WKU News

Dear Colleagues:

Early Sunday morning, January 5, we lost a dear colleague and member of the WKU Community with the passing of Dr. Barbara Burch, Provost Emeritus.

Few individuals have influenced the university to the degree Barbara did. Her work (including 14 years as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs and three years as faculty regent), volunteerism, and philanthropy will be felt for generations to come. She left a remarkable legacy that exemplifies the WKU spirit.

On a personal note, Barbara was on the search committee that brought me back to WKU and served as faculty regent during my first several months at the university. She was invaluable during the transition and helped make sense of our complex institution and our opportunities for growth. I will miss her wisdom, her good counsel, and her willingness to speak her mind to benefit our university, and more importantly, our students.

While we are deeply saddened by Barbara’s passing, we also will take this time to celebrate her remarkable life and career. Please take a moment to share your memories, pictures, and stories on her Tribute Wall, so together we can honor a visionary leader and extraordinary individual who touched so many lives. You can do so by visiting: www.wku.edu/burch.

Additional information, including arrangements, can be found in the attached press release. Please share with those who may have worked with or known our beloved friend.

Best,

Timothy C. Caboni