WKU News

As part of Parent and Family Weekend, the family of WKU senior Barrett Gray of Bowling Green was recognized as WKU’s 2022 Family of the Year.

Gray, who is majoring in Finance, was joined by his parents, David and Robin Gray, and sister, Bailey Mattingly, on the field Saturday night at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium.

In his essay, Gray said, “WKU has really been life-changing for the Gray family.” 

Gray continued: “My parents are high school sweethearts from Barren County who were first generation WKU graduates.  When I’m asked, ‘Why WKU?,’ I say, like in the movie, The Blindside, it is where my family goes.  We agree that WKU takes a personal interest in seeing students succeed.” 

Gray, a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, will join his family members as a WKU graduate next May.

His father, David, graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration; his mother, Robin, graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). His sister, Bailey, is a 2019 BSN graduate and will receive her Doctor of Nursing Practice in May 2023. His brother-in-law, JT, is a 2019 Finance graduate.

A selection committee of alumni and staff reviewed nearly 200 nominations for this year’s Family of the Year. The Gray family received a prize package including tickets to all weekend events and an $800 student scholarship for the 2023 spring semester.  

Contact: Ginny Hensley, ginny.hensley@wku.edu