Breaking news, sports and campus news from Western Kentucky University

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Debra Murray is the Engagement Editor for the Herald for Fall 2023.

Debra Murray, Engagement Editor

Debra Murray is the Editor-in-Chief for the College Heights Herald. She is a junior majoring in Journalism and Political Science at WKU. This is her sixth semester working for the Herald. She has previously worked at The Richmond Register as an intern through Kentucky Press Association.

All content by Debra Murray
Elizabeth Madariaga (right) Sexual Assault Services Coordinator at the WKU Counseling Center hands out a free t-shirt to a student as her, Melanie Evans (middle) Coordinator for WKU Student Conduct, and Maja O’Connell of Hope Harbor table on campus on Wednesday, March 30th for sexual assault awareness on campus.

WKU Counseling Center, Hope Harbor hosts Sexual Assault Prevention Month Kickoff

Debra Murray, Content Editor
March 31, 2022
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[Photo] CHHS holds voter registration event, stresses voting importance to students

March 30, 2022
Photo provided by Western Kentucky University.

Interim director Ron DeMarse named School of Media director

Debra Murray, Content Editor
March 29, 2022
Gatlin Milam buys clothes from a business partner for his store. Milam works full time to stock and build his business, using Instagram and TikTok to help advertise his hauls.

‘I am a real person’: How social media shapes creative lives

Debra Murray, Content Editor
March 21, 2022
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[Photo] WKU freshman showcases passion for photography with Instagram challenge

Lucy Rutherford, News Reporter
March 21, 2022
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[Photo] 3 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month

March 8, 2022
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[Photo] Critical Race Theory House bills bring debate to classrooms

Michael Crimmins, Investigative Reporter
February 24, 2022
Gatton Academy creates six candidates for 2022 United States Presidential Scholars Program

Gatton Academy creates six candidates for 2022 United States Presidential Scholars Program

Debra Murray, Content Editor
February 22, 2022
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[Photo] Student organizations fundraise for sexual assault victims

February 25, 2022
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[Photo] The Department of Physical Therapy conducts study on how COVID-19 impacts balance in college students

Madison Carter, News reporter
February 19, 2022
Number of Black students at WKU-1

WKU students sled down the hill in front of Van Meter Hall on Feb. 15 after a snow and ice storm swept through Bowling Green leading WKU to cancel virtual and in-person classes.

WKU to close campus early, remain closed tomorrow

Debra Murray, Content Editor
February 3, 2022
WKU students sled down the hill in front of Van Meter Hall on Feb. 15 after a snow and ice storm swept through Bowling Green leading WKU to cancel virtual and in-person classes.

National Weather Service issues Ice Storm Warning near WKU campuses

Debra Murray, Content Editor
February 2, 2022
Graduates wave their red towels near the end of the Potter College of Arts & Letters and University College commencement ceremony Feb. 20, 2021, at Diddle Arena.

Registrar office releases graduation, finals week dates

Debra Murray, Content Editor
January 24, 2022
At the final Faculty Senate meeting of the semester on Dec. 12, 2019, several actions regarding funding for academics were passed. 

Faculty Senate reschedules committee meeting

Debra Murray, Content Editor
January 20, 2022
The remains of WK Liquors on the morning of Dec. 11. Manoj was already on the scene saving what he could.

‘A pillar of the WKU community’: A WKU alumna starts fundraiser for local liquor store demolished during tornados

Debra Murray, Content Editor
December 13, 2021
Crews walk along the closed off section of US 31 bypass on Dec. 11.

Early morning tornado devastates businesses, homes across county

Debra Murray, Jake Moore, and Michael J. Collins
December 11, 2021
A special Board of Regents meeting to approve the budget for the 2022 fiscal year will be on Friday.

Regents approve salary changes, first-gen student initiative, Presidential evaluation, more in quarterly meeting

Debra Murray and Michael J. Collins
December 10, 2021
On Dec. 8, 2021, the Bowling Green Police Department found the body of Ronald Page at 1344 Park Street.

BGPD makes arrest in Park Street murder case

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
December 9, 2021
Two armed WKUPD officers stand near PFT after a shooting threat was posted on social media.

WKU student charged with terroristic threatening after threatening social media post

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
December 8, 2021
Two armed WKUPD officers stand near PFT after a shooting threat was posted on social media.

WKU Police investigating anonymous shooting threat from social media

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
December 8, 2021
Jace Lux, WKU’s director of media relations and university spokesperson, explained that the university looks both to the CDC and its in-state peers to set COVID-19 policies.

WKU offers COVID-19 vaccine boosters on campus

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
December 6, 2021
Jace Lux, WKU’s director of media relations and university spokesperson, explained that the university looks both to the CDC and its in-state peers to set COVID-19 policies.

WKU students reflect on the pandemic’s impact on the holiday season

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
November 24, 2021
At the final Faculty Senate meeting of the semester on Dec. 12, 2019, several actions regarding funding for academics were passed. 

Faculty senate discusses SITE evaluations, faculty fellows in latest meeting

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
November 18, 2021
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[Photo] Rep. Patti Minter co-sponsors bill seeking Insulin affordability

Michael Crimmins, News reporter
November 2, 2021
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[Photo] WKU Art and Design department highlights student artwork in 2021 Student Juried Exhibition

Henri Aboah, News reporter
November 2, 2021
'Providing space': Several campus organizations aim to provide a community for women in male-dominated fields

‘Providing space’: Several campus organizations aim to provide a community for women in male-dominated fields

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
November 1, 2021
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[Photo] The English Club hosts book sale in Cherry Hall

Makaio Smith, News reporter
October 27, 2021
A pride sign hangs at the Pride Festival on Oct. 2, 2020. 

WKU’s rating for inclusivity of LGBTQ+ students increased

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
October 26, 2021
WKU Greek Life is holding two separate blood drive events as part of Greek Week. The first of which is on Monday, March 28 and is referred to as the “Tug” blood drive, and the second will be held from April 18-20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

[Photo] College of Health and Human Services hosts blood drive this week

Alexandria Anderson, News reporter
October 26, 2021
Recent House Bill may lead to abortion restrictions in Kentucky

Recent House Bill may lead to abortion restrictions in Kentucky

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
October 18, 2021
Blacked out: Redacted sexual misconduct files obscure nearly a decade of university Title IX actions

Blacked out: Redacted sexual misconduct files obscure nearly a decade of university Title IX actions

Lily Burris and Debra Murray
September 20, 2021
Photo courtesy of WKU News.

26 Gatton Academy seniors nominated for National Merit Scholarship Competition

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
September 16, 2021
An unidentified women cries as she is consoled by her friend and a stranger in Union Square on Sept. 14, 2001 during a memorial for the people lost in the World Trade Center attacks in New York City. (Jeremy Lyverse/Western kentucky University)

Herald alumni reflect on covering 9/11

Debra Murray and Jacob Latimer
September 11, 2021
Top of the Week header

Twenty years later: Top Of The Week Podcast

Debra Murray, Jacob Latimer, and Shane Stryker
September 11, 2021
Top of the Week header

New year, new hosts: Top Of The Week Podcast

Debra Murray and Jacob Latimer
September 11, 2021
Photo courtesy of WKU News.

First winners of WKU vaccine incentive contest announced

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
September 10, 2021
Jace Lux, WKU’s director of media relations and university spokesperson, explained that the university looks both to the CDC and its in-state peers to set COVID-19 policies.

Graves Gilbert Clinic asks for patience from students awaiting COVID-19 test results

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
September 7, 2021
An exhibit of the National Corvette museum featuring two Corvettes made during the 1950's. Photo provided by Bowling Green Area CVB.

5 activities to do in Bowling Green during Labor Day weekend

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
September 4, 2021
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[Photo] Student print allocation reduced to $10

Genesis Malone, News reporter
September 1, 2021
As seen on Tuesday, Aug. 31 2021, a tree lays fallen on the East side of Munday Hall.

Tree falls on Munday Hall

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 31, 2021
Campus Chick-fil-A receives sustainability certification

Campus Chick-fil-A receives sustainability certification

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 27, 2021
Formerly missing service dog found

Formerly missing service dog found

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 26, 2021
Students walk toward Cherry Hall on the first day of classes at WKU on Aug. 25 in Bowling Green. Mike Clark/HERALD

5 tips for readjusting to in-person classes this semester

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 25, 2021
Demolition work on the Garrett Conference Center continued Thursday, as WKU moves forward on various projects around campus before the start of the Fall semester. The Conference Center, which opened in 1953, was expanded in 1964, according to the Kentucky Museum. The building’s footprint will be filled by green space, according to the university’s Campus Master Plan.

8 things that happened on the Hill this summer

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 23, 2021
Normal and Regents Hall were recently opened to students, and offer 13 new LLCs.

WKU looking to emphasize living learning communities

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 23, 2021
On June 9, construction on the WKU Commons at Helm Library made progress. However, the Com- mons will not open until later this Fall due to delays.

[Photo] WKU Commons expected to open this fall with new dining options, study spaces

Jake Jones, News reporter
August 23, 2021
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[Photo] View from the Bottom of the Hill: Miss gameday? Get vaccinated

Kaden Gaylord-Day, Sports columnist
August 23, 2021
Madison Hines and Lauren Keever (right) pick up their order from The Groovy Gus Donut Bus at Jackson’s Orchard and Nursery on Saturday, Oct. 3. 2020. Cindi Roehm (left), owner of the truck, said business has picked back up since she had to stop operation in the spring due to COVID-19. “We came to a complete halt in April,” Roehm said. “Now, it’s kind of back to normal.”

Food truck announced as dining option for start of semester

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 19, 2021
Kara Marion, a sophomore, works with biology professor Cristi Galindo on muscular dystrophy research on mice.

Biology professor, students research muscular dystrophy on mice

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 18, 2021
WKU President Timothy Caboni spoke at a faculty and staff convocation in Van Meter Hall today.

President Caboni kicks off semester with new programs, honoring volleyball coach

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 16, 2021
Alice Gatewood Waddell is currently working on a Jonesville mural in the lobby of the Kentucky Museum. The mural depicts the story of the thriving neighborhood as WKU takes over the land.

A storytelling mural of Jonesville is being installed in the Kentucky Museum

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 12, 2021
Northeast Hall will now be named Munday Hall, after Margret Munday the first African American student at WKU.

WKU dorm renamed for first Black student

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 6, 2021
Signs placed around campus remind students how to be safe and stay healthy while on campus by wearing masks and social distancing from other students.

WKU returns to masks indoors

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 4, 2021
Buildings across WKU’s campus have signs stating that masks are required in order to enter.

Faculty, students concerned, yet hopeful for a normal semester

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
August 2, 2021
The WKU Commons construction project is set to be completed this fall. Once completed, the Commons will feature multiple new restaurants as well at temporary eating locations changing throughout the semester.

With Commons not complete, temporary dining options considered

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 30, 2021
Signs placed around campus remind students how to be safe and stay healthy while on campus by wearing masks and social distancing from other students.

As vaccination rates remain low, Warren County enters “red zone”

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 28, 2021
Tate Page Hall was "mothballed" in 2019. The area will remain green space until the university has funding to build a new college of business there.

Tate Page demolition continues

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 26, 2021
The university doesn’t plan to pursue any building or college name changes including removing Robert Ogden of Ogden College, Pleasant J. Potter of Potter College and Charles Vanmeter of Vanmeter Hall. All three figures have ties to slavery as detailed in the report by the Naming and Symbols Task Force.

Caboni: WKU will keep names of Potter, Ogden colleges, Van Meter Hall; dorm to be renamed Munday Hall

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 21, 2021
The College Heights Foundation plans to demolish the house located at 509 Regents Ave. to put staff parking for the Cliff Todd Center staff.

College Heights Foundation to demolish house on Regents Avenue

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 21, 2021
The Kentucky Museum opened back to the public in February, and the staff has been working on several new exhibits to interest visitors, Brent Bjorkman, director of the Kentucky Museum said. "We're excited to have people come in, we're excited to be able to share these upcoming exhibits that connect with lessons and colleagues that are teaching around campus and being a service," Bjorkman

Kentucky Museum utilizes virtual tours and podcasts during COVID-19

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 20, 2021
Jace Lux, WKU’s director of media relations and university spokesperson, explained that the university looks both to the CDC and its in-state peers to set COVID-19 policies.

New COVID-19 variant may change university guidelines

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 19, 2021
"Kill All Your Darlings" is the latest suspense novel by WKU English professor and USA Today bestselling author, David Bell. Photo courtesy of David Bell.

WKU professor kills his darlings in his 11th suspense novel

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 16, 2021
Cliff Todd was a well-known donor and WKU alumnus. "He would like to know that he's helping impact so many students stories and future things that they're going to be able to accomplish," Jessica Carver, Vice President of the College Heights Foundation said. Photo provided by the College Heights Foundation.

Cliff Todd dies; donor’s name was placed on College Heights Foundation building last month

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 15, 2021
Helen Sterk has been teaching for 47 years. She started at WKU in 2011 when she came to be head of the communication department.

‘Teaching was my first professional love’: Communication department head reflects on career at WKU

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 14, 2021
As summer continues, construction on the Commons at Helm Library continues. It is expected to be finished by the fall semester.

New dining options set to open on campus this fall

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
July 13, 2021
A group of students studied geology in the Bahamas during the winter term of 2010. Photo provided by WKU News.

Geology professor is one of 125 to retire today

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 30, 2021
Garrett Conference Center will soon be demolished and made into green space for students.

Faculty House Drive will be closed starting tomorrow

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 29, 2021
The empire dress was inspired by Greek and Roman statues. This style was popular in women's fashion from 1790 until 1920.

New Kentucky Museum exhibits focus on women’s roles in politics

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 28, 2021
Bob Skipper, director of media relations and Debra Varner, administrative assistant will retire on June 30.

Retiree reception honors two members of WKU community

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 25, 2021
Jace Lux, WKU’s director of media relations and university spokesperson, explained that the university looks both to the CDC and its in-state peers to set COVID-19 policies.

Vaccination requirements not included in fall semester plan

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 24, 2021
Steam line 38 to 38B, between Grise Hall and Northeast Hall, will be replaced. The construction employees are currently insulating the new pipeline.

Area by Grise Hall is fenced off while steam line is fixed

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 23, 2021
The Snell-Franklin Decorative Arts Gallery shows decor and furniture from several time periods starting around the 1800s to present.

A Kentucky Museum exhibit provides visitors with a glimpse through history

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 22, 2021
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Debra Murray