WKU News

The Western Kentucky University Board of Regents today approved naming the new home of the Gordon Ford College of Business as Amy and David Chandler Hall.

Amy Chandler, a 1993 WKU graduate with a degree in Political Science, made history in 2004 as the first woman elected Warren County Attorney. David Chandler earned a science degree from WKU in 1982 and has since built a distinguished career in business and community development throughout the region. 

“We are extremely thankful for the gift from Amy and David Chandler to support this new facility,” WKU President Timothy C. Caboni said. “Their gift ensures a lasting legacy – one that will inspire current and future Hilltoppers while enriching the vibrant community the Chandlers proudly call home. Their leadership and success in their respective fields are only matched by their leadership and passion to give back to their community.”

The 113,000-square-foot facility was made possible through a nearly $75 million appropriation by the Kentucky General Assembly. Designed to transform business education at WKU, the building features cutting-edge learning environments, including a virtual reality simulation space, a trading lab with access to Bloomberg Terminals, a one-stop Student Success Center and a Center for Financial Success.

Amy and David Chandler Hall will open to students on August 18, the first day of the fall semester. A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and building dedication is scheduled for September 19.

The Board also elected officers for the 2025-2026 academic year:

• Jan West, Chair 
• Doris Thomas, Vice Chair
• Melissa Dennison, Secretary

Jan West administered the Oath of Office to Rush Robinson, the newest member of the Board. Robinson, a senior from Benton, was elected President of the Student Government Association and will serve as Student Regent, succeeding Sam Kurtz, who graduated in the spring.

The Board approved a new graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology Leadership. Offered through the School of Teacher Education in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, the program equips aspiring K-12 leaders with expertise in AI, educational technology, cybersecurity and best practices in online learning.

In other business, the Board of Regents:

• Granted emeritus status to Dr. Kevin Schmaltz, Professor of Mechanical Engineering
• Approved several philanthropic named spaces within Amy and David Chandler Hall
• Approved the suspension of three graduate certificate programs due to declining enrollment:
  • Literacy in Post-Secondary Settings
  • College and Career Readiness
  • Interdisciplinary Professionalism and Success
• Approved the conveyance of an easement to the Glasgow Power Board across university-owned property in Glasgow

The WKU Board of Regents will next meet on November 14 for committee meetings.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-4295

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Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, our students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.