Thursday, August 20, 2026
Howard Bailey, former WKU vice president for Student Affairs, dies at 77
When Howard Bailey attended WKU in the mid 1960s, he went through “rush” with a few fraternities on campus. “It was pretty obvious that the present Greek organizations weren’t interested in having Black brothers in their chapter,” Bailey said. “So we decided we’d start our own.” (Allie Schallert)
Howard Bailey, the first Black male resident hall assistant and founding member of WKU’s first Black fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, has died, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to WKU and the Bowling Green community. State Street Baptist Church posted about Bailey’s death at approximately 10 a.m. this morning. “We extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to the Bailey family and all who loved him,” the post said. Read more by Anthony Clauson
Caboni discusses university accomplishments, launch of first doctoral program
Western Kentucky University President Timothy C. Caboni speaks during the Fall 2026 Faculty and Staff Convocation on Aug. 17 in the auditorium of Van Meter Hall. In his speech, Caboni mentions recent university news, such as ongoing renovations of student residence halls, enrollment, graduation growth, new facilities, and the balancing of the school’s budget. (Cayden Ducan)
WKU faculty and staff celebrated the university’s accomplishments and future goals at the annual Convocation Monday morning in Van Meter Hall — including plans for implementing WKU’s first doctoral program.
Read more by Abigail Vickers
Board of Regents approves Athletic Director contract, increased salary
The Director of Athletics, Todd Stewart discusses indetail the acidenmic sucess rates for all of the Western Kentucky University students at the Faculty Senate meeting on Thursday, Feb 19, 2026. (Corinne Tucker)
WKU Board of Regents approved the contract extension of Athletic Director Todd Stewart on Aug. 14. Stewart’s extension will allow him to continue as the Athletic Director through the summer of 2030. In this extension, Stewart’s base salary will increase to approximately $317,892 from the previous $298,000. Stewart will earn a retention bonus of $85,000 as opposed to the prior year’s $50,000 bonus. The bonus will be paid each year beginning on Oct. 31 and will be paid by the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation. Read more by Peyton Reid
Board of Regents approves namings following multimillion-dollar donation
Staff emeritus recipient John Holder tells the Board of Regents about his passion for aiding students, Friday Aug. 14. (Anthony Clauson)
In appreciation of estate gifts totaling $2.8 million, the WKU Board of Regents approved several naming requests in honor of Romanza Johnson. Read more by Anthony Clauson
WKU Soccer takes on UAB, begins three-game home stand
The Hilltoppers starting lineup huddles together before their game against the Dayton Flyers on Aug. 28, 2025 at the WKU Soccer Complex. (Cayden Duncan)
WKU Soccer begins its three-game home stand against UAB Thursday night at 7 p.m. The Hilltoppers will also take on Ball State and Union. Read more by Peyton Reid
WKU Soccer earns first back-to-back shutout since 2021, defeats Indiana State
Western Kentucky University midfielder Georgia Liapis (20) her her jersey pulled while attempting to dribble midfield on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, during a game against Austin Peay at Western Kentucky University’s soccer complex in Bowling Green, Ky. (Adin Parks)
WKU soccer secured its first back-to-back shutout in half a decade, defeating Indiana State 1-0. Read more by Peyton Reid
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