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

The Honorable 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, November 14 at the Knicely Conference Center. In addition to these honors for their achievements, the event will include the induction of the 33rd class of the WKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni, recognition of alumni achievements, and the honoring of the 2024 WKU Philanthropist of the Year, who will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ronnie Clark

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

The Henderson, Kentucky native played basketball for legendary WKU coach E.A. Diddle, a position he obtained by calling the coach directly. After graduating, Ronnie began his career in education in Auburn, Kentucky, where he taught and coached at Auburn High School. He eventually became a principal and helped lead the school through integration in the late 1950s.

In 1962, he moved to Franklin, Kentucky, to become principal of Franklin-Simpson High School. After four years, he began working in sales for Holt, Rinehart and Winston, a textbook publisher, where he eventually became regional manager for five states.

In 1973, he joined the Board of Directors of Franklin Bank & Trust Company, where he was mentored by Leon Page (born 1943). In 1979, he joined Franklin Bank & Trust Company and held the positions of Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President, President and CEO. He remained a member of the Board of Directors until 2010.

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

Throughout his professional life, Ronnie has helped his community in many ways, including organizing local sports programs, holding a position on the board of the Franklin Electric Plant, and even serving on the WKU Board of Regents from 1973 to 1990. Ronnie was among the first members inducted into the Franklin-Simpson Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Henderson County High School Hall of Fame in 1992.

Ronnie holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography, a Master of Arts in Education, and a professional degree in education from WKU. Ronnie served in the 100th Division of the U.S. Army Reserves from 1958 to 1970 and continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves. He always put others before himself, including the love and admiration he showed for his beloved wife of 65 years, Joan Clark (’56, ’57).

Barry Williams

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

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

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

Barry’s commitment to WKU is also lifelong. Although he taught broadcasting for several years as an adjunct professor and served on several university advisory boards and committees, he is undoubtedly best known as the voice of Lady Toppers basketball. Barry served as a live commentator for 33 seasons, one of the longest stretches any single commentator has worked with the same team. He commentated on his 1,000th career game in the 96-32 victory over Alabama A&M in the 2016-2017 season opener and retired from the position at the end of that season. He was also the longtime host of the Lady Toppers Coaches’ Show, WKU’s weekly season-long show presented by local establishments in Bowling Green and the surrounding area.

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

The Hilltopper Excellence Awards will begin at 5:30 p.m. with registration and a reception honoring past members of the Hall of Distinguished Alumni. The program and dinner will follow at 6:15 p.m.

Registration is available at alumni.wku.edu/HEA24. The fee is $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.