Categories: College University AthleticsWestern Kentucky University News

Bowling Green Expands Educational Opportunities with Research Initiatives

Attendees at WKU's Celebration of Research engaging with research displays.

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News Summary

Bowling Green is set to celebrate the annual Celebration of Research & Sponsored Activities hosted by WKU. The event recognizes faculty for their dedication while introducing proposed legislative efforts that could expand WKU into having doctoral programs, boosting educational opportunities, especially in data science. WKU’s initiatives, including LCCWEAR’s recent funding achievement, are aimed at positively impacting local communities and responding to workforce needs in Kentucky.

Bowling Green Celebrates Research Innovation and New Educational Opportunities

Bowling Green is buzzing with excitement thanks to the WKU Office of Research & Creative Activities hosting its annual Celebration of Research & Sponsored Activities. This lively event is set to take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Eva and Jim Martens Alumni Center. The gathering is a golden opportunity for faculty and staff to be recognized for their unwavering dedication to securing external funding that drives their research and creative projects.

With WKU President Timothy C. Caboni delivering the opening remarks and an awards presentation by Dr. Jenni Redifer, the Interim Associate Provost for Research, attendees can expect an inspiring celebration full of motivation and creativity. The Robertson-Feix Grand Ballroom will be transformed into a vibrant showcase of research projects, allowing guests to visually engage with the innovative work being done right at WKU.

New Legislative Efforts for Advanced Doctoral Programs

House Bill 118, has been introduced to allow WKU to offer up to five doctoral research degree programs. This legislation was cited as a response to Kentucky’s ever-growing workforce needs and is aimed at expanding educational opportunities in fields closely tied to the state’s economy.

If successfully passed, this bill could position WKU to become the third university in Kentucky with a Research II (R2) classification, tailing only the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, both of which hold the prestigious Research I (R1) status. To qualify for the R2 classification, WKU must demonstrate an investment of at least $5 million in research while also conferring a minimum of 20 doctoral research degrees annually.

WKU has made strides in its research funding and has already met the expenditure requirement. While the highest current degree available at WKU is an advanced practice doctorate, the addition of doctoral research degrees is much needed for the esteemed R2 status. The most anticipated program being discussed appears to be in data science, especially following the successful launch of an undergraduate program in the same field just last month!

Research Impacting Local Communities

The recent initiatives at WKU are not only about earning new titles and funding. They are also about making a tangible impact on the community. The WKU LifeSkills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research (LCCWEAR) recently secured an impressive $5.8 million in external funding aimed at expanding services that support child welfare across Kentucky. This funding will enable LCCWEAR to ramp up its ongoing initiatives, which include providing solutions through data science aimed at assisting communities, addressing intergenerational trauma, and offering resources for youth transitioning out of foster care.

Under the leadership of Dr. Austin Griffiths, LCCWEAR is set to create 16 full-time staff positions based at WKU’s Community Health Sciences Complex at South Campus. This expansion highlights the university’s commitment to improving services for vulnerable populations in various areas.

A Bright Future Ahead

Tim Caboni emphasizes the university’s focus on becoming a bridge between research and industry, it’s clear that the future is shining bright for WKU and its community. The Celebration of Research & Sponsored Activities is not just an event; it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of countless individuals paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future for all of Kentucky.