Western Kentucky University
EN-13: Community Stakeholder Engagement

WKU has a Board of Advisors at the University level, as well as for many departments and programs. These groups are selected in various ways, but all are intended to be diverse, and bring expertise or insight into decision making processes. Additionally, a series of open community forums were conducted to establish priorities as part of the Council on Post-Secondary Education Regional Stewardship Program. The intent was to identify pressing regional issues to inform targeted priorities for WKU's service region and to be addressed by our Regional Stewardship Program. One outcome that encourages further community involvement is the Community Partnerships Incentives Awards Program, sponsored by the WKU ALIVE Center. The ALIVE Center is committed to bringing campus and community together for the enrichment of both higher education and public life. The Center facilitates collaborative efforts that address local, regional, and global needs while enhancing the level of student learning and educational experience.

WKU places extreme importance on diversity and inclusion. For many of the Advisory Boards, nominations are solicited and members are chosen based on appropriate stakeholder representation. In determining regional needs, open forums were conducted. Open forums are often conducted on campus for faculty, students and staff regarding university changes or needs. The WKU ALIVE Center conducts intentional outreach to underrepresented groups to encourage engagement and collaboration on university-community projects.

The President’s Board of Advisors comprises 66 individuals from around the region, representing alumni, parents, retired faculty and staff, and other identified WKU stakeholders. The WKU ALIVE Center fosters campus-community partnerships with a variety of groups to ensure that WKU is considering and serving the needs of historically underserved populations. Some examples are: Amigo Resource Network The Homeless and Housing Coalition of Southern Kentucky Senior Information Resource Network Educational Resource for Youth Disability Information Coalition Refugee Craft Cooperative Healthy and Active Lifestyle Training for At-Risk Youth Additional University collaborations include partnerships with groups such as: Habitat for Humanity The Housing Authority of Bowling Green Boys and Girls Club The Bowling Green Fairness Coalition The American Red Cross United Way of Southern Kentucky Bowling Green City Schools Warren County Public Schools Southern Kentucky Veteran Council HOTEL Inc Barren River Area Development District Hope Harbor Bowling Green Refugee Center

Outcomes include an informed and targeted Regional Stewardship Program, and many campus/community projects encouraged by the Community Partnerships Incentives Awards Program. Additionally, the Board of Advisors advise the President on the creation and ongoing oversight of the University’s Strategic Action Plan.