WKU News

During Parent and Family Weekend, the family of WKU senior Sarah Wiles, freshman Hannah Wiles and graduate Autumn Wiles (‘23) of Bowling Green, Ky., was recognized as WKU’s 2025 Family of the Year.

Sarah Wiles, an Exercise Science major, nominated her family for the award. Her parents met on campus and have since raised three Hilltoppers. Her father, Todd, was a history major and went on to become a distinguished Brigadier General in the United States Air Force. Autumn graduated with a degree in entrepreneurship and has launched a clothing company and social media presence. Through WKU, Sarah found a position as a rehabilitation technician at Med Center Health and plans to become an occupational therapist. Hannah has fully embraced her new life as a Hilltopper during her first semester on the Hill.

In her essay, Sarah said, “Together, our family’s story is one of perseverance, service and love, tied together by our shared connection to WKU. From a Brigadier General and United pilot to a small business owner, from a future occupational therapist to a new freshman finding her way, our journeys all reflect the opportunities and values of WKU.” 

A selection committee of alumni and staff reviewed nominations for WKU’s Family of the Year. The Wiles family received a prize package including tickets to weekend events and an $800 student scholarship for the 2025 spring semester. 

Contact: Amelia Kolb, amelia.kolb@wku.edu

• Blanco Brown pregame concert announced: During Saturday's game, WKU Athletics announced that country hip-hop artist Blanco Brown will perform a free, pregame concert on October 14 before the WKU vs. FIU football game. The concert will begin at 5:30 p.m. with kickoff set for 7 p.m. Read more

-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.