Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at WKU

Dear Colleagues,

As you are likely aware, today the Supreme Court ruled that colleges and universities can no longer take race into consideration as a specific basis for granting admission.

At WKU, our admissions decisions are based on an applicant’s academic achievement and do not incorporate demographic characteristics – including race – in determining an applicant’s eligibility for admission. As such, this ruling does not affect the university’s admission practices.

However, we remain committed to positioning our institution as one of access and opportunity, a university that strives to attract students of all backgrounds to ensure that every person who wants to pursue a WKU degree is able. We work diligently to make sure that each student we recruit finds their place on campus, experiences a sense of belonging, and ultimately leaves our university with a meaningful educational experience and a degree that serves them well.

Our tireless work to make sure that every student has access to the WKU experience has led to significant increased opportunities for underrepresented minority (URM) scholars in our region and beyond. In fall 2022, URM students comprised the largest percentage of the incoming class in our institution’s history. And once here, those students have thrived. An impressive 90.8% of first-time, first-year URM students who were enrolled in the fall returned this spring, an increase of nearly 11 percentage points during the previous five years.

Rest assured, we will never waiver in our commitment to ensuring that every individual who comes to our campus to study, work, visit or compete experiences a sense of belonging. We are grateful for the collective efforts of our campus community in providing a welcoming environment for all. We Are ONE WKU.

Co-Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officers,

Molly Kerby & Michael P. Crowe, Jr.