Alex Downing Named WKU Homecoming Grand Marshal
The Western Kentucky University Alumni Association selected the Franklin Bank & Trust CEO for the 2026 honor.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People
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The Western Kentucky University Alumni Association has selected Alex Downing, the CEO and president of Franklin Bank & Trust, to serve as the 2026 Homecoming Grand Marshal. Downing will be featured in the upcoming festivities held in Bowling Green this November.
Why it matters
The selection recognizes Downing for his long-standing commitment and leadership within the university community. He previously led the College Heights Foundation for 13 years and continues to serve on the Finance Advisory Council.
Downing served as president of the College Heights Foundation for 13 years during his three decades of supporting WKU programs. He also contributes to the university through his current membership on the Finance Advisory Council.
The players
Alex Downing
He is the CEO and president of Franklin Bank & Trust and an active contributor to Western Kentucky University advisory boards.
Dr. Dero Downing
He served as the fourth president of Western Kentucky University, starting his tenure in 1969.
Charley Pride
He is a renowned musician who served as the 2025 Homecoming Grand Marshal for the university.
Western Kentucky University Alumni Association
This organization manages homecoming festivities and selects the annual grand marshal for the university.
The details
Downing, who has served on the College Heights Foundation Board and the Gordon Ford College of Business Advisory Board, was chosen for his dedication to university spirit. He will appear in the homecoming parade before the WKU football game against Jacksonville State.
Timeline
Dr. Dero Downing began his service as the fourth president of Western Kentucky University in 1969.
Charley Pride served as the WKU Homecoming Grand Marshal in 2025.
The WKU Homecoming celebration will take place from November 12 to 14, 2026.
The WKU football game against Jacksonville State is scheduled for November 14, 2026.
Market Landscape
The selection of the 2026 grand marshal follows the precedent set by the 2025 WKU Homecoming Grand Marshal selection of recognizing community and alumni leaders for their contributions to the university. This ongoing practice reinforces the institutional ties between local corporate leadership and the university's philanthropic base.
Community members and alumni planning to attend the homecoming events should note the scheduled football game at 2:30 p.m. at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. These festivities mark a significant point for local engagement with the university campus.
The takeaway
The selection highlights the deep integration of local business leaders within the university's administrative and support framework. Attendees of the homecoming weekend should plan for heavy traffic around the stadium during the game day festivities.
What happens next
Alex Downing will participate in the homecoming parade, and the WKU football team will play Jacksonville State at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium on November 14, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
Further reading
For more information on university leadership and recognition, visit the People section.
More information
Find further details on the schedule of events at the WKU Alumni Association Homecoming website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WNKY News 40 Television.
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