Western Kentucky University Foundation

WKU Foundation

The Western Kentucky University Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Chartered in 1993, the Foundation promotes the welfare and future development of Western Kentucky University’s educational goals by managing assets and maintaining donor records for the benefit of Western Kentucky University.

The WKU Foundation is the official repository for gifts to the University. To accomplish its mission, the Foundation provides those services normally associated with a university-related foundation, including but not limited to volunteer leadership, fund solicitation, asset management services, and gift acceptance and acknowledgement.

Funds donated to WKU are assigned to specific accounts within the Foundation to allow donations to be used to benefit the University.

James L. “Bud” Layne Professorship

The Layne Professorship provides support to the Mechanical Engineering program and the Department of Engineering through the establishment of project-based learning experiences centered on the concept of “design-build-test.” The Professor serves to connect regional industries to identify real-life project opportunities for faculty and students that integrate existing and emerging technologies. The Professor also identifies opportunities for state, federal, and private external funding to support continued development of the program and department.

The Professor participates in the delivery of the instructional program, teaching a minimum of one course per semester, as well as assisting with the accreditation criteria related to incorporation of design concepts in the curriculum. The Layne Professorship also provides support for student competitions and classroom supplies.  Joel Lenoir, PE, serves as the Layne Professor at WKU, a title he has held since 1998.

WKU Engineering Industrial Partnership

SpanTech is a member of the WKU Engineering Industrial Partnership, a formal, institutionalized way for WKU Engineering students and faculty to work on meaningful industry projects. The Partnership offers highly qualified students and alumni employment opportunities with Industrial Partners throughout Bowling Green and the surrounding counties. Currently, there are 14 Industrial Partners who are visionary, advanced technology companies committed to the growth of the region’s engineering talent.

The opportunity to work side-by-side with some of the most promising engineering students in the region translates into great value for the Industrial Partners in improving the quality of the workforce as well as improving the retention of engineers as future full-time employees.

Hilltopper Athletic Foundation

Since 1965, the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation (HAF) has served as the financial lifeblood for WKU Athletics helping to fund the overall student-athlete experience at Western Kentucky University. The purposes of the Foundation are to provide the necessary scholarships and other financial assistance to allow as many student-athletes as possible the opportunity for an athletic and academic experience at WKU and to further support WKU Athletics through private support and visibility.