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Full-Text Articles in Education

If Walls Could Talk: Wku President's Home, Jonathan Jeffrey Oct 2011

If Walls Could Talk: Wku President's Home, Jonathan Jeffrey

SCL Faculty and Staff Publications

Designed in 1957 by architect James Maurice Ingram for Mayor Clifford Lampkin, the home at 1700 Chestnut Street has been used as the Western Kentucky University (WKU) President’s home since 1977. Using archival and anecdotal sources, this article examines the history and folklore of this executive domicile as well as its occupants. A sidebar contains information about previous presidential homes at WKU.


“21st Century Makeover”, Jonathan Jeffrey Jan 2010

“21st Century Makeover”, Jonathan Jeffrey

SCL Faculty and Staff Publications

Van Meter Hall was the first building constructed atop College Hill for the fledgling Western Kentucky University. Designed by Louisville architect Brinton B. Davis, the imposing structure was dedicated on May 5, 1911 after numerous delays. The building contained the university’s administrative offices as well as a large auditorium suitable for chapel services and a public space for speakers and other performance events. One hundred years later, the building was renovated, providing the campus with an outstanding public events venue.


Big Red: Western's Consummate Ambassador, Jonathan Jeffrey, Donna C. Parker Jan 2004

Big Red: Western's Consummate Ambassador, Jonathan Jeffrey, Donna C. Parker

SCL Faculty and Staff Publications

Big Red has been the mascot for Western Kentucky University’s Hilltopper athletic teams since 1979 and subsequently is the university’s quintessential spirit ambassador. This article examines Big Red’s origins, the students who have portrayed this spirited character, and the characteristics that make the creature unique amongst collegiate mascots.


Oil In Bowling Green: A Lost Chapter In Wku's History, Jonathan Jeffrey Oct 1991

Oil In Bowling Green: A Lost Chapter In Wku's History, Jonathan Jeffrey

SCL Faculty and Staff Publications

Bowling Green became the center of a five-county oil boom in the late-1910s. Two men working on construction of Western Kentucky University’s Potter Hall were determined to not be left out of the action. Architect William J. Bray and contractor Walter Brashear formed a syndicate to lease local land for oil exploration. In August 1920, WKU’s Board of Regents granted their company, The Great Arch Oil Company, exclusive rights to drill on the school’s farm. The majority of the company’s investors were school faculty and staff. Of the three wells drilled, only one showed promise and it was soon abandoned …