WKU News

WKU’s Board of Regents on Friday (Feb. 23) approved an honorary Doctorate of Letters for WKU graduate Beverly J. Davenport, Chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

“This is a wonderful way to celebrate her accomplishments,” said WKU President Timothy C. Caboni.

Dr. Davenport earned her bachelor’s degree from WKU’s Communication and Journalism departments and her master’s degree from the Communication Department. She has a doctorate in Organizational Communication from the University of Michigan.

She has served in multiple roles at the University of Kentucky, University of Kansas, Virginia Tech University, Purdue University, University of Cincinnati and University of Tennessee. She became the eighth chancellor at UT in 2017.

WKU Regents also approved a graduate certificate in scientific data; faculty emeritus appointment for Steven Haggbloom in Psychological Sciences; naming the Intercultural Student Engagement Center in the Downing Student Union for Cynthia and George Nichols III; naming the Student Outreach Center in Ogden Hall for Dr. Talia McKinney Collins and Patrick C. Collins; a resolution of appreciation for former faculty regent Barbara Burch; and an amended contract for Head Men’s Basketball Coach Rick Stansbury to allow a $150,000 addition to his base salary, to be paid by private funds through the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation.

Contact: Bob Skipper, (270) 745-4295