WKU News

Ethan Yaste, an Alvaton, Kentucky native and senior at Western Kentucky University (WKU), will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. Yaste will also earn a minor in Health Care Administration and a minor in Military Science.

Before beginning his academic career at WKU, Yaste enlisted as a medic in the Kentucky Army National Guard, where his experience sparked an interest in healthcare. Motivated by a desire to better understand how to keep soldiers and patients healthy, Yaste decided to further his education.

Located close to home and offering a military student discount, WKU was an easy choice. Yaste chose his program, Health Sciences, because of the structure of the program, which combines science and business courses in one degree. The interdisciplinary nature of the program offers students the opportunity to pursue careers in diverse health-related settings after graduation.

Dr. Grace Lartey, Professor for the Department of Public Health, said Ethan’s work ethic is unmatched. He demonstrates excellent leadership skills inside and outside the classroom.

Yaste credits the WKU Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) as instrumental in shaping him as a student, soldier, and leader. He stated, “The best part of my WKU experience by far was participating as a cadet in the WKU ROTC program. I made some really good friends, and I got an awesome job out of it too! Lead from the Top!”

At WKU, over 100 students from various academic fields take Army ROTC courses on campus each year. Approximately 19 WKU students each year complete the Army ROTC program and earn commissions as Army officers.

During his time on the Hill, Yaste participated in many beneficial opportunities. The Cadet Summer Training, a camp that tests and evaluates the leadership skills cadets have developed, was an experience he said helped prepare him for his career after graduation.

Yaste also had a unique opportunity to participate in a shadowing rotation program hosted by Greenview Regional Hospital and South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center. Fifteen WKU students are selected to spend eight weeks rotating through hospital departments and shadowing various healthcare providers.

Upon graduation, he will continue his service as a U.S. Army Officer.

“I use the leadership skills I’ve learned in my classes and through ROTC to help me effectively complete my duties as a soldier in the KY Army National Guard. I will continue my service as a platoon leader in the KY Army National Guard, and I hope to utilize my skillset in a civilian career as well,” Yaste shared.

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#WKUGrad series: As part of our #WKUGrad series, articles on graduating students are shared in the weeks leading up to Commencement. See all of their stories at https://www.wku.edu/news/articles.

Learn more about the College of Health and Human Services Health Sciences program.

Learn more about WKU Army ROTC and the Military Science program at https://www.wku.edu/rotc/