WKU News

Two Western Kentucky University employees were inducted into the College Personnel Association of Kentucky’s (CPAK) Hall of Fame Gallery of Outstanding Educators and Professionals on Monday, April 17.

Dr. Monica Burke, a professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs, and Dr. Charley Pride, WKU’s Director of Student Activities, joined the Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony at CPAK’s annual conference, hosted this year in Lexington. Induction into the CPAK Hall of Fame serves as a way to recognize individuals who have benefitted their respective institutions, the state, region, and national associations through leadership and service activities.

Burke noted she was humbled by her inclusion in the Hall of Fame. “I believe we repay for the good things in our lives by investing in someone else’s and for me, investing in others has brought so much good to my life,” she said. “I look forward to continuing my investment in others and helping students to achieve their full potential.”

Burke also acknowledged the importance of helping shape the next generation of higher education professionals. “I enjoy preparing our future higher education staff to create and maintain a positive and supportive campus environment for students to have access to the resources, services, and support they need to succeed academically, personally, and professionally,” she said.

Pride highlighted the important role that Student Affairs professionals play in the college experience. “Student Affairs works to make the experience out of the classroom rewarding and challenging, while giving our students opportunities that will benefit them in the job market.”

He also spoke of the importance of the CPAK organization. “It allows people in the field to get together, socialize, learn from each other and develop as professionals,” he said. “It is an honor to be recognized in this way by peers and mentors in the profession.”

CPAK is the state division of the American College Personnel Association, College Student Educators International. The state organization remains committed to the education and development of professionals in the varied areas of student affairs, student services, campus life, academic support, and higher education administration throughout Kentucky. Previous CPAK Hall of Fame inductees from WKU include Dr. Martha Sales, Dean of Students; Dr. Aaron Hughey, University Distinguished Professor, Counseling and Student Affairs; Dr. Gene Tice, past Regional Campus Chancellor at WKU in Owensboro; and Howard Bailey, past Vice President of Student Affairs.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-4295         

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Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.