After a national search with more than 50 candidates, WKU’s new executive director of Alumni Relations will come from within.

Kathryn Costello, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, said Rick DuBose, previously the director of Development for Corporate and Foundation Relations, would begin as the director of Alumni Relations sometime next week.

DuBose said it felt incredible to get the job.

“It’s a great honor to me, at least I feel like it’s a great honor,” he said. “It’s very humbling when I look at the people who served before.”

He also said he’s excited about the job because he loves WKU.

“I want to make an impact so it’s very special,” he said.

DuBose has been employed at WKU for 16 years.

“But the university has been a part of my life since my parents moved here when I was six years old,” he said.

He submitted his application and resume for the job in early February and said it was an exhaustive process, but well worth it.

Costello said DuBose was a “great relationship builder” and had “perfect qualifications” for the job.

DuBose is replacing Donald Smith, who recently became the president of the College Heights Foundation.

DuBose said he is exactly where he wants to be and can’t wait to get started, especially on getting to discover the opportunities the new Augenstein Alumni Center has to offer.

“It’s a tremendous facility and I think it’s going to impact how we do business and how we operate tremendously,” he said. “I love Western, I love people and I just can’t wait to get out and meet even more of them than I already know.”