BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Following a very favorable review of his accomplishments during his five year tenure as president, Western Kentucky University President Gary Ransdell and the WKU Board of Regents have agreed to a new contract that includes incentives designed to keep Dr. Ransdell at Western.

“We are very pleased with the accomplishments of Western Kentucky University under the leadership of Gary Ransdell,” Board Chair Lois Gray of Hardin County said. “We would like to have him serve as president as long as he wishes.”

When Dr. Ransdell was hired five years ago, Gray said the board sought a “focused person with strong strategic planning skills and a strong vision that could lead the University. Specifically, we wanted the University to increase enrollment, increase contributions to help endowed chair programs, improve facilities, etc.

“Gary Ransdell has not only met, but exceeded those goals and we look forward
to many more years of progress under his direction.”

Dr. Ransdell said he was honored that the Board was pleased with his
performance and is seeking a long-term commitment.

“With this offer from the Board, I am dedicating the rest of my career to
Western,” Dr. Ransdell said. “I intend to work even harder to achieve our
ambitious goals and to continue the transformation toward becoming a
university of national prominence which our faculty, staff, students and
alumni are striving to achieve.”

“This is where I want to be,” he added. “There is no other university that
could generate the passion and energy which I am willing to devote to
Western.”

The contract, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2003, includes: