WKU News

Western Kentucky University marked a significant milestone in the Gordon Ford College of Business's history today (Sept. 19) with the official ribbon cutting and dedication of Amy and David Chandler Hall.

 “When we opened the doors of this state-of-the-art facility to our students last month, we also opened the doors to endless possibilities for learning, for research, for leadership and for personal growth,” President Timothy C. Caboni said. “This building immerses students in real-world experiences and fully equips them to thrive beyond their time on the Hill.”

The 113,000-square-foot Collegiate Georgian facility on South Lawn blends cutting-edge technology with collaborative spaces that foster innovation, mentorship and professional growth. Since its opening, Chandler Hall has become a central hub for students, featuring flexible classrooms, an Investment and Applied Learning Lab, a dedicated sales classroom, a real-time stock-ticker and a comprehensive Student Success Center. The spaces were designed to more uniformly serve the needs of students and elevate the teaching and research of the faculty and staff. Additionally, its coffee shop, Topper Grind, has quickly become popular among the campus community.

The Gordon Ford College of Business has experienced significant enrollment increases in recent years, and the new building will support that enrollment growth while celebrating the history of business education in Kentucky.

 The project was made possible through a combination of state investment and private philanthropy. In April 2022, the Kentucky General Assembly approved $74.4 million as part of House Bill 1 to support construction. The commitment was strengthened by WKU alumni Amy and David Chandler, whose transformative gift inspired the building’s name and provided critical support for the facility.

 “Western Kentucky University holds a special place in our hearts,” David Chandler said. “Supporting the new home of the Gordon Ford College of Business reflects our belief in the power of education to transform lives.”

 “We hope this investment helps provide students at WKU with the tools, opportunities and leadership skills they need to succeed,” Amy Hale Chandler said. “And we hope they use those attributes to pursue their own giving opportunities for the benefit of others, just as we once dreamed of doing as students at WKU.”

 “Amy and David Chandler Hall truly blends innovation with connection,” said Dr. Evelyn Thrasher, Dean of the Gordon Ford College of Business. “It’s not just a place to learn—it’s a place where mentorship, collaboration and professional growth happen every day. By distributing departments across multiple floors, we’ve created new opportunities for interdisciplinary faculty collaboration that directly benefits students.”

 Students have quickly embraced the space. Senior Finance major Tanner Redmon said, “This building and its amenities make me want to be a student forever. One of the things I love most is that there’s no wall between professors and students here. The design reflects the way our faculty are always available—ready to mentor and help us whenever we need it.”

 The ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony included remarks from Amy Chandler, President Caboni, Dean Thrasher, Janette Scott of Gensler architects, Tom Lampe of Messer Construction, GFCB Student Ambassador Tanner Redmon, Kentucky Senate Pro Tempore David Givens and State Representative Michael Meredith.

In addition to the gift from Amy and David Chandler, the facility currently features 35 philanthropically named spaces and a donor wall that recognizes an additional 76 donors who made gifts to support the facility. Learn more about these philanthropic gifts at https://alumni.wku.edu/s/808/24/landing.aspx?sid=808&gid=1&pgid=7346.  

-- WKU –

Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps 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.

Contact: Jace Lux, (270) 745-4295