Bowling Green, KY, August 11, 2025
News Summary
At the annual convocation, WKU President Timothy Caboni announced advancements in student success metrics, including an anticipated 80.3% retention rate and a significant graduation rate increase. The university’s Opportunity Fund has reached $102 million, leading to the creation of 57 new scholarship endowments. While expressing concerns about federal funding and diversity enrollment, Caboni also revealed a partnership to enhance research capabilities. The Mahurin Honors College is undergoing revitalization, and all housing requests for the upcoming semester were successfully met.
Bowling Green, KY – At the annual convocation held at Van Meter Hall, Western Kentucky University (WKU) President Timothy Caboni highlighted several advancements in student success metrics and ongoing initiatives designed to enhance the academic and research capabilities of the institution. The university is poised to achieve an estimated 80.3% retention rate for students transitioning from their first to second year, a longstanding goal for Caboni and the administration.
While the graduation rate has also seen notable improvement, rising by 7.2 percentage points to a total of 57.9%, WKU students are outpacing their counterparts at other comprehensive universities in Kentucky by acquiring approximately 33% more undergraduate degrees and credentials.
Financially, WKU has marked a significant milestone through its Opportunity Fund, which is now valued at $102 million. This fund facilitated the establishment of 57 new scholarship endowments during the last fiscal year, bringing the total to 267 endowments aimed at supporting students in their educational pursuits. Additionally, the university reported a record high in fundraising efforts, bringing in $44.5 million over the past year.
Looking ahead, President Caboni expressed concerns about the uncertainty in federal funding for research. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to secure external funding as WKU’s expenditures on externally funded projects have now exceeded $20 million, showing an increase of nearly $1 million despite challenging funding conditions.
In light of recent changes in Kentucky law that restrict certain diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, Caboni warned that WKU might experience a decrease in the enrollment of first-generation students and students of color, particularly affecting targeted scholarship programs.
This year also marks an exciting development in WKU’s Innovation Campus, which announced a new partnership with a leader in the field of science and technology commercialization. This collaboration aims to boost research initiatives and facilitate the commercialization of intellectual property.
Caboni additionally announced that the Mahurin Honors College is undergoing a revitalization phase spearheaded by new director Lindy Davidson, aiming to elevate academic programs and student opportunities. WKU also plans to form a committee to explore options for the Faculty House, which is currently dealing with health hazards including asbestos, requiring urgent structural and environmental assessments.
As WKU prepares to pursue the R2 Carnegie Research classification, the administration is waiting for new performance thresholds to be established. Meanwhile, all students seeking housing for the forthcoming fall semester successfully secured accommodations that fit their preferences, thanks largely to WKU’s newly revamped housing model. Plans are in place to renovate current facilities and develop a new residential village for sophomores and upper-class students in collaboration with Brailsford & Dunlavey.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to student financial assistance, the Spirit of WKU Award was presented to Bryson Davis, acknowledging his efforts to enhance financial aid and support student success.
Key Updates from WKU Annual Convocation
- Retention Rate: Expected to reach 80.3% for first-to-second-year students.
- Graduation Rate: Increased by 7.2 percentage points to 57.9%.
- Degrees Awarded: Students acquired 33% more undergraduate degrees than peers.
- Opportunity Fund: Reached $102 million; 57 new scholarship endowments created.
- Fundraising: Set record with $44.5 million raised in one year.
- Externally Funded Projects: Expenditures over $20 million, up nearly $1 million.
- New Partnership: Collaboration on Innovation Campus for technology commercialization.
- Revitalization of Honors College: New vision under Lindy Davidson.
- Housing: Successful accommodation for all fall semester housing requests.
- Awards: Bryson Davis received the Spirit of WKU Award.
FAQ
A: The anticipated retention rate is 80.3% for students moving from their first year to the second year.
Q: How much has WKU’s graduation rate improved?
A: WKU’s graduation rate has increased by 7.2 percentage points, reaching 57.9%.
Q: What financial support has the Opportunity Fund provided?
A: The Opportunity Fund, valued at $102 million, has helped establish 267 scholarship endowments.
Q: What recent award was given at the annual convocation?
A: Bryson Davis received the Spirit of WKU Award for his contributions to student financial assistance.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Retention Rate | 80.3% |
| Graduation Rate Improvement | Increased by 7.2 percentage points to 57.9% |
| Degrees Awarded | 33% more than other comprehensive universities in KY |
| Opportunity Fund Value | $102 million |
| New Scholarship Endowments | 57 (Total: 267) |
| Fundraising Total | $44.5 million |
| Externally Funded Projects Expenditures | Over $20 million |
| New Partnership | Innovation Campus collaboration for commercialization |
| Honors College Revitalization | New leadership under Lindy Davidson |
| Housing | All students have secured accommodations for fall |
| Spirit of WKU Award | Presented to Bryson Davis |
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Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News: WKU Convocation Spans Successes, Changes, Updates
- WBKO: Western Kentucky University Holds Annual Faculty/Staff Convocation
- WNKY: WKU President Welcomes Back Students with Annual Convocation Address
- Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
- Google Search: Western Kentucky University news
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