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
To celebrate Juneteenth becoming a national holiday, local vendors and keynote speakers gathered at SOKY Marketplace.

Black members of the WKU community share their thoughts on Juneteenth

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 19, 2021
In today's Board of Regents meeting, the regents approved the 2021-22 fiscal year budget. The regents approved a $375.6 million operating budget for fiscal year 2022.The total budget is down $12 million, or 3.2%, from fiscal year 2020.

WKU regents approve 2021-22 budget with tuition and pay increases

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 18, 2021
Potter Hall, home to Western Kentucky University’s Counseling Center, its presumably empty on Wednesday night, Sep. 9, 2020, in Bowling Green, Ky.

WKU awarded a $1.92 million grant for counseling workforce

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 18, 2021
Cherry Hall. File photo, Mike Clark/HERALD

WKU to close June 21 in observance of new Juneteenth national holiday

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 18, 2021
Stuart Foster, geography professor, director of the Kentucky Mesonet and state climatologist will retire on June 30.

[Photo] WKU professor who created the Kentucky Mesonet to retire

June 17, 2021
Two WKU students finished top 10 in the first photojournalism competition for the 2021-2022 Hearst Journalism Awards Program. 

WKU School of Media places third in Hearst intercollegiate overall competition among journalism programs

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 16, 2021
A special Board of Regents meeting to approve the budget for the 2022 fiscal year will be on Friday.

WKU regents to vote Friday on budget with 2% tuition hike

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 16, 2021
Joseph Cangemi was a psychology professor at WKU, and worked at the university for 51 years prior to retirement. He passed away on June 13 at the age of 84.

Longtime WKU professor Joseph Cangemi dies

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 15, 2021
In fall 2020, signs had been placed around campus remind students how to be safe and stay healthy while on campus by wearing masks and social distancing from other students. The upcoming fall semester, students will not be told to wear masks or social distance.

WKU announced the COVID-19 guidelines for the upcoming semester

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 14, 2021
Buildings across WKU’s campus have signs stating that masks are required in order to enter.

Kentucky’s mask mandate ends today

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 11, 2021
As summer continues, construction on the Commons at Helm Library continues. It is expected to be finished by the fall semester.

WKU Commons nears completion, announcement on final restaurant expected soon

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 9, 2021
Jace Lux will be replacing Bob Skipper as director of media relations, and will start in his new position on July 1. Photo provided by WKU.

WKU announces new director of media relations

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 8, 2021
The process for road paving has begun on Kentucky Street next to Kentucky Street Apartments.

Bike lanes to be added on Kentucky, Adams Street

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 7, 2021
Patti Minter, a history professor at WKU, is involved in the Bowling Green Fairness group, which is a group working on getting the fairness ordinance passed in Bowling Green.

Rep. Patti Minter plans to reintroduce statewide Fairness Bill

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 4, 2021
According to the lawsuit, Brinkley told Wilkins he was informed by Caboni to “withdraw the position offer from the female employee.” According to Brinkley, Caboni informed him the employee could not transfer to another WKU position because she was under a “Plan of Improvement” regarding her performance at her current job, and that “WKU policy doesn’t allow an employee to transfer to another position.” When Brinkley asked Wilkins if this was true, Wilkins informed him there was no policy to this effect and that the employee in question was not under a Plan of Improvement.

WKU to eliminate distance learning fee

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 3, 2021
Warren County Justice Center, location of Warren Circuit Court.

WKU releases heavily redacted documents from its lawsuit against Herald

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 2, 2021
A special Board of Regents meeting to approve the budget for the 2022 fiscal year will be on Friday.

Caboni discusses retirements, budget, return to normalcy

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
June 1, 2021
Jayden Thomas was award to the $25,000 Boren Scholarship to fund another trip abroad. Photo provided by a press release by WKU.

WKU student awarded scholarship to fund his third year in Japan

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 28, 2021
Demolition should begin on Tate Page in June, and then soon after Garrett Conference Center will be razed. The place where Garrett currently is will become green space.

Demolition of Tate Page and Garrett Conference Center expected to begin soon

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 27, 2021
An exhibit of the National Corvette museum featuring two Corvettes made during the 1950's. Photo provided by Bowling Green Area CVB.

10 things to do during the summer in Bowling Green

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 26, 2021
Beckie Stobaugh, an associate professor in the School of Teacher Education, has been named as a Fulbright Scholar, and will go to Colombia this summer to coach instructors on formative assessment. “I think the purpose of Fulbright us that our countries can support the exchange of information and ideas,” Stobaugh said. “That’s what I look forward to doing as I travel and learn.”

WKU education professor selected to participate in a prestigious international program

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 25, 2021
Two WKU students finished top 10 in the first photojournalism competition for the 2021-2022 Hearst Journalism Awards Program. 

Several WKU students and School of Media place in the Hearst competition

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 25, 2021
Colonnade Street was blocked off as fences are being put up around the College Heights Foundations building.

A part of Colonnade Drive is permanently closed to become green space

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 24, 2021
Gatlin is able to travel throughout Kentucky and Tennessee for his job in sales, which allows him to find various pieces including ball caps, vintage t-shirts and jeans.

‘Shop sustainably’: WKU alumnus has started a vintage reselling business

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 21, 2021
Throughout the year, the WKU PINK chapter holds events for team members and people interested. Photos were provided by Kate Nash.

WKU students join brand ambassador programs for perks and experiences

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 20, 2021
Donato's has advertised via email that the business is hiring. In their email, they offered coupons to people who applied. Manager of Donato's, Jeff Lyzears, said the location had a reliable group of employees currently.

Local businesses face challenges while seeking employees

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 19, 2021
Dave Brown is the new dean of Ogden College of Science and Engineering. He started July 1.

WKU has announced the next dean of Ogden College of Science and Engineering

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 18, 2021
The Capitol has been a landmark of culture in Bowling Green for over 100 years, and will continue to be with help from the Warren County Public Library.

The Warren County Public Library is hosting events throughout the summer at the Capitol Arts Center

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 17, 2021
WKU President Timothy Caboni at the tour of Helm Library on Mar. 16, 2021.

President Caboni announces changes to mask requirements on campus

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 14, 2021
For more than three decades, the Phoenix Theatre has been home to local production company the Public Theatre of Kentucky. The 1993-1994 production season was the first of the Public Theatre of Kentucky to be held in the Phoenix Theatre.

‘People are ready to be creative again’: The Public Theatre of Kentucky is planning to return to live performances

Debra Murray, Digital News Editor
May 14, 2021
All 14 of the new student ambassadors holding their red towels next to the Big Red statute across from the Augenstein Alumni Center.

Student Alumni Ambassadors welcome 14 new members to the organization

Debra Murray, News Reporter
May 12, 2021
One of five micro pantries in an old newspaper vending machine that was donated by the Bowling Green Daily News. This micropantry is located at 958 Collett Avenue, across from International Center of Kentucky.

WKU student starts micropantries to help food insecurity in Bowling Green

Debra Murray, News Reporter
May 11, 2021
President Timothy Caboni listens during the Board of Regents presentation about WKU's Budget changes that will be implemented in 2020.

Board of Regents explains upcoming budget, tuition changes, discusses other future changes

Debra Murray, News reporter
May 7, 2021
Lawrenceburg junior Alexis Corbin works for the local organization Top Crops at the local farmers market Saturday, April 30. Top Crops currently sells a variety of vegetables and plans to sell blueberries and strawberries in the future; they will be growing pumpkins in the fall. Lex Selig/HERALD

Five activities to do over summer break

Debra Murray, News reporter
May 5, 2021
Consummate Hilltopper: Public relations professor remembered by colleagues after death

Consummate Hilltopper: Public relations professor remembered by colleagues after death

Debra Murray and Lily Burris
April 30, 2021
Top of the Week header

VSIP impacts, new podcast hosts: Top Of The Week Podcast

Debra Murray and Jacob Latimer
April 21, 2021
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Women of Western: 3 female professors on what led them to WKU

Debra Murray
March 30, 2021
The City of Bowling Green and Warren County have jointly declared a state of emergency as coronavirus continues to spread across the Commonwealth, although no confirmed cases have been reported in south-central Kentucky.

Kentucky Supreme Court decision in Kentucky Kernel case could affect Herald lawsuit, attorney says

Debra Murray
March 25, 2021
Infographic of changes to President Caboni's contract

Caboni signs employment agreement, continues to serve as university president

Debra Murray
March 23, 2021
(Source)

Women in Business find unexpected benefits from COVID-19 challenges

Debra Murray
March 20, 2021
The pink tax increases the prices of feminine products like the ones pictured above. However, a new House bill aims to eradicate the sexist tax from Kentucky.

New House bill aims to remove ‘pink tax’ from menstrual products

Debra Murray
March 16, 2021
Emotionally

BSA holds panel on mental health among black students

Debra Murray, Staff Reporter
February 10, 2021
WKU Interim Provost Cheryl Stevens plays with her dog Ruthie in an office suite in the Wetherby Administration Building. On June 30, Stevens will step down from the role of interim provost and will fully retire by the end of December.

‘I want to spend those in a different way:’ Provost looks on retirement as she winds down her time at WKU

Debra Murray
February 9, 2021
House Bill 145 aims to set up due process in pubic college disciplinary systems. The bill is authored by Rep. Kim Banta from Northern Kentucky.

New house bill to provide students with additional protections during disciplinary actions

Debra Murray
February 2, 2021
Photo illustration by Sam Mallon.

What students need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine

Debra Murray
January 19, 2021
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Students share TikToks, Spotify Wrapped at English salon

Debra Murray
December 10, 2020
Kaleena Sales presents at the InterConnected lecture Tuesday.

Design lecture series focuses on diversity in the field

Debra Murray
November 18, 2020
Audrey Plescia, a junior at WKU majoring in theatre and sociology, suspends in her hammock near Centennial Mall on September 5. Fewer students seem to be choosing to relax and socialize in public spaces on campus. Even so, sightings of WKU students suspended in hammocks around campus remains fairly common.

SGA creates petition for P/D/F option

Debra Murray
November 18, 2020
Davon Taylor participates in the Arrest the Fear simulator which places volunteers into various scenarios that a police officer might find themselves in.

Students test reactions in BGPD simulator training

Debra Murray
November 13, 2020
Participants listen at the Girl Talk event put on by the Black Women of Western on Nov. 10, 2020.

Black Women of Western hosts event to let students share struggles

Debra Murray
November 11, 2020
Students watch a special report film by the New York Times on the killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky. November 4, 2020.

ISEC Academy brings students together to watch and discuss Breonna Taylor documentary

Debra Murray
November 6, 2020
Derik Overstreet stopped by at the house of his friend, Chick Falcon, and gave them a few flyers with reminders highlighting when Election Day is and how to register to vote, on September 20, 2020, while canvassing with the Southern Kentucky branch of Kentuckians for the Commonwealth to promote voter empowerment.

Campaigning During COVID-19

Debra Murray
November 2, 2020
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Department of Communication offers lecture about debate viewing and social media

Debra Murray
October 28, 2020
Dr. Ted Hovet speaks to students at the English Salon via Zoom on Oct. 21, 2020.

English department hosts event for students to share passions from quarantine

Debra Murray
October 22, 2020
Patrick Collins, co-chair for the new Hilltopper Pride Network’s website, poses for a photo in McCormick Hall on Oct. 16, 2020. The other co-chair Nicholas Schiller said he likes to compare the website to ‘rate my teacher’ websites, but in regards to allyship.

Hilltopper Pride Network launches new initiative to bring inclusivity to WKU

Debra Murray
October 16, 2020
Supporters of Amy McGrath gathered at Covington Woods Park in Bowling Green, enjoying drinks and food while discussing the election. McGrath is challenging 36 year incumbent Sen. Mitch McConnell in the race for U.S. Senate.

McGrath campaign hosts community event after first Senate debate

Debra Murray
October 15, 2020
Peggy Crowe, director of the counseling center, speaking at the Coming Out Panel on Oct. 11, 2020. 

ISEC hosts panel to celebrate national Coming Out Day

Debra Murray
October 12, 2020
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 trucks to be added as meal plan option

Debra Murray
October 6, 2020
Members of Western Kentucky University’s Alpha Gamma Delta sorority ride along the route of the homecoming parade on October 18th, 2019. Many of Western Kentucky University’s sorority and fraternity chapters contributed to the homecoming parade by creating their own floats for the event.

What to expect during virtual Homecoming Week

Debra Murray
October 5, 2020
A pride sign hangs at the Pride Festival on Oct. 2, 2020. 

Pride festival kicks off LGBTQ+ History Month

Debra Murray
October 3, 2020
Market on Avenue held their annual event with social distancing guidelines on Sept. 30, 2020. 

Market on the Avenue gives local businesses a chance to engage with students

Debra Murray
September 30, 2020
Warren County Clerk's Office sits close to downtown Bowling Green on Sept. 17, 2020 waiting for the upcoming election this November.

WKU students encouraged to vote in upcoming elections

Debra Murray
September 22, 2020
Students head back their residence halls after lunch on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020. The majority of campus food options are still open while implementing social distancing protocols in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Provost announces ONE WKU Academy to increase diversity at WKU

Debra Murray
September 14, 2020
Students learn about Hispanic culture during Spanish club zoom meeting before learning Latin dance

Spanish Club hosts dance classes to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Debra Murray
September 13, 2020
Potter Hall, home to Western Kentucky University’s Counseling Center, its presumably empty on Wednesday night, Sep. 9, 2020, in Bowling Green, Ky.

Counseling Center hosts support groups to help students

Debra Murray
September 10, 2020
The 2020 English Major convocation was hosted via Zoom due to COVID-19

English Department hosts fourth annual English major convocation via Zoom

Debra Murray
September 4, 2020
Even though graduation ceremonies have been rescheduled, graduating seniors congregate at WKU landmarks to take pictures commemorating theirtime at WKU.

September commencement moved back, Caboni hopes to combine 2020 and 2021 graduation

Debra Murray
September 2, 2020
A student directs family members while moving into McCormack Hall on Wednesday, August 19, 2020.

COVID-19 precautions change 2020 M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan experience

Debra Murray
August 25, 2020
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Debra Murray