About WKU Online
Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry, Founding president of Western Kentucky University
WKU's Long-term Commitment to Distance Education
Since its founding in 1906, Western Kentucky University has provided accessible and effective educational opportunities to a diverse range of students.
Over the years, this commitment has expanded beyond our Bowling Green campus to include
postal correspondence courses, the development of our regional campuses, and the extensive online learning opportunities offered by WKU Online. As technology continues to reshape our lives, WKU remains steadfast in its mission
of lifelong learning, a principle deeply embedded in our university’s seal.
From the visionary leadership of WKU’s first President, Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry, to the forward-thinking initiatives of our current President, Dr. Timothy C. Caboni, innovation and accessibility have always been hallmarks of the WKU experience.
In 1907, Dr. Cherry outlined his enduring vision for Western Kentucky University:
To be a living school that ignites a
burning zeal for progress in every student
To be progressive and use modern
methods and equipment
To build a reputation for WKU
that is sustained by real merit
To ring the rising bell in the human soul by
awakening the potential in each student
Dr. Cherry's Vision in Action
1920s
Under Dr. Cherry, WKU began offering correspondence courses for Kentucky teachers.
1940s
WKU expanded distance learning opportunities to include service members.
1960s
WKU began 50 years of Independent Study by correspondence courses.
2004
The Division of Extended Learning and Outreach (DELO) was created to oversee distance learning (correspondence courses and online courses since 1998).
2022
DELO transitioned into WKU Online offering multiple online degree programs and approximately 1,700 online courses each year.
Dr. Timothy C. Caboni, Current president of Western Kentucky University
WKU Online is Future Forward
The COVID-19 pandemic not only demonstrated the utility of online learning but also emphasized the continued need for supporting and expanding it at WKU.
Thanks to the forward-thinking mindset of President Caboni and the Board of Regents, additional fees for online courses were permanently eliminated in 2021. This decision reflects the university’s commitment to making education more affordable and accessible. It also underscores the importance of WKU Online as an integral part of the university—one that offers the same equality education delivered by the same faculty in a flexible format that meets the needs of a growing and diverse student population.
As the number of WKU students taking online courses continues to grow, we are proud to have the support of the administration and an excellent online learning team ready to support you as you take your next steps as a Hilltopper.
Our WKU Online team includes:
- A knowledgeable WKU Online leadership circle (see below)
- Dedicated recruitment and resource specialists
- Award-winning student success specialists
- Experienced and welcoming testing proctors
- And our talented Academic Program Marketing team
Throughout the academic year, our WKU Online team collaborates with expert faculty members and innovation-seeking instructional designers to deliver an exceptional and flexible educational experience for you. We are continuously exploring new innovations and best practices to keep your education affordable, accessible, and relevant to the ever-changing world around us.
- Assistant Director of WKU Online
- jay.carroll@wku.edu
- Knicely Conference Center 121
- https://www.historystartsnow.org
- Dr. Carroll aids Online Program Services and Cohort Programs with enrollment tracking and student support while ensuring WKU’s online programs meets or exceeds state and federal regulations and licensure requirements.
- Program Manager, Cohort Programs and Online Recruiting
- crissy.priddy@wku.edu
- Knicely Conference Center 124
- (270) 745-2162
- Program Manager, Online Services
- tanya.vincent@wku.edu
- South Campus C173
- (270) 745-3815