Western Kentucky University

The meeting included the approval of minutes from the previous quarterly meeting held in December. The academic affairs committee addressed items including a consent agenda (action items 1 through 12) and the approval of recommendations for two faculty members to receive the University Distinguished Professor award: Dr. Monica Burke and Dr. Janet Tassel. Additionally, approval was sought for emeritus appointments for five faculty members, including Dr. Mark Robinson, Dr. Michael May, Dr. Kelly Mal, Dr. Lance Han, and Dr. Patricia D. Roger. The finance, budget, and audit committee approved a consent agenda (FBA 1 through 3). The executive committee received an information item unveiling the 'Elevate WKU' initiative, which focuses on transforming undergraduate education through multi-phase housing development, with presentation updates provided by partners from Gilbane and Mackie Mitchell regarding phase one.

The committee meeting focused on the approval of several new academic offerings and strategic budget discussions. Key items included the approval of a new Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis, a program eight years in development that emphasizes rigorous, in-program clinical supervision, serving populations with autism and developmental disabilities. The board also approved a graduate certificate in Digital Health Data Management, highlighting the growing need for IT diffusion in the multi-trillion dollar healthcare sector and addressing challenges related to AI influence and data management. Furthermore, a graduate certificate in Health Policy and Systems Management was approved, designed to allow professionals to gain exposure to the field without committing to a full Master of Health Administration degree. Finally, the committee approved the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science programs in Disaster Science, growing from the existing meteorology program and designed to address growing regional and national needs for emergency management and disaster preparedness expertise. Budget discussions emphasized strategic investment funds and return on investment analyses for new programs.

This document outlines the major metrics and their updated statuses for WKU's 'Climbing to Greater Heights' Strategic Plan for the period 2018-2028. It tracks performance across key strategic areas, including student financial aid, philanthropy, STEM+H degree completion for all and underrepresented populations, Campus Pride Index rating, student progression, retention, and graduation rates. Additionally, it monitors graduate degree awards, faculty development, research grants, study abroad participation, readmitted and transfer student success, employment outcomes in Kentucky, and NCAA academic progress report rates, providing a comprehensive overview of the university's strategic progress.

The document records the Fall 2025 Recognition Ceremony, focusing primarily on the acknowledgment and conferral of degrees for graduates of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS). Key segments included welcoming guests, recognizing faculty, staff, and academic leadership, acknowledging WKU alumni, honoring military service members, recognizing first-generation graduates, and acknowledging students receiving academic honors such as Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, and Mahurin Honors College medallions. The Dean of the College of Health and Human Services provided advice to the graduates regarding wellness, continuous learning, taking opportunities, and emphasizing kindness in their future endeavors. The ceremony concluded with the official conferral of master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees.

The Board of Regents meeting addressed several action items. EX-1 involved the request and recommendation for the Board to accept ownership and transfer of titles for properties located at 2311, 2315, and 2319 Nashville Road from the WKU Real Estate Corporation following the satisfaction of associated Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts. EX-2 concerned the authorization to grant an easement to the Warren County Water District across university property on Elrod Road to support water pressure for a new elementary school, including provisions for temporary construction easements and restoration. EX-3 covered the authorization to grant an easement to the Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation for an overhead power line crossing the WKU Agriculture Farm property to serve a leased plot used by Top Crops. EX-4 addressed the request for the adoption of Western Kentucky University's Antisemitism Policy, as mandated by Kentucky Senate Joint Resolution 55. EX-5 dealt with the approval of a Pre-Development Agreement with Gilbane Development Company for financing, design, construction, management, and operation of new student housing and renovation of existing housing, with details on pre-development cost funding and termination clauses.