Academic Complex

Creator

Johnson & St. Clair

Preview

Creation Date

1969

Description

Building Name - Academic Complex
Date Built - 1967
Dedicated - Oct. 10, 1970
Cost of Construction - $2.7 million
Gross Square Feet: 118,728
Building No. 47
Architects - Ben Johnson and Frederick St. Clair, Owensboro, KY

E.H. Canon Wing named in honor of WKU's registrar E.H. Canon who served in that position from 1925 to 1959. The name was approved by the Regents on July 8, 1969.

R.G. Cochran Wing named in honor of Robert Cochran. A veteran of World War II, he was a member of the WKU Class of 1947. He worked as field representative for WKU from 1948 to 1955 when he was named director of public relations and in 1966 appointed dean. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack on January 25, 1971.

There is a bronze plaque measuring 19 1/2" x 23 1/2" in the lobby:

Robert G. Cochran 1919-1971; Dean of Public Affairs & Public Relations, 1966-1971. He provided spirited leadership and service to the University in his field of public relations for 33 years. He exemplified the highest standards of his profession. He was committed to the welfare of his students. He was completely dedicated and loyal to the purposes of Western.

L.Y. Lancaster Wing named in honor of L.Y. Lancaster a member of the Biology Department from 1923-1960.

Park City Daily News:
Academic Building Bid $1,674.692, July 23, 1967
Bid Opening Set Today on WKU Academic Building, July 21, 1967
Contract is let for University Building, Aug. 24, 1967, p.1
New Academic Complex at Western, July 30, 1968
New WKU Building to house Clinic, Sept. 9, 1966, p. 1
Western Plans New Academic Complex, Aug. 8, 1967
WKU Gets Grant for Building, Apr. 2, 1967
Regents Okay Increase in Western Complex, Oct. 30, 1966
New WKU Building to House Clinic, Sep. 27, 1966

Louisville Courier-Journal:
Bid is Received of $2.7 Million on Western Job, July 25, 1967