WKU News

Dear Colleagues,

As we settle into the rhythm of the fall semester, I want to thank you for the many ways you’ve helped our students feel welcome and at home on the Hill. From move-in and M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan to the countless day-to-day interactions you’ve had across campus, your efforts ensure our newest Hilltoppers are not only settled in but also ready to thrive.

This coming weekend, we will extend that same WKU Spirit to our extended Hilltopper family. Parent & Family Weekend is one of the most important traditions of the fall, providing parents and families the opportunity to experience life on our campus, connect with faculty and staff and see firsthand how their students are growing. Your engagement with them makes a lasting impression and reinforces the strength of our WKU community.

Looking ahead, I am excited to share that the annual Presidential Speaker Series returns on Tuesday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m. in Van Meter Auditorium, featuring nationally recognized researcher and author Dr. Jean Twenge. Dr. Twenge is a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and the author of seven books, including Generations (2023) and iGen (2017). Her research, featured in outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, CNN and NPR, explores how generational change and technology shape society. She has published more than 180 scientific articles on topics ranging from generational differences to mental health, social media use and well-being. Her research and commentary are frequently featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, CNN, NPR and Time.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Twenge brings data-driven insights and practical perspectives to audiences ranging from educators and business leaders to parents and policymakers. Her work helps communities better understand how rapid cultural and technological changes shape attitudes, relationships and opportunities across generations.

Dr. Twenge will deliver a keynote speech, How Changes in Technology Shape Each Generation. In this presentation, based on her widely acclaimed 2023 book Generations, she will reveal the three key forces driving generational change, examine the experiences and outcomes of the six living generations and share groundbreaking survey data that points toward future societal shifts. Drawing on her most recent book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, as well as her experience as the mother of three teens, Dr. Twenge will also offer practical, research-based strategies for navigating our relationship with technology. From setting healthy boundaries around smartphones, social media and gaming to building habits that encourage balance in an always-connected world, her insights will resonate with parents, professionals and anyone seeking to understand and thrive in the digital age.

As Dr. Twenge answers questions all of us are asking about how technology and generational change are shaping our daily lives, her insights will resonate not only with students, faculty and staff here at WKU, but also with community members throughout our region who are navigating these same dynamics in their families, workplaces and neighborhoods. We are thrilled to welcome such an esteemed expert to our campus and our region.

Dr. Twenge’s presentation is open to WKU students, faculty, staff and the public. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. No photography or recording of any kind is permitted during the presentation. For more information about the Presidential Speaker Series, visit www.wku.edu/presidentialspeakerseries. For more information about Jean Twenge, visit https://www.jeantwenge.com.

Finally, I hope you plan to join us this Friday at 10:00 a.m. for the dedication and ribbon cutting of Amy and David Chandler Hall, our new Gordon Ford College of Business building. This milestone represents years of planning and generosity, and the building will provide generations of business students with state-of-the-art learning spaces that match their ambition and talent. The new facility not only strengthens the Gordon Ford College of Business but also enhances our entire campus. I hope you will join us as we celebrate this transformational addition to the Hill.

Thank you for everything you continue to do to support our students and strengthen the Hilltopper family. I look forward to seeing you at these important events in the days and weeks ahead.

Go Tops!

Best, 

Timothy C. Caboni