STAFF REPORT
GlasgowNews1
WKU in Glasgow honored its next class of Hilltoppers with a graduand recognition ceremony at the TJ Health Pavilion Community Room in Glasgow on Thursday night.
The event recognized graduands, a soon-to-be graduate who has met, or is close to meeting, their degree requirements. The ceremony honored WKU in Glasgow students graduating in spring or summer 2026, as well as several winter graduates who completed their degrees in December 2025.
The Glasgow ceremony marks the first of several commencement events taking place in the coming days. Activities are expected to continue on the Bowling Green campus with traditions such as TopperWalk, the Big Red Bash and the main commencement exercises.
Dr. Derick Strode, director of WKU’s regional campuses, recognized the graduands along with their families, friends and loved ones who supported them throughout their academic journey. He also acknowledged WKU in Glasgow faculty members for their role in guiding students and learning alongside them.
The Glasgow campus, established in 1988 on Liberty Street and relocated in 2002 to Hilltopper Way, serves students across 10 counties in southern Kentucky, providing regional access to a WKU education.
Several students received special recognition during the ceremony. Peyton Wheeler delivered remarks on behalf of the Class of 2026 and was named the recipient of the WKU in Glasgow Scholar Award, which honors high academic achievement and scholarly work beyond classroom expectations.
Rachel Shirley received the WKU in Glasgow Spirit Award for leadership, vision and commitment to student engagement and community involvement while maintaining strong academics.
Lauren Bowman was presented with the Juanita Bayless Award, which recognizes a student who has overcome significant obstacles to complete a degree. The award is named for Dr. Juanita Bayless, a former director of the Glasgow campus.
Each graduand received a Glasgow tartan stole to wear during commencement ceremonies in Bowling Green. The tartan reflects Glasgow’s Scottish heritage and symbolizes each student’s connection to the Glasgow campus. Each student also received a celebratory cake.
Following the presentation of the stoles, Bryan Baysinger of the WKU Alumni Association welcomed the graduands into the WKU alumni family as the university’s newest alumni.
Key Facts
• WKU in Glasgow held a graduand recognition ceremony at the TJ Health Pavilion Community Room in Glasgow
• Event honored spring, summer and recent winter graduands from the Class of 2026
• Celebration kicks off several WKU commencement events in the coming days
• Graduands received Glasgow tartan stoles symbolizing their connection to the campus and local heritage
• Special awards included the WKU in Glasgow Scholar Award, Spirit Award and Juanita Bayless Award
• WKU Alumni Association welcomed graduands as the university’s newest alumni
WKU in Glasgow celebrated their graduands at a ceremony on April 30, 2026 Chris Houchens / For GlasgowNews1
WKU in Glasgow celebrated their graduands at a ceremony on April 30, 2026 Chris Houchens / For GlasgowNews1
WKU in Glasgow celebrated their graduands at a ceremony on April 30, 2026 Chris Houchens / For GlasgowNews1
