News Summary
House Bill 118, introduced by State Rep. Michael Meredith, seeks to allow Western Kentucky University to establish five research doctoral degree programs. If passed, this legislation would enable WKU to achieve Research II (R2) status, making it the third university in Kentucky to attain this classification, aimed at enhancing research capabilities and industry partnerships. The bill reflects WKU’s ongoing efforts to improve its academic profile while addressing concerns about financial sustainability. The journey to R2 status may take several years as WKU develops the necessary programs and meets required criteria.
Bowling Green, Kentucky — House Bill 118, proposed by State Rep. Michael Meredith on January 8, 2025, seeks to enable Western Kentucky University (WKU) to establish up to five research doctoral degree programs. This initiative aims to elevate WKU to Research II (R2) status, making it the third university in Kentucky to attain one of the top classifications in higher education research, behind the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, which currently hold Research I (R1) status.
If successfully enacted, WKU would become the first institution in the state to achieve R2 status. This designation requires universities to meet specific criteria, including spending a minimum of $5 million on research annually and conferring at least 20 doctoral research degrees each year. The attainment of R2 status is expected to significantly boost the university’s ability to attract competitive faculty, foster enhanced partnerships with companies, increase research funding, and position WKU as a center for innovation.
WKU President Timothy Caboni has highlighted the transformative impact that gaining R2 status would have on the university, underscoring its potential to enhance research capabilities and benefits for students. House Bill 118 marks the second attempt by Rep. Meredith to sponsor this legislation, as a previous version was introduced last year.
The university has already submitted a proposal for a doctoral program in data science, which was evaluated in a study conducted by Deloitte. The study indicates that new PhDs could lead to beneficial industry partnerships and improved research access for Kentucky residents, while also boosting WKU’s reputation beyond state borders.
However, the Deloitte study did raise concerns regarding the long-term financial implications of the proposed doctoral programs. Despite WKU’s strength in student success metrics, factors such as declining enrollment and rising expenses pose challenges. The report notes that the new PhD programs may not yield immediate financial returns and will require ongoing institutional investment to be sustainable.
Over the past decade, WKU has made significant strides in developing advanced programs and has successfully secured approvals for various advanced practice doctoral degrees. The Kentucky General Assembly has previously removed limitations on advanced practice doctoral programs, allowing for increased opportunities for WKU to enhance its academic offerings.
If House Bill 118 is successfully passed into law, the journey to achieve R2 status will involve multiple years of effort. This includes the development of the new doctoral programs and obtaining the required approvals from various educational bodies. The Carnegie Classification system, which evaluates and classifies universities, conducts a review every three years, with the next review scheduled for spring. This process indicates that it could take WKU between three to six years to reach R2 status following the passage of the legislation.
Rep. Meredith has expressed concern that delays in action on the bill could postpone WKU’s opportunity to gain the coveted R2 classification. In light of these developments, WKU expressed gratitude for Rep. Meredith’s support and emphasized the importance of research as a crucial aspect of the university’s mission and a critical component of the educational experience for its students.
As WKU moves forward with this legislative effort, the implications of House Bill 118 could not only enhance the university’s academic profile but also contribute positively to the state’s economy by fostering a skilled workforce aligned with Kentucky’s needs.
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Additional Resources
- BG Daily News: Behind the Push for R2 Designation at WKU
- Wikipedia: Research University
- BG Daily News: Bill Filed to Allow Research Doctorates at WKU
- Google Search: Kentucky Education Legislation
- WKU Herald: R2 Status Could Take 6 Years and Up
- Google Scholar: Research Doctorates in Kentucky
- Kentucky Lantern: Universities Say Expanding Their Missions Would Meet Kentucky Needs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
