Many of us defined our identity during our years on the Hill while we received the tools necessary for the success of our future. In 1995, The Society of African American Alumni (SAAA) was formed with an interest in uniting African Americans who attended WKU around the greatness of their experience at WKU. Over the years, it has become an organization venue for alumni to reconnect with that college experience and with the people with whom they shared the experience. 

The Society has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception. A great benefit of this growth is a more engaged African American alumni base with the entire WKU community. However, there is still work to be done. We are continuously fundraising for the Society scholarship fund to benefit current WKU African American students. We also seek to build mentoring programs to encourage and assist current students to complete the path to graduation and become a member of the alumni family. We host and participate in several events that are designed to mentor and encourage current and future students. The attendance at Homecoming has grown each year. These things are possible because of the growing number of contributing members of the Society of African American Alumni.

All black alumni and friends who share a connection to Western Kentucky University are invited to be a part of the Society. This includes WKU alumni from any year, program, major or department, and with any degree, certificate or other affiliation who is an ally of the black community.

The goals of the Society of African American Alumni for the current year reflect the WKU Spirit: 

• Strategically plan in order to further the organization's reach and Black/African American alumni involvement and connection. students.

• Partner with campus, community and alumni stakeholders to cultivate engagement and build affinity.

• Involve generational influencers to elevate The Society's brand awareness.

• Recognize, celebrate and showcase Black/African American alumni achievements and accomplishments.

• Increase opportunities for stakeholders to invest in The Society and drive awareness of giving opportunities across WKU.

• Tap alumni and current students to utilize their time, talents, and tens for The Society.
  
  

• Follow us on Social Media: You can follow the group’s activity on Facebook www.facebook.com/groups/WKUSAAA. Share our content with your network!

• Let us know you are interested in the Society: We encourage you to sign up to receive our communications, update your contact information and let us know how you’d like to participate by completing the interest form below.
  
  

• Volunteer to lead or support specific projects:

• Leadership Team Members – Submit your interest in a Board position for this volunteer-led and driven organization. 
• Committee Chair or Member – Help shape the work of the Society by volunteering for a committee:

• Engagement - Work with other alumni and WKUAA staff to create engagement opportunities for alumni of all ages and stages, prospective and current students and our communities.
• Awareness - Communicate alumni and student achievements through social media channels and periodic email communications in cooperation with the WKU Alumni Association.
• Investment - Encourage alumni to support the Society through membership, scholarship contributions or volunteerism.

• Join the WKU Alumni Association: Your membership in the WKU Alumni Association will help support the Society through the funding we receive as an official affinity group. Become a member today at alumni.wku.edu/join.

• Contribute to the Society of African American Alumni Scholarship Fund:  If you are able to provide financial support, we invite you to make a gift to the Howard and Kayla Bailey Scholarship efforts and programs. You can make a gift online HERE. Your investment will serve as a means to support incoming freshman with a four-year financial commitment.

For more information, contact SAAA President Josclynn Brandon or Laura Smith at laura.smith@wku.edu  or 270-745-2586. 

Executive Team:

President: Josclynn Brandon (’11)

Secretary: Jackie Pillow ('96, '02, '17)

Immediate Past President: Reginald Glass (’73)

Click here to Read a message from President, Josclynn Brandon.