WKU News

During its second quarterly meeting of the calendar year Thursday (May 4), the Western Kentucky University Board of Regents approved a number of new certificate programs. Beginning in the fall 2023 semester, students may take classes to earn graduate certificates in Enterprise Management and Executive Decision Making as well as undergraduate certificates in Sales, Executive Influence in Organizations, Managing Inclusive Organizations, and Creativity and Innovation Management. Each of the new certificates will be offered through the Gordon Ford College of Business.

Additionally, the Regents voted to suspend two academic programs. Currently, the university offers two Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degrees. One operates as a stand-alone program while the other requires students to complete a second major or minor. In an effort to increase efficiency, Agriculture faculty members voted to close the program requiring a second major or minor. Also, in fall 2022, faculty members in the Master of Arts in Folk Studies program made the decision to close the program to new admissions. The university will continue to support current students in that program through the completion of their degree.

The Board also approved the university’s Six Year Capital Plan for 2024-2030. The priorities listed in the plan reflect the institution’s focus on its Strategic Plan and emphasize capital renewal, renovation of existing facilities, and upgrading campus infrastructure.

Also, the Regents approved an amended Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the College Heights Foundation, Inc. and WKU, which clarifies the relationship between the two entities. During the development of WKU’s current Strategic Plan, the College Heights Foundation and the Western Kentucky University Foundation were tasked with exploring options to create greater efficiencies between the two while capitalizing on each of their individual strengths. As a result, the decision was made to consolidate the assets of both foundations under the management of the College Heights Foundation, Inc. This memorandum reflects those subsequent operational changes. Additionally, the MOU is necessary to meet the university’s accreditation requirements.

In other business, the Board of Regents:

• Approved granting Faculty Emeritus status to Dr. Anthony (Tony) Paquin, Associate Professor of Psychology
• Approved the filing of the Statement of Revenues and Expenditures for the nine months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
• Approved a number of routine personnel actions
• Approved refunding of bonds for renovations to the Honors College and Downing Student Union
• Approved the initiation of a number of the university’s asset preservation capital projects
• Approved an addendum to the Head Football Coach’s employment contract
• Approved the employment contract for the Men’s Basketball Head Coach
• Recognized outgoing Regent George Nichols III, whose term ends in June, for his six years of service on the Board
• Recognized outgoing Student Regent Cole Bornefeld, whose term ends in June, for his year of service on the Board

The Board of Regents will next meet for a special called budget meeting and committee meetings on June 2.

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.