Academic Complex

Building Name - Academic ComplexDate Built - 1967Dedicated - Oct. 10, 1970Cost of Construction - $2.7 millionGross Square Feet: 118,728Building No. 47Architects - Ben Johnson and Frederick St. Clair, Owensboro, KYE.H. Canon Wing named in honor of WKU\u27s 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, 1967Bid Opening Set Today on WKU Academic Building, July 21, 1967Contract is let for University Building, Aug. 24, 1967, p.1New Academic Complex at Western, July 30, 1968New WKU Building to house Clinic, Sept. 9, 1966, p. 1Western Plans New Academic Complex, Aug. 8, 1967WKU Gets Grant for Building, Apr. 2, 1967Regents Okay Increase in Western Complex, Oct. 30, 1966New WKU Building to House Clinic, Sep. 27, 1966Louisville Courier-Journal:Bid is Received of $2.7 Million on Western Job, July 25, 1967https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/wku_timeline/1253/thumbnail.jp