Service recognitions announced for WKU’s 2024 Homecoming

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Two Western Kentucky University alumni will be recognized for their service to the University and the community at the Hilltopper Excellence Awards during Homecoming 2024.

The Hon. Ronald “Ronnie” W. Clark (’57, ’60, ’64) will receive the Distinguished Medal of Community and Public Service, and Barry Williams (’70) will receive the Distinguished Medal of WKU Service.

Ronnie Clark and Barry Williams will be honored at the Hilltopper Excellence Awards, presented by Franklin Bank & Trust, on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Knicely Conference Center. In addition to these honors for service, the event will include induction of the 33rd Class of WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni, recognition for alumni achievement, as well as celebration of the 2024 WKU Philanthropist of the Year, which will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ronnie Clark

The Hon. Ronald “Ronnie” W. Clark (’57, ’60, ’64) has held leadership positions in education, athletics, publishing, banking and local government.

The Henderson, Ky., native played basketball for legendary WKU Coach E.A. Diddle, a position he orchestrated by calling the coach directly. After graduation, Ronnie began his career in education in Auburn, Ky., teaching and coaching at Auburn High School. He would eventually become Principal, helping to shepherd the school through integration in the late 1950s.

In 1962, he moved to Franklin, Ky., to be Principal of Franklin-Simpson High School. After four years, he began working in sales for Holt, Rinehart and Winston, a textbook publishing firm, where he would eventually become a Regional Manager responsible for five states.

In 1973, he joined the Franklin Bank & Trust Company Board of Directors where he was mentored by Leon Page (’43). He became an employee of Franklin Bank & Trust Company in 1979, and he went on to hold the positions of Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President, President and CEO. He retained his position on that Board until 2010.

Highly respected and trusted, Ronnie also served as Mayor of Franklin from 2011-2018. At the end of his term, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Franklin-Simpson Chamber of Commerce in 2018.

Throughout his professional life, Ronnie has assisted his community in a variety of ways, including organizing local sports programs, holding a position on the Franklin Electric Plant Board and even serving on the WKU Board of Regents from 1973-1990. Ronnie was part of the inaugural class inducted into the Franklin-Simpson Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Henderson County High School Hall of Fame in 1992.

All from WKU, Ronnie holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography, a Master of Arts in Education and a Specialist degree in Education. Ronnie served in the U.S. Army Reserves 100th Division from 1958-1970, and he continued serving in the U.S. Army Reserves. He has always put others above himself, including the love and admiration he bestowed upon his beloved wife of 65 years, Joan Clark (’56, ’57).

Barry Williams

Barry Williams (’70) is Owner of Communications Systems LLC, a full-service AM/FM broadcast consulting and construction company in Bowling Green.

He began his career in broadcasting at WLBJ in Bowling Green at age 15. Since then, he has built or owned several radio stations including WBLG, WKVL and WBGN. Since he established Communications Systems in 1982, Barry has had a hand in building or improving more than 250 radio stations in eight states.

Known for his dedication as a volunteer and champion of local civic organizations, Barry has been involved in the community throughout his life. His volunteer work includes past service as President of the Jaycees; Chairman of the Southern Kentucky Fair; President of the Community Foundation; Chairman of the Board for the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, United Way of Southern Kentucky, the Historic RailPark and Train Museum and Kentucky Kids on The Block; and many years as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. He served as President of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2007. Barry was recognized as the 2008 Outstanding Kentucky Volunteer by the United Way of Kentucky for his 15 years of service on the United Way of Southern Kentucky marketing committee.

Barry’s involvement with WKU has also been lifelong. While he taught Broadcasting for several years on the Hill as an adjunct faculty member and has served on several University advisory boards and committees, he is undoubtedly most well known as the voice of Lady Toppers Basketball. Barry served as the play-by-play announcer for 33 seasons, one of the longest spans of time that a single broadcaster has worked with the same team. He called his 1,000th career game in a 96-32 victory over Alabama A&M in the 2016-2017 season opener, and he retired from his position at the end of that season. He was also the longtime host of the Lady Toppers Coaches’ Show, WKU’s weekly show held throughout the season and presented by local establishments in Bowling Green and the surrounding area.

Barry graduated from WKU in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Mass Communication.

The Hilltopper Excellence Awards will begin at 5:30 p.m. with registration and a reception in honor of previous Hall of Distinguished Alumni inductees, with the program and dinner to follow at 6:15 p.m.

Registration is open at alumni.wku.edu/HEA24 at a cost of $100 per ticket or $1,000 for a corporate table for eight. Business attire is requested.

For more information, contact the WKU Alumni Association at 270-745-2586.