WKU student earns highest undergraduate honor

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Some students may consider this person to be an overachiever, but he says its all about chasing the dream.

Brett Phelps is an upcoming graduate at Western Kentucky. During his collegiate career, Phelps has definitely been busy– editor for WKU’s Talisman, member of the National Leaders Fellowship, a National Eagle Scout, and served on various committees.

Phelps was ‘stung by the media bug’ as a teenager when helping with his brother’s photography business. Since then, he has had four internships, including at The Indianapolis Star and The Boston Globe, where he is currently.

Not to mention, he has two Hearst Journalism Awards, two Emmys, and many other accolades.

Phelps says he is grateful for his support system and his relationship with his professors. He hopes to be a mentor to other aspiring journalists.

Phelps says it “warms your heart” to “have an influence on somebody.” He believes there is no better feeling than that.

Phelps was named the 2025 Western Kentucky University Ogden Foundation Scholar. He will be graduating as a 4.0 honors student with a Bachelor’s in Visual Journalism and Marketing, as well as a minor in Computer Information and a certificate in Data Analytics.

He is excited to continue his passion after graduation.