WKU Alumni

Call Directions Website

WKU Alumni The official page for WKU Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

Today, we celebrated the newly established CAYA Advancing Research and Community Health (ARCH) Institute. Made possible ...
10/16/2026

Today, we celebrated the newly established CAYA Advancing Research and Community Health (ARCH) Institute. Made possible through a $1.375 million gift from CAYA Collaborative Care, Inc., the CAYA ARCH Institute will align research and services with regional and statewide community health needs and will provide a coordinated strategy for applied research, service delivery and engagement.

“We celebrate more than a space today,” said WKU President Timothy C. Caboni. “Through the CAYA ARCH Institute, we celebrate an evolution in the way we prepare our students and serve our community.”

The CAYA ARCH Institute is housed within the WKU College of Health and Human Services and located within the Community Health Sciences Complex at WKU’s South Campus. For more information, please visit bit.ly/4ypNtZY.

Western Kentucky University
College of Health and Human Services at WKU

“From being both a participant and a leader of study abroad, I can attest that these experiences increase the confidence...
10/16/2026

“From being both a participant and a leader of study abroad, I can attest that these experiences increase the confidence of participants to travel more in the future and step outside of comfort zones. Studying abroad also builds empathy. Being placed in situations with language or cultural barriers allows for better understanding of our international neighbors in our own communities,” shared Amelia Kolb (’19, ’22).

Amelia Kolb studied abroad twice during her time on the Hill. In 2016, Amelia traveled to Mexico for a 4-week summer program; in 2018, she spent two weeks in Peru with her sister Samantha who was a student at Eastern Kentucky University at the time. By working with the Office of Scholar development, Amelia returned to Mexico for a Fulbright Teaching Assistantship after graduating in 2019.

Now, Amelia is the Assistant Director of Student Activities – Leadership & Volunteerism at WKU. In 2025, she had the opportunity to help lead a study abroad trip to Costa Rica.

“This experience felt full circle because I came to WKU as a student hoping to study abroad,” Amelia said. “I was able to help make that a reality for more recent students as a staff member. It was also special because I was able to use both of my WKU degrees––Spanish and Student Affairs––on this trip in a unique way.”

Amelia encourages WKU students interested in studying abroad to set aside any nerves and just go for it! Her advice? Seek advising early from WKU Global and map out your study abroad experience into your college pathway.

Leading up to WKU Homecoming 2026 "Big Red's World Tour", we're spotlighting Hilltoppers that studied abroad during their time on the Hill or live abroad now! Keep an eye out for these special world-wide stories!

Western Kentucky University
WKU Global
WKU Student Activities

We’re ONE month away from Homecoming! Mark your calendar and share these important dates and a fellow Hilltopper you can...
10/15/2026

We’re ONE month away from Homecoming! Mark your calendar and share these important dates and a fellow Hilltopper you can’t wait to see back on the Hill.

🚨We’re drawing our Ultimate Homecoming Experience giveaway winner TOMORROW! 🚨Make sure you check in for Homecoming at th...
10/15/2026

🚨We’re drawing our Ultimate Homecoming Experience giveaway winner TOMORROW! 🚨Make sure you check in for Homecoming at the link below for an entry to win! But no matter what, everyone is winner—everyone who checks in gets an exclusive Homecoming 2026 sticker sheet mailed right to their door! https://wkualumni.org/HoCo26RSVP

The countdown is on, Hilltoppers! Only ONE WEEK left to get your official Homecoming 2026 merch order in! Show your Hill...
10/14/2026

The countdown is on, Hilltoppers! Only ONE WEEK left to get your official Homecoming 2026 merch order in! Show your Hilltopper pride wherever Big Red’s World Tour takes you! ✈️🌎

Don’t be left out - visit this link to get your order in today! alumni.wku.edu/hcgear26

William Ray “Billy Ray” Smith (’65), member of the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni and former Kentucky Commissioner of ...
10/13/2026

William Ray “Billy Ray” Smith (’65), member of the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni and former Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, died on Oct. 10, 2026. He was 82.

Smith’s life revolved around agriculture and service to others. An award-winning fourth generation farmer, cattle breeder and businessman, the Bowling Green native managed Pan American Mills, a grain elevator and livestock feed products company, for nearly 30 years. He also served in the Kentucky General Assembly as the Representative for Warren and Simpson counties from 1982 to 1995.

In 1996, Smith took his service to the state level after being elected Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture. Four years later, he became the first person in state history to succeed himself in that office.

After serving as the Commissioner of Agriculture, Smith joined the Kentucky FFA Foundation as Executive Director.

Smith was a strong advocate for his alma mater and avid fan of Hilltopper sports. He received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from WKU in 1965. He served on the WKU Board of Advisors from 1998 to 2005, and he was inducted into the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2001.

When Mason Hawkins unexpectedly passed in 2025, his family and friends were left brokenhearted and in disbelief without ...
10/12/2026

When Mason Hawkins unexpectedly passed in 2025, his family and friends were left brokenhearted and in disbelief without their son, brother and friend. Despite deep grief, they were committed to creating a meaningful tribute to Mason’s life that was cut short at the age of 20.

Since then, the Mason “Goose” Hawkins Memorial Scholarship has surpassed its original goal of $300,000, family and friends established two annual events to benefit the fund and the first scholarship was awarded to Kaylei Holt (’25), a WKU graduate student. Mason’s family is awed by the outpouring of support and will continue to build Mason’s legacy in perpetuity.

We are sad to share the passing of Jim Richards (’59, ’60, ’61). Former Coach, Director of Athletics, and Executive Dire...
10/09/2026

We are sad to share the passing of Jim Richards (’59, ’60, ’61). Former Coach, Director of Athletics, and Executive Director of the WKU Alumni Association, Coach Richards was the embodiment of what it means to be a Hilltopper.

Link to full story in the comments.

Where in the world are YOU celebrating Homecoming?! We want to know!Visit the link in our comments to "check in" for Hom...
10/09/2026

Where in the world are YOU celebrating Homecoming?! We want to know!

Visit the link in our comments to "check in" for Homecoming and you'll receive:
✈️ an exclusive HoCo 2026 sticker sheet
✈️ an entry into our Ultimate Homecoming Experience giveaway

Address

292 Alumni Avenue
Bowling Green, KY
42101

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18889582586

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when WKU Alumni posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category