Breaking news, sports and campus news from Western Kentucky University

WKUHerald.com

WKUHerald.com

WKUHerald.com
Michael J. Collins

Michael J. Collins, General News Reporter

Michael J. Collins, a reporter for the Herald, is a senior from Finchville, Kentucky. He is majoring in journalism and minoring in political science. Michael has worked at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, WFPL and Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, all through Student Publications fellowships.

All content by Michael J. Collins
Nick Patel rings a bell and makes final offerings for the night, bringing Ramanavami to a close on March 3, 2023.

Bluegrass Dharma

Michael J. Collins, News reporter
May 4, 2023
A Cherry Hall stairway during the power outage on Friday, Feb. 3.

[Photo] UPDATED: WKU experiences power outages across campus

Alexandria Anderson, Content editor
February 3, 2023
A student’s guide to crime around campus

A student’s guide to crime around campus

Michael J. Collins, City Reporter
November 22, 2022
Frank Aryee sits in his spot and awaits the end of the naturalization ceremony at the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville that will end his 11-year journey to U.S. citizenship on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.

Family 5,730 miles in the making

Michael J. Collins, City reporter
November 1, 2022
Jada Barnett takes the “goodie bags” made to give to homeless people out of her car after arriving at Lampkin Park as part of the Walk for the Homeless event put on by Rise and Shine, a mutual aid group, in Bowling Green, Ky. on Sept. 17, 2022.

Deliveries without addresses: Mutual aid event brings supplies to homeless residents

Michael J. Collins, City reporter
September 19, 2022
Jaxon Straub, a freshman in finance at WKU sits on a Wheels scooter during a Q&A at Centennial Mall on WKU Campus in Bowling Green, Ky. on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.

‘Another element of mobility’: ‘Wheels’ electric scooters have arrived on campus

Michael J. Collins and Michael Crimmins
September 14, 2022
Local groups to assist Jackson, Miss. mutual aid caravan

Local groups to assist Jackson, Miss. mutual aid caravan

Michael J. Collins, City reporter
September 9, 2022
WKU President Timothy Caboni and Student Government Association President Cole Bornefeld cut the ribbon to celebrate the dedication of the Commons at Helm Library on Aug. 31, 2022.

WKU dedicates Commons, Caboni sets sights on Cherry Hall

Michael J. Collins, City reporter
August 31, 2022
WKU President Timothy Caboni and Student Government Association President Cole Bornefeld cut the ribbon to celebrate the dedication of the Commons at Helm Library on Aug. 31, 2022.

[Photo] Video: A Look Back on the Dedication of The Commons

September 2, 2022
WKU President Timothy Caboni listens to Vice President for Strategy, Operation and Finance Susan Howarth speak during the Jan. 31, 2020 Board of Regents committee meeting.

Regents discuss proposed FY 2023 budget, address inflation concerns in final semester meeting

Jake Moore and Michael J. Collins
May 5, 2022
Aaron Hawkins tends to customers on Friday, April 22. Hawkins works as a planner for the city of Elizabethtown when he's not pouring pints.

Brew Kids on the Block: Elizabethtown microbrewery’s journey to ‘community watering hole’

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2022
'Our world changed': Rae of Sunshine founder shares mission to foster mental health

‘Our world changed’: Rae of Sunshine founder shares mission to foster mental health

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
April 27, 2022
Starting this fall, the College Heights Herald will begin printing in a newsmagazine format (right) instead of on regular newsprint (left). Jake Moore (right) and Debra Murray (left) will be at the helm as coeditors-in-chief.

[Photo] Letter from the editors: Herald to change print format

Debra Murray and Jake Moore
April 24, 2022
WKU's new look defense dominates its annual spring game

WKU’s new look defense dominates its annual spring game

Cassady Lamb, Sports Reporter
April 23, 2022
Seniors Clint Sherman (left) and Dedrick Troxell (right) compete in a distance race during day one the Western Kentucky University Hilltopper Relays Friday, April 1, 2022 at the Charles M. Ruter Track and Field Complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Sherman and Barnette break two facility records at UAB’s Green and Gold Invite

Cassady Lamb, Sports Reporter
April 10, 2022
WKU Head Coach Tyson Helton and the Hilltoppers retake the field after the first half. The game was tied 10-10 at the half.

Quarterback battle continues into WKU’s third week of spring practice

Cassady Lamb, Sports Reporter
April 9, 2022
Hilltoppers’ sophomore running back Jakairi Moses (3) breaks through the FAU Owls’ defense to gain yardage during their matchup at Houchens-Smith Stadium.

‘Whatever it takes’ – WKU moves into its third week of spring practice

Cassady Lamb, Sports Reporter
April 6, 2022
Audrey McDole named WKU Dance head coach

Audrey McDole named WKU Dance head coach

Cassady Lamb, Sports Reporter
April 5, 2022
Western Kentucky University’s School of Media gallery, A Community United, opens its doors for the first time on March 31st. The gallery features photographs from all over the commonwealth showing the devastation following the tornado on Dec. 10th, 2021.

School of Media lecture, gallery highlights community coverage of Kentucky tornado outbreak

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
April 1, 2022
WomensSportsTiktoks

[Photo] WKU athletes reflect on their rise to TikTok stardom

March 24, 2022
social media bottomless pit

[Photo] OPINION: The bottomless pit of social media

Christina West, Commentary Writer
March 21, 2022
Julie Mishchuk poses with her flag, which she carries with her every day. Her mother brought it back a year ago from a trip to Ukraine.

‘We are one strong nation’: Russian invasion weighs heavily on Ukrainians at WKU

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2022
Political science professor Roger Murphy presented potential impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the NATO alliance. Murphy said the ongoing conflict will likely push former Soviet-aligned states toward western European influence. In recent days, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have all applied for membership into the European Union.

Professor panel outlines costs, concerns and consequences of Russian invasion

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
March 4, 2022
Many political science students were given the opportunity for extra credit if they attended the panel.

Students and faculty came together in Grise Hall to listen to the panel on the war in Ukraine. The turnout was much higher than anticipated, so much so that some attendees had to stand.

Tornado drill scheduled for morning of March 2

Tornado drill scheduled for morning of March 2

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
March 1, 2022
The Commons At Helm Library illuminate the walkway beside the Fine Arts Center. Chief Facilities Officer Bryan Russell said the building is "extremely close" to being operational.

‘I went to school there?’: University plan marks new era of campus for next generation of students

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2022
Commentary editor Rose Donnelly shows off her sticker collection.

[Photo] OPINION: What your laptop stickers say about you

February 8, 2022
WKU Lady Topper senior guard Meral Abdelgawad (4) passes the ball to her teammate Saturday afternoon, Jan. 22 of 2022 against the FIU Panthers in Diddle Arena. WKU won the match 87-66.

Lady Toppers’ comeback attempt comes up short, dropping second game in a row

Cassady Lamb, Sports Reporter
January 29, 2022
Jazz musician and WKU alumna Bobbe Gorin "Beegie" Adair passed away Sunday, Jan. 23, at the age of 84.

Beegie Adair, jazz musician and distinguished WKU alumna, passes away at 84

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
January 23, 2022
Former Editor-in-Chief Lily Burris (left) and current Editor-in-Chief Michael J. Collins aid in the cleanup of several fallen trees along US 31W Bypass on Dec. 13.

Letter from the Editor: One piece at a time

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
January 18, 2022
Members of the Bowling Green Fire Department discuss clean up efforts of a tractor trailer that was tipped over during the tornadoes on Saturday Dec. 11, 2021.

First lady Jill Biden, Governor Beshear to tour tornado recovery efforts

Michael J. Collins, Editor-in-Chief
January 4, 2022
WKU Hilltoppers' senior middle hitter Lauren Matthews (5) spikes the ball over three Old Dominion players during the match on Oct. 28, 2021.

Matthews becomes first Hilltopper with multiple AVCA team selections

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
December 15, 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
WKU Hilltoppers break before their volleyball game against the Ole Miss Rebels on the evening of Sept. 10, 2021, at Diddle Arena. WKU lost 3-1.

Volleyball season draws to a close after WKU’s second round exit to Georgia Tech

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
December 4, 2021
The WKU Hilltoppers celebrate after a point against the MTSU Blue Raiders on Friday, Oct. 15 of 2021 during a match WKU won 3-0 in Diddle Arena.

WKU sweeps South Carolina in first round of NCAA Tournament

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
December 3, 2021
WKU Hilltoppers' senior middle hitter Lauren Matthews (5) spikes the ball over three Old Dominion players during the match on Oct. 28, 2021.

WKU sweeps UTEP to reach third consecutive C-USA championship

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
November 20, 2021
The WKU Hilltoppers celebrate after a point against the Marshall Thundering Herd on the evening of Sept. 24, 2021 during their volleyball match in Diddle Arena.

Hilltoppers sweep Blazers in C-USA tournament quarterfinals

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
November 19, 2021
Governor Andy Beshear visits the SmartHolstein lab at Western Kentucky University on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2021. The SmartHolstein lab is a partnership between the Holstein Association USA and WKU's Department of Agriculture and Food Science.

WKU SmartHolstein Lab invites Governor Beshear to tour facility

Michael J. Collins, Content Manager
November 18, 2021
Graphic by Michael J. Collins

[Photo] Faculty and staff welfare surveys offer look into employee satisfaction

Alexandria Anderson, News reporter
November 15, 2021
Graphic by Michael J. Collins

The WKU volleyball team celebrates after winning the match against St. John’s University at Diddle Arena on Sept. 18, 2021.

Hilltoppers earn third perfect conference run with 3-1 defeat of Charlotte

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
November 7, 2021
Hilltoppers take down 49ers 3-1 behind career night from Davis

Hilltoppers take down 49ers 3-1 behind career night from Davis

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
November 5, 2021
WKU Hilltoppers' senior middle hitter Lauren Matthews (5) spikes the ball over three Old Dominion players during the match on Oct. 28, 2021.

Hilltoppers sweep Monarchs to kick off final home series of 2021

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
October 28, 2021
WKU Hilltoppers senior middle hitter Katie Isenbarger (20) pauses for a moment at the net during the volleyball game against the Ole Miss Rebels on the evening of Sept. 10, 2021, at Diddle Arena.

Hilltoppers’ 37-set streak ends in 3-1 defeat of FAU, WKU improves to 29-0 against Owls

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
October 23, 2021
President Timothy Caboni listens during the Board of Regents meeting on April 12, 2019. The Board of Regents discussed future budget cuts during its meeting on Friday.

Regents committees cover salary changes, line of credit, baseball coach contract extension in meeting

Lily Burris and Michael J. Collins
October 22, 2021
The WKU Hilltoppers celebrate after a point against the Marshall Thundering Herd on the evening of Sept. 24, 2021 during their volleyball match in Diddle Arena.

Hilltoppers open FAU series with 12th consecutive sweep, remain perfect against the Owls

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
October 22, 2021
WKU defensive specialist Ashely Hood (11) jumps to save the ball during the match against St. John’s University at Diddle Arena on Sept. 18, 2021.

Hilltoppers claim sixth sweep in a row, finish perfect weekend against Marshall

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
September 25, 2021
The WKU Hilltoppers celebrate after a point against the Marshall Thundering Herd on the evening of Sept. 24, 2021 during their volleyball match in Diddle Arena.

WKU steals Herd’s thunder in C-USA opener

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
September 24, 2021
WKU defensive specialist Ashely Hood (11) jumps to save the ball during the match against St. John’s University at Diddle Arena on Sept. 18, 2021.

Hilltoppers sweep WKU Volleyball Invitational to wrap up non-conference slate

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
September 18, 2021
WKU Hilltoppers' fifth-year defensive specialist Logan Kael (18) and fifth-year setter Nadia Dieudonne (2) dive for a missed block during a volleyball match in Diddle Arena, against the Austin Peay Governors on Friday evening, Sept. 17, 2021.

Hilltoppers sweep Ohio, Austin Peay in first day of WKU Volleyball Invitational

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
September 17, 2021
WKU Hiltoppers' junior midfielder Lucy Lyon (19) competes against Ole Miss Rebels' senior Channing Foster (12) for control of the ball during the Sunday afternoon match.

Lady Toppers shut out by Ole Miss, lose home winning streak

Cassady Lamb, Sports reporter
September 12, 2021
WKU Hilltoppers' outside hitter Paige Briggs (1) jumps for spike against UT Martin in a 2021 contest.

WKU closes first home invitational with clean sweep of UT Martin

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball Reporter
September 11, 2021
Jessica Leigh Sachs is recognized on the North Tower memorial at ground zero in New York City, New York.

Scars remain in the family of a September 11 victim 20 years later

Michael J. Collins and Shane Stryker
September 11, 2021
WKU Hilltoppers break before their volleyball game against the Ole Miss Rebels on the evening of Sept. 10, 2021, at Diddle Arena. WKU lost 3-1.

WKU falls to Ole Miss 3-1 in heartbreaker

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
September 10, 2021
WKU Hilltoppers setter Nadia Dieudonne (2) during a match with Kansas Jayhawks on September 4, 2021 at Allen Arena in Nashville, TN

WKU’s Dieudonne named setter of the week second time in a row, program remains No. 15 in AVCA rankings

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
September 6, 2021
WKU Junior Lauren Matthews (5), WKU Junior Katie Isenbarger (20) WKU Senior Kayland Jackson (15) celebrate during the game against FIU on Monday, March 8, 2021 in Diddle Arena. 

WKU opens LUV Invitational with 3-1 defeat of Lipscomb

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
September 3, 2021
WKU fifth year right side Kayland Jackson goes up over the net against Notre Dame on Aug. 27, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana.

Hilltoppers defeat Ramblers 3-1 to cap off first fall invitational

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
August 28, 2021
WKU middle hitter Lauren Matthews (5) celebrates with her teammates during WKU's victory over Notre Dame on Aug. 27, 2021. Matthews reached the 1,000 kills milestone during the match.

Hilltoppers earn pair of sweeps in first day of Golden Dome Invitational

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
August 27, 2021
Freshman outside hitter Katie Howard makes a play during the Hilltoppers' exhibition match against the Kentucky Wildcats on Aug. 19, 2021 in E. A. Diddle Arena.

Hilltoppers split exhibition with Wildcats, deep roster shines

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
August 19, 2021
WKU Volleyball head coach Travis Hudson accepts the 2021 Spirit of WKU Award from university president Timothy Caboni on Aug. 15, 2021

WKU’s Hudson honored with Spirit of WKU Award, program receives highest preseason ranking

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
August 16, 2021
WKU Volleyball Head Coach Travis Hudson yelling to his players during the game against FIU on Monday, March 8, 2021 in Diddle Arena.

WKU Volleyball announces streaming, radio broadcast details

Cassady Lamb, Volleyball reporter
August 6, 2021
The Hilltoppers meeting between serves in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament on April 18, 2021. WKU fell in three sets to No. 2 Kentucky. 

WKU falls to No. 2 Kentucky in Sweet Sixteen

Cassady Lamb
April 19, 2021
WKU celebrates winning the second round of the NCAA Tournament after taking down No. 15 Washington State in five sets on April 15, 2021. 

Hilltoppers advance to Sweet Sixteen for 1st time in program history, to play No. 2 Kentucky

Cassady Lamb
April 16, 2021
Sophomore Paige Briggs awaiting a Jackson State serve to be hit toward her team on April 14, 2021. Briggs finished the match with a team high 16 kills and nine digs. 

Hilltoppers roll through Jackson State, WKU advances to play Washington State

Cassady Lamb
April 15, 2021
The WKU volleyball team after arriving back on campus on April 4, 2021 from the C-USA Championship match against Rice.

WKU volleyball set to play in NCAA Tournament

Cassady Lamb
April 6, 2021
The WKU Volleyball program breaking it down prior to the C-USA Championship match against Rice on April 3, 2021. WKU would go on to win the match 3-1 to claim the championship. 

WKU wins 6th C-USA Championship, Hilltoppers NCAA Tournament bound

Cassady Lamb
April 3, 2021
Senior Kayland Jackson (15) and junior Lauren Matthews (5) going up for a block on April 2, 2021 against UTEP. WKU swept the set 3-0 against the Miners to advance the C-USA Championship match. 

WKU advances to C-USA Championship match

Cassady Lamb
April 2, 2021
WKU Volleyball Head Coach Travis Hudson yelling to his players during the game against FIU on Monday, March 8, 2021 in Diddle Arena.

Hilltoppers prepare for C-USA Championship

Cassady Lamb
March 31, 2021
WKU Sophomore Paige Briggs (1) hits the ball during their game against Charlotte on Monday, February 22, 2021 in Diddle Arena in Bowling Green, KY.

Briggs named to 2021 Conference USA Volleyball All-Academic Team

Cassady Lamb
March 30, 2021
WKU Junior Lauren Matthews (5), WKU Junior Katie Isenbarger (20) WKU Senior Kayland Jackson (15) celebrate during the game against FIU on Monday, March 8, 2021 in Diddle Arena. 

WKU ends “perfect” regular season sweeping Old Dominion

Cassady Lamb
March 27, 2021
WKU Junior Lauren Matthews (5), WKU Junior Katie Isenbarger (20) WKU Senior Kayland Jackson (15) celebrate during the game against FIU on Monday, March 8, 2021 in Diddle Arena. 

WKU claims 10th C-USA win of the season over Middle Tennessee, Hilltoppers win East Division

Cassady Lamb
March 21, 2021
WKU junior Lauren Matthews (5), WKU freshman Sam Canner (17) attempts to block the ball during the against FIU on Sunday, March 7, 2021 in Diddle Arena.

WKU increases win streak to 15, three regular season matches remain

Cassady Lamb
March 20, 2021
Load More Stories
Menu
Activate Search
Home
Michael J. Collins