WKU 2014-15 Annual Progress Report

2014 | 2015

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT

joe downing EXHIBIT at THE Downing Art Museum

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We do have a special spirit, and that spirit is making masters of our students.

— President Gary A. Ransdell

2 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

From the

President

S

ince I first enrolled at WKU in 1969, I have known that WKU is a special place. From the time that Julie and I were students together here, to watching our own children become graduates, and through my 19-year tenure as President, there have been constant reminders that the Spirit of WKU is thriving and expanding. We have much to celebrate!

There have been many positive actions and forward movements across our campus over the past year. We can be proud of our improving ACT average for incoming freshmen—from 21.5 just four years ago to over 23 this fall; a dramatic increase in our four-year graduation rates—from 25 percent three years ago to over 30 percent last year (the six-year rate is 51 percent); an improving student/faculty ratio, which is now at 17:1; and a 5 percent increase in the number of tenure track and full-time faculty while reducing our dependency on part-time faculty. We can also take pride in achieving the highest SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) designation—due to additional doctoral degrees. We have a much improved campus infrastructure, encouraging private gift support, and many other positive numerous measures throughout our campus community.

Speaking of SACSCOC, we just successfully completed the 10-year accreditation reaffirmation process. This could not have been achieved without a great effort this past year by so many across campus who were involved in planning, writing, assessing, measuring, hosting, and other aspects of the reaffirmation process.

We are fortunate to be part of a very special institution. We do have a special spirit, and that spirit is making masters of our students. At WKU, that spirit is as much about the heart as it is the head. Let’s continue to live that WKU spirit every day. Go TOPS!

Sincerely,

Gary A. Ransdell

Western Kentucky University • 3

From the

Provost

I

am terribly excited to have the opportunity to serve as WKU’s Provost. As the Annual Report demonstrates, WKU is an institution of opportunity, not only for the faculty, staff, and students on our campuses but also for a much wider community that stretches far beyond our campuses and our Commonwealth. The philosopher Alfred North Whitehead once remarked that the task of the university is to invent the future. Here

4 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

at WKU we’re inventing the future through a creative blend of tradition and technology as we prepare our students for life and leadership in the 21st century.

Public higher education is one of the most dynamic fields in the United States today, and WKU is a leader in exploring the new possibilities that are being created almost every day. The challenges in front of us are formidable, of course, but the

opportunities are remarkable. As Provost, I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with members of the WKU community to build on the remarkable achievements documented in our Annual Report and to keep WKU synonymous with academic quality and student success.

David Lee Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

TABLE OF CONTENTS

07 Foster Academic Excellence

18 Promote A Dynamic & Diverse University Community

26 Core Mission Infrastructure 30 Financial Summary 31 University Leadership

20 Improved Quality Of Life For Our Communities

Table of Contents • 5

6 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

FOSTER ACADEMIC

EXCELLENCE

WKU received an outstanding reaffirmation report from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

compliance documents and interviews with dozens of faculty, staff, and constituents from all four campuses, the SACSCOC team presented its report, which was highly complimentary of the quality of the WKU campuses and the University’s approach to

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the reaffirmation process. WKU successfully met all the Core Requirements and Federal Standards necessary for reaffirmation of SACSCOC accreditation. The final step is for the SACSCOC board to vote on our application for reaffirmation in December 2015.

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T

he onsite Reaffirmation Committee appointed by SACSCOC completed its visit to WKU in April 2015. This was the culminating step in a two-year process to reaffirm accreditation, which takes place every 10 years.

After a thorough review of WKU’s

The SACSCOC report reaffirms the quality of WKU’s academic programs and the tremendous time and effort that many across campus put into completing the report. — President Gary A. Ransdell

Foster Academic Excellence • 7

scholars

WKU and gatton academy students earned prestigious national and international scholarship awards in 2014-15

wku students continued to perform at a high level in the nation’s most prestigious scholarship competitions in 2014-15.

14 students honored by Gilman program 4 honored by Goldwater program 4 receive Critical L anguage schol arships 2 receive Boren Schol arships Audrey Brown (Goldwater)

2 finalists for truman schol arships 2 recent graduates e arned national science foundation graduate rese arch fellowships

Tyler Prochazka (Boren)

Kelly Tursic (Critical Language) 8 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

WKU named A top Fulbright producer

Ryan Vennell

7 students honored by the US Fulbright program

Sarah Fox

one Student selected for a US-UK Fulbright award

Andrew Henderson 20

U.

S.

STU

14

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201

5

DENT TOP PROD

UC

ER

The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program, is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State. The largest international exchange program in the United States, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program awarded 1,800 grants last year to fund an academic year of study, research, or teaching in 140 countries. In each of the past two years, more than 10,000 graduating seniors and recent graduates applied nationwide. Grantees are selected on the basis of academic merit, leadership potential, and demonstrated ability to serve as cultural ambassadors for the United States while abroad.

Foster Academic Excellence • 9

the gatton academy of mathematics & science in kentucky

When renovations are completed in Fall 2016, Florence Schneider Hall will house 200 Gatton Academy students.

faces of the gatton academy Gatton Academy students earned numerous prestigious academic awards 11 National Merit Semifinalists 6 2014 Siemens Compe tition Semifinalists 4 State Department l anguage schol arships 1 U.S. Presidential Schol ar

The Washington Post ranked the Gatton Academy a top-performing high school 7 th consecutive ye ar

From top left: Ben Riley, Valerie Richmond, Vir Patel, Whitney Heard, Sam Booth, Rena Ryumae, John Meyers, Meredith Bickett, Dimitri Leggas, Cameron Hubbard, Julia Gensheimer, Nakeya Owens, Andrew Brown.

gatton academy ranked the top high school in the nation by the daily beast 3 rd consecutive ye ar

10 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

“ “

The Gatton Academy is a shining example of how our

educators are preparing the next generation of highlytrained graduates. — Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear

The Academy’s namesake, Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, and other special guests gathered in May 2015 to announce a major gift from Mr. Gatton and others to fund the expansion of Florence Schneider Hall. The building addition, as well as a funding increase from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, will support 80 new students, increasing the Academy’s enrollment from 120 to 200 by Fall 2017.

“I am pleased and proud to share with others in this opportunity to expand Florence Schneider Hall so that more students with special talents and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math careers will be able to take advantage of what The Gatton Academy has to offer,” Gatton said.

Foster Academic Excellence • 11

WKU facult y members received NIH grant to study anti-cancer drugs E ye Tracking company features WKU grad student’s project conducted in the african vill age of k ak assi Brewery equipment arrived at Center for Rese arch and Development Partnership established to study, protect cave & k arst are a in Central America dr. julia Roberts received a national award for impact on gif ted education WKU geoscientist to represent the united states on international k arst commission

Sponsored Programs activity increased in 2014-2015 with faculty and staff receiving 205 awards worth more than $21 million from Federal and State agencies and private foundations.

African village of Kakassi.

Dr. Michael May, WKU Geology, and Dr. Matthew Dettman, WKU Engineering, appeared in a documentary about the Corvette museum sinkhole.

Dr. Michael May and Dr. Mathew Dettman.

12 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

Sinkhole photos by Abbey Oldham, WKU NPR.

Industrial hemp seeds.

WKU Agriculture was selected by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for the 2nd consecutive year to participate in the Kentucky Hemp Pilot Program in a collaborative effort with the University of Kentucky.

WKU’s research investigates the influence of weed management and fertility regimes on fiber and seed production.

is conducting research evaluating industrial hemp tolerance to several herbicide chemistries at WKU’s Agriculture Research & Education Complex.

Brett Maxwell, a graduate student in the Department of Agriculture,

WKU faculty and students earned recognition in their fields and made impressive advancements in research and creative activity.

recognition creativity innovation WKU Students conducted chemical rese arch in south Kore a Alumnus Saeed Jones was selected by the New york Times as a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in poe try Foster Academic Excellence • 13

international reach

623 WKU students studied abroad in 42 countries in 2014-15 WKU was the only public universit y in Kentuck y to be ranked in the annual Open Doors report for study abroad participation, which has grown by more than 50 percent since 2010-11 More than 1,400 international students from 79 countries chose WKU for their undergraduate and graduate degrees WKU signed partnership agreements for important climate change research initiatives in Icel and and Belize

Mount Kasigau, Kenya

Each year WKU faculty members lead study abroad trips to Ecuador, one of many study abroad destinations for WKU students. The study abroad programs to Ecuador were started by Dr. David Coffey, Professor of Agriculture, who passed away in March of 2014. Dr. Coffey led 22 programs to Ecuador over 14 years.

Another 15 students examined the geographical, cultural, political, and religious landscape of Ecuador, as it relates to agriculture, during spring break 2015. They visited a variety of farms throughout the Andean highlands and Amazonian jungle, including a potato farm, flower farm, dairy operations, and largescale broccoli and asparagus farms.

During Winter Term 2015, 20 students participated in a facultyled program, where they visited cities and villages in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

While there they examined the ecotourism industry in Ecuador, the environmental impact of tourism on the Galapagos Islands, and issues of sustainability.

Service learning projects have become an important aspect of study abroad programs in Ecuador.

Most recently, students applied dental sealants to children in a remote elementary school through Partners of the Americas.

14 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

In an effort to bring this international experience back to

our own communities, in fall 2014 WKU launched an annual cultural immersion initiative through a yearlong program called the “International Year of Ecuador.”

Led by the Office of International Programs, this initiative is designed to provide the WKU campus and surrounding community with a rich, complex sense of place and interconnectedness through a celebration that includes more than 25 events and programs that focus on a single country/region for the entire year.

While the inaugural year (2014-15) focused on Ecuador, future years will include South Africa, South Korea, and Bosnia, respectively.

“ Study abroad is an invaluable experience for our students. It exposes them to new ideas and ways of thinking, and they bring those fresh perspectives back to campus to share — Craig T. Cobane, Chief International Officer for Global Learning

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with the university community.

International Year of Ecuador

African village of Garbey Kourou

Edinburgh, Scotland Foster Academic Excellence • 15

WKU won He arst photojournalism award for 22 nd time

The WKU Academic Competition Team finished 22 nd in the nation at the NAQT Intercollegiate Championship Tournament

WKU won He arst multimedia title for 4 th straight ye ar WKU graduate won 2015 Hearst National Multimedia Championship; WKU finishes 2 nd overall Talisman won 17 th Pacemaker, 7 th in a row college heights Herald, Talisman won national awards wku Forensics te am swept state and national titles

achieving success

the Engineering department Steel Bridge Team and concrete canoe team finished in the top 25 in the nation WKU online programs ranked by US News as second in the nation for online bachelor degree programs

Downtown Bowling Green

bowling green was named a top 10 best college town for 2015 by livability.com

16 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

“ The Emmy Awards are given

“

to individuals but reflect the

atmosphere created by the entire staff. — David Brinkley

WKU PBS garnered seven Emmy nominations, taking home one Emmy Award for the series Lost River Sessions

James Pearson won an Ohio Valley Regional Emmy award for audio work on the popular “Lost River Sessions” series on WKU PBS. It was the first time in 23 years that WKU’s public television service had received an Ohio Valley Regional Emmy in that category, capping off a record seven Emmy nominations.

WKU PBS has been nominated in

each of the past 12 years, receiving the award 18 times.

“I am very proud of the work we do at WKU PBS. The entire staff are some of the most talented and professional people I’ve worked with,” Pearson said. “Hopefully, this win helps give us momentum to grow ‘Lost River Sessions’ with solid

national distribution and a brand that people associate with the station, University, community, and region.”

“Lost River Sessions” is a TV series premiering on WKU PBS featuring Americana, folk and bluegrass acts performing live sets in a variety of local venues.

Foster Academic Excellence • 17

promote a dynamic and

diverse university community

“

We have created a base model in which qualifying students can be assured

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of receiving an award, and we have added awards for special achievement beyond GPA and ACT to provide more aid to more students.

— Cindy Burnette, Director of Student Financial Assistance

WKU created the Diversity Abroad Grant to provide funding to support diverse and underrepresented students who want to pursue study abroad programs Safe Zone training provided for faculty and staff the lavender recognition ceremony became an official part of commencement events in 2015

More students will receive scholarship awards from WKU under a new program announced in 2015.

More than 500 beginning freshmen in Fall 2016 will receive a larger award than would have under the previous scholarship program, and a large number of students who did not previously qualify for any 18 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

award at all will now receive WKU scholarships.

Targeted awards for specific student populations will result in 300 more minority students being eligible than before, and transfer students will also benefit from changes made to the WKU scholarship program.

strength in DIVERSITY

Ranked as a “Best for Ve ts 4-year College”

by Military Times Edge magazine for five consecutive ye ars

WKU is a top destination for military students, offering a special tuition rate, numerous on-campus resources for military students, and a free textbook program

Ranked #7 in the nation in 2014

MILITARY Student Services

Designated as a “Military Friendly School” every year since 2009 by Victory Media. wku Student Ve terans Alliance received national recognition in 2014

Yellow Ribbon • MyCAA participating University

Diversity and inclusion is a shared responsibility of every member of the WKU campus community. The Office of Institutional Diversity & Inclusion provides resources and programs for the community that promote inclusive excellence,

access, and social justice for all.

Throughout the year, multiple campus events and Signature Programs are meant to increase the degree completion rate of under-represented students attending WKU.

Promote A Dynamic and Diverse University Community • 19

improved quality of life

for our communities

WKU is making it easier for Kentucky’s community college students to transfer to any of our four campuses in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, Glasgow, and Owensboro.

A number of initiatives are in place to make the transition for students as smooth as possible, including a

Joint Admissions program, special scholarship opportunities, and student outreach events. WKU’s Joint Admissions program provides a seamless transition into a fouryear university while a student is completing an associate degree at a partner institution. Joint Admissions students who have one or more

semesters remaining at a community college are admitted to both the community college and WKU simultaneously while working toward a two-year degree. Hundreds of students are taking advantage of the unique opportunity and exceptional program benefits that save them time money.

Regional campuses in Glasgow, Owensboro and ElizabethtownFort Knox provide access to higher education

WKU has Joint Admissions agreements with multiple colleges within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System

WKU Owensboro received Volunteer Service Award from Junior Achievement Military student Services Center now open at WKU Glasgow

• Bluegrass Community & Technical College • Elizabethtown Community & Technical College • Henderson Community College • Hopkinsville Community College • Madisonville Community College • Owensboro Community & Technical College • Somerset Community College • Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College

other joint admissions partners: • Ivy Tech Southwest (Indiana) • Volunteer State Community College (Tennessee) Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College

20 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

Hopkinsville Community College

partner outreach In fall 2014, WKU President Gary Ransdell visited with students at seven partner institutions to encourage them to transfer into a four-year program at WKU after finishing their associate degree.

After visiting with students, President Ransdell met with administrators at each of the colleges to discuss additional ways to encourage students to continue working toward a bachelor’s degree.

7 campuses in 6 days

$3,500 in scholarships awarded

530 miles traveled Somerset Community College

270 KCTCS students reached

1,650 KCTCS transfer students at WKU Elizabethtown Community & Technical College

Improved Quality of Life For Our Communities • 21

PERFORMANCE TALENT & CULTURE

WKU Dance Company’s 2014 production of: A Holiday Extravaganza featuring Cinderella.

A scene from: Lily Plants a Garden.

WKU students and faculty displayed their talent to audiences from across our community

service & community engagement Every August, M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan participants “blitz” Bowling Green, providing three hours of service to local non-profit agencies during the campus’ largest community service event: Big Red’s

22 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

Blitz! Volunteers work alongside Big Red, Western Leaders, and fellow classmates on service projects such as sorting items at The Salvation Army, cleaning local parks and wooded

areas with Bowling Green Public Works, pulling invasive species at Lost River Cave, organizing building materials with Habitat for Humanity, or painting picnic tables at Potter Children’s Home.

BILL NYE

THE SCIENCE GUY

The Cultural Enhancement Series hosted an impressive lineup in 2014-2015

The WKU Cultural Enhancement Series (CES) provides the campus and community the opportunity to meet some of the nation’s most influential artists and intellectuals. The goal of the series is to challenge our audiences, expose them to new ideas, and give them new perspectives on our world.

WYNTON MARSALIS

This year’s guests included Wynton Marsalis, Melissa Harris-Perry, and a sold-out crowd for Bill Nye the Science Guy.

MELISSA HARRIS-PERRY

Improved Quality of Life For Our Communities • 23

Athletics

The average cumulative GPA of all 351 student-athletes was 3.01, and 10 of WKU’s 18 sport programs had a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

56 student-athle tes e arn the C-USA Academic Medal for having a GPA of 3.75 or higher C-USA League-high 8 Conference Championships WKU football wins the inaugural pope ye’s Bahamas Bowl

Hilltopper teams won a record-setting eight Conference USA team championships as well as the school’s first FBS bowl victory

24 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

WKU earned its first bowl win in the Football Bowl Subdivision era with a victory in the inaugural Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl. WKU has been bowl eligible in four-straight seasons, the longest active streak in Conference USA, and the bowl win gave WKU back-to-back eight-win seasons.

WKU coaches and student athletes were recognized by Conference USA for their accomplishments

Michelle Cl ark-He ard, Amy Tudor & Erik Jenkins C-USA Coach of the Ye ar Award winners Miranda Kramer named C-USA Female Athle te of the Ye ar Brandon Dought y C-USA Football MVP C-USA Le ague High 55 Pl ayer of the Week Awards

Miranda Kramer

Brandon Doughty

Improved Quality of Life For Our Communities • 25

core mission

Infrastructure Work continued throughout the year on a number of campus improvement projects

One of the most visible changes at WKU over the past 18 years has been the physical transformation of its 250-acre Bowling Green campus. The intentional enhancement of the urban forest and the strict tree maintenance

regimen have propelled WKU into being recognized as a nationally accredited arboretum.

Two major student life improvement projects opened at the beginning of the 2014-15 academic year:

Kentucky Street Apartments and the Downing Student Union.

Construction was completed on the Honors College International Center, which is set to open to students in Fall 2015.

WKU and the community celebrated the reopening of the Baker Arboretum and Downing Art Museum

26 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

After a massive two-year, $58 million renovation, WKU celebrated the grand re-opening of the Dero Downing Student Union in August 2014. Originally constructed in 1970, the building was named for former WKU president, Dr. Dero Downing. The renovated facility houses auxiliary and academic support services, is the primary dining location on campus, and serves as a student organization meeting facility. DSU is the heartbeat of student life on the WKU campus.

Thompson Complex North Wing was razed in preparation for construction of a replacement building, which was approved and funded by the Kentucky General Assembly last year.

Construction is set to begin in early 2016 on a North Wing replacement building and modest renovations of the Thompson Complex Center Wing.

Core Mission Infrastructure • 27

sustainability

WKU’s campus awarded Level 1 Arbore tum accreditation WKU named Tree Campus USA for 5th time WKU receiveD Green Ribbon School Award from U.S. Department of Education

Across Kentucky, people are becoming increasingly interested in making their lives more sustainable. The Pathways to Sustainability Festival showcased local sustainability projects and tools and provided public outreach for people interested in permaculture, community development, smallscale farming, “tiny” houses, intentional communities, local food, and other emerging topics. The University also hosted the 2014 Campus Community Partnerships for Sustainability Conference to showcase the “best of the best” sustainability practices in Kentucky higher education.

28 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

Known for its hill, trees, and beautiful landscape, WKU was recognized multiple times this year for sustainable campus initiatives

from the farm to your table

WKU partnered with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and local farmers in the Farm to Campus program to bring fresh, local foods to WKU restaurants

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It’s entirely fitting that a university located in one of Kentucky’s top agricultural counties should be part of this program.

— Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner James Comer

In a rare event, the WKU campus experienced two major shutdowns due to record snowfall

Core Mission Infrastructure • 29

financials

budgeted revenue & expenses 2014-2015 *All figures presented in millions.

budgeted revenue by source

Auxiliary Enterprises $23.8 Self Generated $43.2 Restricted Funds $61.4 State Appropriation, Operating* $72.7 Tuition & Fees $191.2 _________________

$392.3

6.1% 11.0% 15.6% 18.5% 48.8%

Auxiliary Enterprises: Self-supporting entities that generate funds by selling goods and services and charge a fee for those goods or services Self-Generated: Entrepreneurial E&G unrestricted self-supporting funds Restricted Funds: Restricted in nature by external sources and cannot be redirected *Includes state funding for the Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science

unrestricted e&G budgeted expenditures

Student Aid $36.2 Debt Service $14.1 Operating Expenses $69.5 Capital Outlay $4.4 Utilities $7.7 Personnel $175.2 _________________

$307.1

11.8% 4.6% 22.7% 1.4% 2.5% 57.0%

wku and foundations endowments $142.9 million (6-30-2015)

WKU Foundation $75.2 College Heights Foundation $47.1 Annuities $4.6 Trusts $6.2 Third Party Trusts $9.8 _________________ $142.9

30 • Annual Progress Report 2014 - 2015

administrative council Dr. Gary A. Ransdell President board of regents Mr. Frederick A. Higdon Chair Dr. Melissa B. Dennison Vice Chair Ms. Cynthia Harris Secretary Dr. Phillip W. Bale Regent Mr. Gillard B. Johnson, III Regent Mr. J. David Porter Regent Mr. John W. Ridley Regent Mr. Laurence J. Zielke Regent Dr. Barbara Burch Faculty Regent Dr. Tamela W. Smith Staff Regent Mr. Jay Todd Richey Student Regent

Mr. Marc Archambault Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations Mr. Howard Bailey Vice President for Student Affairs Mr. Gordon Johnson Chief Information Technology Officer Dr. David Lee Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Ms. K. Ann Mead Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration Dr. Brian W. Meredith Chief Enrollment & Graduation Officer Dr. Richard C. Miller Vice Provost & Chief Diversity Officer Mr. Bryan B. Russell Chief Facilities Officer Mr. Todd Stewart Director of Athletics Ms. Robbin M. Taylor Vice President for Public Affairs Ms. Deborah T. Wilkins General Counsel

Financials | University Leadership • 31

w estern k entuc k y uni v ersit y

Š 2015 Western Kentucky University. Printing paid from state funds, KRS 57.375. Western Kentucky University is an equal opportunity institution of higher education and upon request provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. www.wku.edu/eoo