News Summary
Jace Lux, the director of media relations at WKU, plays a vital role in ensuring effective communication between the university and local media. In his fifth year, he manages a range of responsibilities, including responding to media inquiries, writing press releases, and coordinating media events. With emphasized responsiveness and collaboration, Lux maintains a strong connection between WKU and the Bowling Green community, while handling sensitive issues with care, especially during crisis situations. His commitment to transparency and engagement remains a priority, benefiting WKU’s narrative within the public sphere.
BOWLING GREEN, KY – Jace Lux, WKU’s director of media relations and university spokesperson, is currently navigating a complex landscape as he fulfills his role in managing communications for the university. In his fifth year in this pivotal position, Lux serves as the essential link between WKU and local media, ensuring that the WKU and Bowling Green communities remain informed about university-related activities and developments.
As the point of contact for various media inquiries, Lux takes swift action to connect reporters with appropriate university representatives, including experts like Director of Environmental Health and Safety David Oliver and WKU Police Chief Mitch Walker. He places a strong emphasis on being responsive to media, which often operates under tight deadlines. Lux is vigilant in ensuring that he communicates promptly and thoroughly, despite acknowledging that he does not have comprehensive knowledge of every occurrence at the university.
His role encompasses a variety of responsibilities including writing press releases, drafting speeches, and planning media-related events that highlight WKU’s initiatives and achievements. Moreover, he collaborates closely with Vice President for Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Andrea Hales, to strategically integrate media coverage into significant university events. However, Lux notes that the media relations staff at WKU is relatively small compared to similar institutions, which can present challenges.
The relationship between WKU and the media is structured by state laws and regulations, including compliance with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Lux emphasizes the university’s obligation to respond to relevant information requests while maintaining discretion during sensitive situations, such as ongoing investigations or controversial issues.
When it comes to discussing potential legislative impacts on campus operations, Lux indicates that such discussions often remain hypothetical unless they directly affect higher education in Kentucky. Statements issued on sensitive matters, such as responses to crises or the loss of individuals within the community, are carefully crafted to avoid compromising ongoing investigations while remaining succinct.
Lux has expressed gratitude for the lack of major crises during his tenure, with notable exceptions being the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the last significant press conference held to address campus shutdowns. His background as a WKU alumnus, graduating in 2001, reinforces his deep connection to the university. Prior to his current role, Lux has contributed to WKU in various capacities, including serving as Director of Admissions and working as an assistant coach for WKU Forensics.
Since taking over from former spokesperson Bob Skipper, who retired in 2021, Lux has found fulfillment in his responsibilities despite the inherent challenges. He enjoys the opportunity to showcase student achievements and share the WKU narrative with the public. Lux and his family reside in Bowling Green, and he plans to pursue his career at WKU, highlighting the institution’s importance in his life.
Furthermore, Lux has underscored the resilience of the WKU community, particularly in times of crisis that have affected vulnerable populations, such as immigrants and refugees. He has noted the critical support provided by local organizations, like Refuge Bowling Green, which offer assistance during challenging times.
Amidst the ongoing evolution of university communications, Lux remains committed to fostering a transparent and informative relationship with media outlets, ensuring that the WKU community continues to stay engaged and informed.
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Additional Resources
- WBKO: Strong Storm System Leaves Damage in Kentucky
- LEX18: Seamstress Shop Owner Reflects on Tornado Anniversary
- WHAS11: Governor Andy Beshear’s Update on Tornadoes
- New York Times: Storm and Tornado Damage Photos
- WNKY: Refuge Bowling Green Shares Tornado Experience
- Wikipedia: Severe Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- Google Search: Tornado Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Severe Weather
- Google News: Kentucky Storm Damage
