Western Kentucky University President, Gary Ransdell, announced on October 13, 2007, plans to construct a 30,000 square foot facility at their Owensboro Regional Campus. According to the President’s office, “Western Kentucky University is gearing up to expand with a goal to increase enrollment and degree productivity on the Owensboro Regional Campus.”

The actual site of the planned expansion is 29 acres of land adjacent to the Owensboro Community Technical College. WKU will share their new campus along with the Community Technical College. President Ransdell said, “The building will house WKU’s baccalaureate and graduate program.”

“Owensboro is an important region within our primary service area, so it is our responsibility to grow degree productivity and enhance economic development,” Ransdell said. “And now with local assistance we are in a position to do that.”

The Daviess County Fiscal Court bought the 29 acres of land that will become the center of WKU’s expansion. Daviess County Commissioner Bruce Kunze said that an architect will be soon selected.

County officials hope to build four or maybe five new buildings on the new campus. The Fiscal Court has agreed to spend $6 million dollars for one building. Construction should start early in 2008.

This agreement for a shared campus will allow students going on a two year associate degree to be able to enroll at a four year institution, earning a bachelor’s degree without leaving the Owensboro campus.

Currently, some 900 students are enrolled on the Owensboro campus. President Ransdell said, “That the university is trying to reach enrollment in the thousands---a goal directly related to the expanding programs in relevant areas that meet Owensboro’s needs.”

Degree programs already on campus include nursing, elementary education, and computer information systems. New undergraduate degree programs will include environmental health science, technology management, manufacturing and industrial distribution and public health education.