WKU announces Amy and David Chandler as the 2025 Philanthropists of the Year

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Amy and David Chandler of Bowling Green will be recognized at Western Kentucky University’s Philanthropists of the Year at the Hilltopper Excellence Awards during Homecoming 2025.

The event honors the generosity, leadership and commitment of the recipients.

Amy Chandler, a lifelong resident of Bowling Green, earned a degree in political science from WKU in 1993 and a J.D. from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 1995. She launched her legal career as assistant Warren County attorney in 1996 and made history in 2004 by becoming the first woman elected as Warren County attorney. Renowned across the state for her leadership in justice reform and community involvement, she has served on numerous boards and committees, including her role as president of the Kentucky Association of Counties.

David Chandler, a native of Owasso, Oklahoma, earned a science degree from WKU in 1982. His entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to build a distinguished career in business and community development marked by strong leadership and civic impact. For more than 30 years, Chandler Real Estate Inc. has developed rental property, apartment complexes, site-based communities and hotels across the southern United States. David is also owner of Park Mammoth Golf Club, which reopened in 2022 and was ranked in the top five best golf courses in Kentucky by Golf.com in its first year.

With 40 years of consecutive giving to WKU, their philanthropic vision encompasses a wide range of causes, from WKU athletics and academics to the Chandler Memorial Chapel and other community efforts. Their most recent leadership gift was recognized through the philanthropic naming of WKU’s newest building and the new home of the Gordon Ford College of Business. Amy and David Chandler Hall will be dedicated on Sept. 19.

In addition to serving various community and civic organizations, Amy and David Chandler have dedicated their time and leadership to many WKU initiatives. Amy is a current member of the College Heights Foundation Board of Directors, and she is a previous member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Gordon Ford College of Business Advisory Board. David Chandler is a past member of the Hilltopper Athletic Foundation Board and the “New Century of Spirit” Campaign Cabinet. They are both Lifetime Members of the WKU Alumni Association. Amy Chandler is also a member of Chi Omega Sorority, and David is a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

The Chandlers’ Hilltopper family includes David’s late brother, Craig Chandler (’80), and his wife, Marrillyn Chandler (’86); Amy’s parents, Brenda (’82, ‘87, ’91) and Terry M. Hale (’68); Amy’s sister, Heather A. Boyd (’00), and her husband, Jason Boyd (’99); and Amy and David’s three daughters, future Hilltopper Ruth E. Milliken, Chloe Milliken (’24) and Abigail Milliken Thomas (’20, ’21), as well as Abby’s husband, Parker Thomas (’18).

The Philanthropist of the Year award has been presented since 2000. Previous recipients include the Jerry E. Baker Foundation, Richard Frockt and Eva and Jim Martens.

Now in its third year, the Hilltopper Excellence Awards will recognize nine esteemed alumni and dedicated benefactors of WKU.

The Hilltopper Excellence Awards, presented by Franklin Bank & Trust, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Knicely Conference Center.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception sponsored by Med Center Health.

In addition to honoring the Philanthropists of the Year, the Hilltopper Excellence Awards will also include the recognition of:

• George Nichols III (’83) and Connie Moreland Smith (’82, ’91), two dedicated and proven leaders from the fields of education and health care who will join the 34th Class of WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
• Dr. Regis C. Pearson (’15, ’17), who will receive the Young Alumni Achievement Award.
• Phillip W. Bale, M.D. & Kristen T. Bale, who will receive the designation of Honorary Alumni.
• Jerry W. Martin, M.D. (’58), who will be presented with the Distinguished Medal of WKU Service.
• Alice Gatewood Waddell (’74), who will be presented with the Distinguished Medal of Community and Public Service.

Registration is open at alumni.wku.edu/HEA25 at a cost of $100 per ticket or $1,000 for a corporate table of eight. Business attire is requested.

WKU alumni and friends are encouraged to help identify fellow Hilltoppers who have demonstrated excellence in their career or service to WKU or their community. Recommendations will ensure that the amazing things Hilltoppers accomplish are acknowledged and that they are considered for one of the many ways the University celebrates and honors excellence.

Click here to recommend someone or to learn how you can support recognition efforts.