WKU News

Dr. Monica Galloway Burke, Professor in the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs and ONE WKU Fellow in the Office of the Provost, has been inducted into the Gavel and Gravel Society by the Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA) as part of the Class of 2025. The induction took place on November 2 at the organization's annual conference.

The Gavel and Gravel Society is SACSA’s highest honor, established by the SACSA Foundation to recognize individuals whose leadership and service have laid a lasting foundation for the profession. This prestigious accolade celebrates those who have demonstrated sustained excellence, transformative leadership, and deep commitment to both the SACSA community and the broader field of higher education.

"It is an incredible honor to be included in SACSA's Gavel and Gravel Society,” Burke said. "This recognition is a reflection of years of meaningful work with colleagues and students whose energy and commitment continue to inspire my dedication to higher education.”

Dr. Burke’s induction reflects her exceptional contributions to the field of student affairs, her steadfast dedication to SACSA, and her ongoing advocacy for innovation, mentorship, and student success. As a member of this distinguished society, she joins a legacy of professionals whose work continues to shape the future of student affairs.

-- WKU –

Western Kentucky University prides itself on positioning its students, faculty and staff for long term success. As a student-centered, applied research university, WKU helps students expand on classroom learning by integrating education with real-world applications in the communities we serve. Our hilltop campus is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which was recently named by Reader’s Digest as one of the nicest towns in America, just an hour’s drive from Nashville, Tennessee.