Wonderful morning at the Staff Senate Fall Meet & Greet!

Fantastic evening with WKU Spirit Masters last night!

Thrilled to gather with campus and community members as we break ground on Phase 1 of Elevate WKU. Today marks the beginning of construction on a state-of-the-art residence hall at our Southern Gateway and also symbolizes a new chapter in residential life at WKU!

Wonderful afternoon celebrating the CAYA Advancing Research and Community Health (ARCH) Institute and our partnership with CAYA Collaborative Care. Housed within the WKU College of Health and Human Services, this Institute brings together applied, hands-on research, faculty expertise and community partnerships to prepare our students for the workforce and tackle local health challenges.

Saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Richards this week. He was such a positive influence on so many. His love of our university was unmatched and he will be deeply missed by the WKU family.

Honored to recognize our newly tenured faculty members and the dedication they bring to WKU. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students!

Excited to kick off the inaugural WKU Career Development Employer Advisory Board meeting this morning. Grateful for our community partners who share their time and expertise to help Hilltoppers succeed beyond the classroom.

Wonderful morning speaking to students in COMM 145: Fundamentals of Public Speaking and Communication!

I am excited to announce that Jeremy Utley will join us on Tuesday, November 3, in Van Meter Auditorium as the speaker for WKU’s fourth annual Presidential Speaker Series. Mr. Utley is an internationally recognized innovation expert, instructor at Stanford Online and Harvard's DCE, and bestselling author. He will present "Making AI More Human", a thought-provoking keynote address exploring how individuals and organizations can unlock the full potential of generative artificial intelligence. Drawing on cutting-edge research featured in The Wall Street Journal, his presentation will challenge attendees to rethink their relationship with AI and demonstrate practical strategies for using these rapidly evolving tools to enhance creativity, problem-solving and innovation. As these technologies continue to evolve, thoughtful conversations about their opportunities and implications are increasingly important. Our students, and many of us, are using these tools, and we must consider what role AI should play and how we shape that role with intention, care and integrity. Additionally, he has generously offered to mail event attendees a free copy of his upcoming book, "The Human Advantage: What AI Can’t Do Without You," once it is released on November 10, 2026. Learn more at wku.edu/presidentialspeakers…

Always a pleasure to help welcome students to our Hill for the annual High School Leadership Conference!

Wonderful afternoon meeting students and handing out PopWorks at Garrett Plaza and the Commons!

Remarkable evening in Louisville last night celebrating the future of WKU!

Thrilled to welcome WKU’s newest staff members! Looking forward to all they will accomplish at WKU!

Great morning with our Spirit Masters celebrating the extraordinary WKU Spirit they bring to our Hill!

Wonderful time meeting students and enjoying some pizza on South Lawn!

Hey Hilltoppers, I will be at Welcome Back WKU on South Lawn at 11:30am today! Come stop by and join me for a presidential pizza picnic.

Terrific evening yesterday in Nashville meeting with community leaders who continue to support WKU. Grateful for the opportunity to share our vision and celebrate the future of our university!

Happy first day of classes, Hilltoppers! Wishing our students, faculty and staff a successful start to a new academic year. Go Tops!

Wonderful day welcoming our Hilltoppers participating in the Kelly Autism Program to campus!