to make a difference in building a better living and working world.”

Cheng embodies a commitment to “building a better living and working world”.  He is passionate about ensuring WKU students have a safe and encouraging community to learn and grow.

During his time at WKU, Cheng was involved with Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Phi International Diversity Fraternity, and the Asian American Student Association. Cheng said all three organizations enabled him to connect with a diverse group of individuals and find a safe and encouraging community.

Additionally, Cheng helped co-found the GFCB DEI Student Committee. He said the goal of the committee was to pull together all the student leaders from the different majors and improve inclusion objectives in the college.

“I firmly learned how to intentionally practice, embrace, and grow in DEI among [GFCB’s] diverse students and faculty, to respect one another and build a better future and working world.”

Upon competition of his master’s degree, Cheng plans to become an External Auditor for EY at the New York City Financial Service Office.