100 Years of Distinction: The Gatton College of Business and Economics
The Carol Mar tin Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky was established in 1925 as the College of Commerce. The course catalog for the first academic year, 1925 26, had this introduction:
The College of Commerce aims to train young men and women for business careers, and also to provide instruction intended to give an understanding of the general aspects of economic relationships.
Over the past century, Gatton College has guided thousands of students to success in business and leadership. From undergraduate studies to online courses, industry-specific MBA programs to doctoral degrees, students develop discipline and determination to realize their career goals.
They are provided with relevant resources, the knowledge capital of faculty and the suppor t of a robust alumni network. Gatton College has a strong infrastructure physically, technologically and intellectually.
continued on back flap
Celebrating 100 Years of Gatton College of Business and Economics (1925-2025)
Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky
Copyright, 2025, Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without the expressed, written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Editors: Laura Beth O’Bryan, Johnson Lam, Hannah Miller, Tom Musgrave, Lindsey Piercy, Kathie Stamps, Lucy Tepper, Lindsay Travis
Lead Researcher and Writer: Kathie Stamps
Writers: Lindsey Brinkley, Abby Laub, Laura Beth O’Bryan, Henry Zahn
Researchers: Jeff Laub, Hannah Miller
Design & Layout: Abby Laub, Jeff Laub, Austin Zwiefel
Photography: Austin Lord Photography, Billy Howard Photography, Gatton College of Business and Economics, Jeff Laub, Kelsey Tucker, Shaun Ring Photography, Shelly Dawn Images, Story Tepper, Sugar Maple Photo, and University of Kentucky Archives. Front Cover Design: Jeff Laub
University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics
Dean: Dr. Simon Sheather
Executive Associate Dean: Dr. Scott Kelley
Marketing and Communications Director: Laura Beth O’Bryan
Project Manager: Lucy Tepper
The mission of Gatton College of Business and Economics is to prepare principled leaders for the global economy, produce impactful research and elevate economic growth in Kentucky and beyond.
Printed in the USA
All profiles, stories, and personal information contained in this publication were compiled in 2025 based on information provided at that time. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publishers make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or ongoing accuracy of the content. The circumstances, activities, and professional or personal details of individuals may have changed since the time of writing.
The publishers disclaim any liability for errors, omissions, or changes that may have occurred after publication, as well as for any actions taken by readers in reliance on the information presented herein. Contact details, career information, or other personal data are included solely for historical and illustrative purposes and should not be used for solicitation or other purposes.
A note on photography: Every known photographer credit was noted in this credits section.
Gatton College of Business and Economics identified every photographer possible that it was aware of, however some may have been missed due to the sheer volume of images and passage of time.
100 YEARS OF DISTINCTION
Gatton College of Business and Economics
Here in Kentucky FOREWORD
There is a common root that binds us. We sprouted here, or chose to plant ourselves in this divine soil.
I proclaim it, with unwavering dignity, I am from Kentucky.
It rushes from my southern-cornbread tongue like so many defiant rivers roaring in from Appalachia, the same as my bloodline, pumped in from Lee and Breathitt to Clark and Fayette, born and thoroughly bred in Kentucky, a place where horse-power means somethin’.
And if those rivers be the veins pumpin’ in and churnin’ out the lifeblood that flows in this state, University of Kentucky is the heart, where life can take new shape and dreams are the vessel on which we sail and destinies are cultivated and thrive like bluegrass. I know this is true because that’s what we do, here in Kentucky.
Deidra White, MFA ’24
A Letter From the Dean
Dear friends of Gatton College,
It is with immense pride and gratitude that I welcome you to this commemorative book, created to honor a remarkable milestone — the 100th anniversary of the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
This centennial celebration is more than a look back — it’s a statement on the power of vision, perseverance and progress. From humble beginnings, in a single room with a few pioneering faculty and students, Gatton has grown into a thriving center of academic excellence, innovation and leadership. The stories, photographs and reflections captured in these pages are not just puzzle pieces of history — they are the foundation of who we are today and a launching pad for who we will become.
In the last 100 years, Gatton has helped define business education in Lexington, Kentucky, the U.S. and beyond. The college has launched careers, fueled economies, led groundbreaking research and prepared young minds to lead in a complex world. Our alumni are community leaders, entrepreneurs, CEOs and change-makers, and permeate every industry. Our faculty are pioneers in research and teaching. Our students are more determined than ever.
As we step into the next 100 years, we will continue our legacy of bold aspirations. We are equipping our students for a world that is more interconnected, AI-driven and technologically savvy. Our plans include expanding our physical footprint, integrating interdisciplinary programs, leaning on data and analytics, embracing emerging technologies and creating a learning environment that works for every student.
Undoubtedly, what makes me most proud to serve as dean is the unwavering loyalty of the Gatton community. Our driven students, our world-class faculty, our dedicated staff and our loyal alumni all fuel a college that is constantly moving forward, never content to remain still. To be part of a legacy this dynamic — and this deeply rooted in purpose — is one of the greatest honors of my career.
This book is a celebration of everything we’ve accomplished, and a promise of everything still to come. Thank you for being part of our story.
With warmest regards,
Simon J. Sheather Dean, Gatton College of Business and Economics University of Kentucky
“In the last 100 years, Gatton has helped define business education in Lexington, Kentucky, the U.S. and beyond. The college has launched careers, fueled economies, led groundbreaking research and prepared young minds to lead in a complex world.”
— Dean Simon J. Sheather
Gatton by the Numbers
1913: COMMENCEMENT TENT
ENROLLMENT HIGHLIGHTS
2025: COMMENCEMENT MAY 9, 2025
Since 1925, the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics has grown exponentially.
In 1925, there were 221 students enrolled — 210 men and 11 women.
That year, the college awarded 25 degrees.
In the Fall 2024 class, total enrollment included 3,231 men and 2,254 women.
In 2025, the college awarded 1,600 degrees.
1983: BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS STUDENTS AT THEIR OWN UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT
1926: KEY NUMBERS
221 Students Enrolled 25 Degrees Awarded
CARTER SKAGGS
1965: KEY NUMBERS
2,000 Students Enrolled
400 Degrees Awarded
1947: KEY NUMBERS
1,186 Students Enrolled 140 Degrees Awarded
1980: STUDENTS AT COMMENCEMENT
2022: COMMENCEMENT
2018: KEY NUMBERS
2025: KEY NUMBERS
5,485 Students Enrolled 1,600 Degrees Awarded
3,874 Students Enrolled 1,163 Degrees Awarded
1981: KEY NUMBERS
3,028 Students Enrolled 693 Degrees Awarded
Gatton’s Interesting Facts
Majors
ANDCertificates
ACCOUNTING
• More than $200,000 in scholarships have been awarded to more than 200 students since 2020.
• 35% of students have surpassed the 150-plus credit hour threshold to sit for the CPA exam.
• 40% increase in the amount of accounting majors from Fall 2021 to Fall 2024.
• Ranked No. 21 worldwide in audit research, according to BYU Accounting Research Rankings, 2023.
ECONOMICS
• More than $10 million raised in research grants and contracts since 2020.
• Three research centers providing insight and analysis of key topics critical to the business community.
FINANCE
• Largest major at the Gatton College of Business and Economics and the second largest major on UK’s campus.
• More than $5 million in the Student Managed Investment Fund.
MARKETING
• Ranked No. 41 in research, according to UT Dallas rankings 2022-2025.
• Among the top 5 majors on University of Kentucky’s campus.
• More than 40,000 academic citations as a department.
MANAGEMENT
• Management faculty are recognized worldwide as leaders in the field of Social Networking Analysis.
• Faculty earn top teaching evaluations and have more than 120,000 research citations.
Full -Time MBA
• No. 1 for ROI — Bloomberg.
• Top 30 Public MBA — U.S. News & World Report.
• No. 61 Best Business School — U.S. News & World Report.
Part-Time MBA
• No. 34 — CEO Magazine.
• Top 50 — Princeton Review.
• No. 65 Top Undergraduate Business Schools — U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
• No. 12 Top Online Colleges — U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
• Top 50 MBA — Princeton Review.
• 94% Employed three months after graduation (MBA) / $76,588 Base Salary (MBA) — U.S. News & World Report, 2025.
Minors
ANDCertificates
• More than 25% of all UK undergraduate certificates awarded in the 2024–2025 academic year were completed through Gatton.
• 485% increase in the number of Gatton certificates completed from 2022-2025.
• 20% of UK students completed an undergraduate minor in the 2024–2025 academic year through Gatton.
GRAHAM OFFICE OF CAREER MANAGEMENT
• 400 active national and international recruiting partners.
• 2024 UEDA National Award of Excellence Winner — Talent Development.
• Hosts 30-plus Gatton-specific, year-round networking and recruiting events.
EDUCATION ABROAD
• Nearly 300 students traveled to more than 20 countries and three different continents in the 2024-2025 academic year.
• Largest offering of UK faculty-directed summer programming.
• 62% increase of participation in Education Abroad experiences from academic year 2022 to 2025.
• $185,000 in dedicated education abroad funding available annually, exclusively for Gatton students.
Leading Kentucky
Edward “Ned” Thompson Breathitt Jr., who earned his degree in Commerce in 1948, went on to become Kentucky’s governor from 1963-67. While he earned his law degree at UK, he was president of Lamp and Cross and Omicron Delta Kappa. He served three years in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Prior to his election as governor, he was elected to three terms in the Kentucky General Assembly (1952-58) and was a member of the Governor’s Commission on Mental Health and of the State Public Service Commission.
GATTON IS SPORTY!
Frank Vernon Ramsey Jr., a 1954 Commerce graduate, played for the Boston Celtics from 1955-64, during which time the Celtics won seven world championships and eight Eastern Division titles. As a UK student in the early 1950s, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, president of the K Club, named Distinguished Military Student in the ROTC program, was a member of the baseball team (all-SEC, 1951, ’52 and ’53) and an All-American basketball player. He was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1981.
Howard Schnellenberger, a 1956 Commerce graduate, was an All-American on the Kentucky football team and went on to coach at Alabama, Miami, Kentucky, Louisville, Oklahoma and Florida Atlantic. In addition, he was part of seven NFL playoff teams and two Super Bowl staffs. He helped coach the 1972 Miami Dolphins to the NFL’s only undefeated season, was head coach of the Baltimore Colts from 1973-74 and is a member of the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame. UK honored him by retiring his jersey in 1992. Schnellenberger was inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni in May 2005.
THE FIRST WOMAN GRADUATE
Emma Jane Stevens Walker ’29 (top row, right) was the first woman to graduate from the College of Commerce at the University of Kentucky, doing so at the top of her class. She financed her education by working at UK’s library as secretary to Margaret I. King. She was actively involved in the Kentucky Historical Society, church organizations, the Daughters of the Confederacy and the Daughters of the American Colonists. She also held office at the state and national levels with the Daughters of the American Revolution. One of the primary loves of her life was genealogy and genealogical research, and she compiled and published books of genealogical records over a 50-year period.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, UK boasted a school-record 22 student athletes participating in the summer games, including three athletes who studied at the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Senior economics major and UK Rifle member Will Shaner ’22 became the first Wildcat to medal in historic fashion for Team USA. Not only did Shaner win gold, but it was the first for the Americans in men’s air rifle. The three-time UK All-American set an Olympic record score in the final.
Representing his country of Zimbabwe in swimming, Peter Wetzlar ’20 set a Zimbabwean national record during the men’s 100m freestyle competition. A former UK student athlete, Wetzlar graduated magna cum laude with his finance and accounting degree from Gatton College.
Ali Galyer ’20, a marketing major, was an accomplished student athlete on the UK Swimming and Diving team. She competed for New Zealand in the women’s 100m and 200m backstroke along with the 4x200m freestyle relay.
The first recorded gift, and the first of $1 million-plus
The first recorded donor gift received by the school was a $2.50 cash gift from Gerald L. Stallard on Jan. 21, 1971. This marks the beginning of records related to philanthropy.
Gatton’s “development office” was started in the mid1980s. The first gift of $1 million or above that was posted as a single transaction to the college’s records was from Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton on November 23, 1998, in the amount of $1,330,351.57.
A Timeline of Gatton College of Business and Economics
1925: COLLEGE OF COMMERCE FOUNDED
UK PRESIDENT
Frank L. McVey
The College of Commerce was created from the Department of Economics. Classes and offices were housed in White Hall, a former dormitory. The college’s first dean was Professor Edward Wiest, a professor in what was the Department of Economics.
1947: KEY NUMBERS 1,186 Students Enrolled 140 Degrees Awarded
1952: GI BILL MBA DEGREE OFFERED
MBA degree offered as veterans return to attend college on the GI Bill. At least 200 commerce students are graduating per year.
UK PRESIDENT
Frank G. Dickey 1956-1963
1917: DR. FRANK LEROND MCVEY, PRESIDENT
Dr. Frank LeRond McVey served as President of the University of Kentucky from 1917 to 1940. Through his visionary commitment to academic excellence, McVey transformed the University of Kentucky into a modern, multifaceted, 20thcentury institution of higher education.
1926: ACCREDITATION
The college receives full accreditation by the AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
1926: KEY NUMBERS
221 Students Enrolled 25 Degrees Awarded
1948: DR. CECIL C. CARPENTER NAMED DEAN
Professor Dr. Cecil C. Carpenter named dean. Enrollment tops at 1,000 students. Publication of the Commerce Employment Association’s “Bargains in Brains” to aid student placement begins.
1964: NEW BUILDING COMPLETED
The college’s new building is completed. The college consists of two academic departments: the Department of Economics and the Department of Business Administration.
1965: KEY NUMBERS
2,000 Students Enrolled
400 Degrees Awarded 1965
UK PRESIDENT
LATE 1960S
Reorganization and expansion of the Bureau of Business Research; creation of the Management Center, Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR), Kentucky Council of Economic Advisors, programs for technical and research assistance to state agencies and local governments.
1981: DR. RICHARD W. FURST NAMED DEAN
Dr. Richard W. Furst named fifth dean and would serve for 22 years.
1968: COLLEGE RENAMED College renamed the College of Business and Economics. 1980 1970
John W. Oswald 1963-1968 1975
UK PRESIDENT
Albert D. Kirwan 1968-1969
UK PRESIDENT
Otis A. Singletary 1969-1987
1967: DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING BEGINS
1965: DR. CHARLES F. HAYWOOD NAMED DEAN
Professor Charles F. Haywood named dean. During Dean Haywood’s term, the number of students graduating doubled, the entire undergraduate curriculum is revised and the college begins offering a DBA program.
1981: KEY NUMBERS
3,028 Students Enrolled
693 Degrees Awarded
1974: DR. WILLIAM W. ECTON NAMED DEAN
Dr. William W. Ecton served as acting dean from January 1974 to April 1976, when he was appointed the fourth dean of the College of Business and Economics. He served until 1980.
A Timeline of Gatton College of Business and Economics
UK PRESIDENT
David P. Roselle
1987-1989
1988: ACCOUNTING RECEIVES ACCREDITATION
Accounting programs received AACSB accreditation.
UK PRESIDENT
Charles T. Wethington Jr. 1989-2001
1994: INAUGURAL CLASS OF THE ALUMNI HALL OF FAME
1991: ASHLAND OIL INFORMATION CENTER
Electronic information center named the “Ashland Oil Information Center.”
1995: COLLEGE RENAMED
College renamed Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics, in honor of Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton and his $14 million pledge.
2000: SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY RENAMED
School of Accountancy renamed to Douglas J. Von Allmen School of Accountancy, thanks to $5 million gift from Douglas J. Von Allmen, 1965 graduate of accountancy, and his wife, Linda.
2001: VON ALLMEN E-COMMERCE CENTER ESTABLISHED
2000
1998: MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Certificate in medical management offered.
1997: BUSINESS AND MEDICINE
Joint-degree programs were added in Gatton College with medicine, pharmacy and allied health.
1996: KENTUCKY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Kentucky Scholars program established. Center for Small Business Development became the Center for Entrepreneurship.
UK PRESIDENT Lee T. Todd Jr. 2001-2011
2003: DR. DEVANATHAN SUDHARSHAN NAMED DEAN
Dr. Devanathan Sudharshan became sixth dean.
2012: DR. DAVID BLACKWELL NAMED DEAN
Dr. David Blackwell named seventh dean.
2016: RENOVATION AND EXPANSION
New building opened, a $65 million renovation and expansion.
2018: KEY NUMBERS
3,874 Students Enrolled 1,163 Degrees Awarded
2019-SPRING 2025:
Among other programs, from 2019 through Spring 2025, Gatton College added eight new graduate and undergraduate certificates: accounting analytics, taxation, human resources management, business analytics, financial planning, business, global scholars and sales.
New M.S. programs in that timeframe included marketing, strategic human resources management and analytics, finance and supply chain management.
2020
2010
2015
2020 Master’s in Supply Chain Management offered. UK PRESIDENT Eli Capilouto 2011-present
2019
Business Data Analytics minor and real-time online MBA program offered.
2018: DR. SIMON J. SHEATHER NAMED DEAN
Dr. Simon J. Sheather appointed eighth and current dean.
2017
Master’s in Finance degree offered.
2025
2025: KEY NUMBERS
5,485 Students Enrolled 1,600 Degrees Awarded
Leadership Defines Gatton College
The University of Kentucky’s second largest college — behind the College of Arts and Sciences — Gatton College of Business and Economics has benefited from a legacy of steady and forward-thinking leadership. Over the last 100 years, the college’s leaders have focused on the best possible student outcomes for the approximately 38,000 business leaders who have come through its doors. There’s truly a “pay it forward” mentality at Gatton.
“During the last 100 years, Gatton College of Business and Economics has cultivated countless leaders who have transformed industries and changed communities across the state and around the world,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “Today, faculty, staff, students and alumni continue to live up to the vision of their college’s namesake, Mr. Bill Gatton. I know he would be so proud of the pivotal role the Gatton College plays in the University of Kentucky’s mission to advance the Commonwealth.”
The leadership in this book includes those at the helm of the thriving college as well as those who graduated and entered the workforce as next-generation leaders. In the quarter centennial chapters, you’ll meet the school’s eight deans who navigated the unique challenges of their times, from Dr. Edward Wiest, who saw world war and economic depression, to Dr. Simon Sheather, who navigated the college through an unprecedented pandemic.
Meet Hall of Famers, Distinguished Young Alumni, generous donors who help keep the world turning for some of our students, and the students who have truly “understood the assignment” and carry forward the mission of the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Meet the deans and the boards and councils that keep Gatton going into the next 100 years. You’ll find leaders of all sorts — the quiet types who keep the course charted and the public faces who share with the world what can come
from hard work, integrity and going the Gatton way. With 100 years of game-changing leaders, the board is set at Gatton College of Business and Economics to thrive for 100 more years.
MEET TH E DEANS
Dr. Edward S. Wiest (1878-1962) — Dean, College of Commerce, 1925-1948
Dr. Edward Wiest joined the faculty in 1918 as a professor of economics. His first leadership role at UK was for the Department of Economics and Sociology within the College of Arts and Sciences. His second was as acting dean of the university’s new graduate school in 1924. In 1925, Wiest was named the first dean of the College of Commerce.
Dr. Cecil C. Carpenter (1904-1998) — Dean, College of Commerce, 1948-1964
A native Kentuckian, Dr. Cecil Carpenter was a member of the class of 1926, the inaugural graduating class of the College of Commerce. He taught courses in economics at the University of Kentucky for 12 years before he was appointed dean. Under his leadership, the college established an MBA program and built a four-story building.
Dr. Charles F. Haywood (1927-2023) — Dean, College of Commerce/College of Business and Economics, 1965-1974
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Haywood was a native Kentuckian, first-generation college student, U.S. Army sergeant major, Berea College graduate and banker. During his deanship, the college changed names to the College of Business and Economics, added three undergraduate degrees — business administration, accountancy and business and economics — and a doctorate in business administration.
THE FOCUS OF GATTON COLLEGE LEADERSHIP
An institution’s leader is, to some degree, a product of their time. Each of the Gatton deans brought that context and combined it with a unique set of passion and expertise. To sum up their leadership with a word ...
Wiest : Agriculture
Carpenter : Economics
Haywood : Banking
Ecton : Accounting
Furst : Entrepreneurship
Sudharshan : Marketing
Blackwell : Finance
Sheather : Statistics and Analytics
Dr. William W. Ecton (1928-1998) — Dean, College of Business and Economics, 1976-1980
Another graduate of the University of Kentucky and native Kentuckian, Dr. William “Bill” Ecton served as chair of the new Department of Accounting in 1966. He was named acting dean of the college in early 1974 and appointed dean in 1976. Under Dean Ecton’s leadership, the college established a Business Advisory Council and expanded international courses and continuing education programs.
Dr. Richard W. Furst (1938-2012) — Dean, College of Business and Economics/Gatton College of Business and Economics, 1981-2003
Dr. Richard “Dick” Furst established the Business Partnership Foundation, Program for Excellence, Education Abroad program, “Business Exchange” newsletter for alumni, Singletary Scholarship fund for the benefit of graduate students, Ashland Oil Information Center, Alumni Hall of Fame, B&E Ambassador program and Kentucky Scholars program to recognize successes in business and significant gifts to the college. The Douglas J. Von Allmen School of Accountancy and Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship were created, and the College of Business and Economics was renamed in honor of Carol Martin Gatton and his $14 million contribution to endow new faculty research support and student scholarships.
Dr. Devanathan Sudharshan — Dean, Gatton College of Business and Economics, 2003-2011
Arriving at UK from University of Illinois, where he served as associate dean in the business school, Dr. Devanathan Sudharshan laid the foundation for Gatton’s Advancement/Development and Communications departments that led to the future growth of the college, as well as the 2016 opening of the new Gatton College building. He instituted an 11-month MBA program, an MBA program in Athens, Greece, and developed Transform magazine.
Dr. David Blackwell — Dean, Gatton College of Business and Economics, 2012-2018
Dr. David “Dave” Blackwell oversaw the raising of $100 million in private funds for Gatton College during his deanship, $65 million of which was for the expansion and renovation of the Gatton building. He implemented the Business Enterprise Living-Learning program, the joint UK-UofL Executive MBA, Social Enterprise Scholars Honors Pathway, one-year M.S. in finance and health care-oriented business programs. Gatton enrollment increased by 36 percent during his tenure; enrollment in MBA programs increased by 37.5 percent. He became provost of the university in 2018.
Dr. Simon J. Sheather — Dean, Gatton College of Business and Economics, 2018-present
One of the first things Dean Sheather did upon his arrival at UK was to give MBA students an online option. He also started a new minor in business analytics. When the pandemic hit, Dean Sheather hit back with a master’s degree in supply chain management. More than 200 courses converted to online instruction via the “Gatton from Anywhere” portal. Dean Sheather also instituted master’s and graduate certificates in human resource management and analytics and a graduate certificate in business analytics. As of the date of this publication, Sheather’s fundraising efforts have raised more than $100 million in new cash gifts and pledges. In 2024, Dean Sheather accepted a second six-year term as dean.
HALL OF FAME
GATTON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS HALL OF FAME
Since 1994, Gatton College has honored its premier alumni in the Gatton College Alumni Hall of Fame. Its members graduated from the College of Commerce, the College of Business and Economics or the Gatton College of Business and Economics. These Gatton graduates helped foster 100 years of success throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. The following pages highlight some of their stories.
GATTON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Chris
Carol Martin“Bill” Gatton (1932-2022)
B.S., 1954
Hall of Fame, 1995
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2000
Agriculture and business go hand in hand. Farmers are entrepreneurs, after all.
Since 1840, generations of the Gatton family have farmed on land in a small Western Kentucky community called Bremen (population 200 to 400 in any given year). Here, Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton grew up around hard work on the family farm in Muhlenberg County.
The Bill Gatton Foundation shares a story on its website about 6-year-old Bill asking a local farmer if he had any interest in selling his farm to the child. A few years later a transaction came to pass, and the acquisition of a piece of land was put in Marie Gatton’s name, Bill’s older sister by 21 years. By the age of 12, Bill Gatton had doubled his investment. He was also raising watermelons on an acre of the farm and selling them on the side of the road.
Gatton’s entrepreneurial journey would expand exponentially and culminate in philanthropy.
His parents had four children over the span of two decades, a daughter and three sons. Bill was the baby. His two brothers had the middle name William, but Bill wound up with the William nickname of Bill. Their parents, Harry William Gatton Sr., and Edith Martin Gatton, were born and buried in Muhlenberg County. All four of the Gatton children were born in the same county.
It was expected by his parents that he would go to the University of Kentucky. And so he did. Gatton spent his first two years at the College of Agriculture, as his brother Charles had done in the 1930s. He changed majors, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the College of Commerce. Bill Gatton worked while in school, selling Chevrolets for the L.R. Cooke dealership in Lexington.
“My first sale of a new car was to Joe Kennedy, the owner of Kennedy Book Store on campus,” he told Transform.
Between his UK degree in 1954 and an MBA at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School in ’58, Gatton served two years of active duty with the U.S. Army. He opened his first business, Bill Gatton Motors, in Owensboro, Kentucky, in 1959. That same year, he and his brother Charles formally founded Father’s Country Hams in Bremen, after Charles had been curing hams for the locals for years. The next generation of Charles’ family ran the business until its closing in April 2025.
Bill Gatton’s automotive group would expand to include 10 more dealerships in Alabama, Tennessee and Texas. From cars, he ventured into stock holdings in banks and real estate. Gatton moved to Bristol, Tennessee, in 1967 and lived there until his death in 2022. His closest friends will tell you he never forgot his Kentucky roots.
“When I was 30, I thought I just might retire at 40. When I was 40, I decided I’d wait to 50. When I reached 50, I decided to delay retirement until I was 60. At 60, I realized I would never retire,” Gatton said in a 2007 interview for Gatton College’s Transform magazine.
Over the years, Gatton contributed — individually and through The Bill Gatton Foundation — to dozens of institutions and causes, almost all with a particular focus on education. The single largest donor in the history of the University of Kentucky, Gatton’s gifts total more than $200 million to the Commonwealth’s flagship university.
UK renamed the business college to the Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics in 1995. The Bill Gatton Student Center bears his name, as does the 2023 naming of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, in honor of both of his parents’ names.
“Giving money to the right things is more important than making money,” Gatton said in a 2014 video interview with UK. “What I’m wanting to do is build a bridge from my generation to the generations to come that will go to the University of Kentucky.”
Left: Bill Gatton attended the 2013 groundbreaking ceremony of the new Gatton College of Business and Economics building.
Right: Bill Gatton is pictured with Cathy Jacobs in 2018 at a Gatton College event.
Below: Bill Gatton, pictured at a 2014 event, stayed actively involved in fundraising and celebratory events not only at Gatton College of Business and Economics, but throughout the University of Kentucky.
Douglas J. Von Allmen
B.S., Accounting, 1965
Hall of Fame, 2001
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2005
As a high school student in his hometown of Louisville, Douglas J. Von Allmen told his mother he wanted to go to college.
She said, “How are you going to pay for it?” He didn’t know the answer, but he was determined to go. “What are you going to study?” she asked. A guest speaker at school said the three highest-paying occupations were engineer, lawyer and accountant. “I didn’t know math well enough to become an engineer and I didn’t write well enough to become an attorney,” he said. “So I chose accounting.”
Von Allmen earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting, graduating with honors from UK in 1965, the year the university turned 100 years old. His first job out of college was in public accounting as a CPA with Peat Marwick International (later KPMG). He then served as controller for Horace Mann Educators Corporation and CFO at Volkswagen Insurance Company.
By the late 1970s, he wanted to go into business for himself and bought his first company, putting into practice the techniques of logic and analysis he learned in school. “College teaches you how to think,” he said. He purchased, founded and invested in dozens of companies over the years.
Along the way, Von Allmen started getting fundraising requests from UK students making phone calls to alum-
ni. “They wanted a donation of $25 or so,” he recalled. He asked to have somebody in administration call, because he could give more than that. Dean Richard Furst visited Doug and Linda Von Allmen at their home in Fort Lauderdale to discuss opening a center for entrepreneurship.
In the spring of 2000, the Von Allmens pledged two endowments to the Gatton College of Business: $5 million to benefit the School of Accountancy and $2 million to create the Center for Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce. Doug Von Allmen especially wanted to support research projects that could boost Kentucky’s economic development.
UK President Charles Wethington recommended to the Board of Trustees that both programs be named after their benefactor, earning the gratitude of hundreds of fellow entrepreneurs, students, startup founders and pitch winners across the campus and the community.
From left, Dean of Gatton College Simon Sheather with Linda and Doug Von Allmen and UK President Eli Capilouto.
John A. Williams Sr.
B.S., Accounting & Economics, 1962
Hall of Fame, 2009
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2020
John Williams took a Fortran class one semester. The computer programming language class was taught by grad student Marty Solomon, who assigned each student to write three papers on articles they found at the library, as current periodicals featured information on new technology.
One of the pieces Williams found was about the adoption of the E-13B font on the bottom of checks.
“It dealt with what was going to happen to the velocity of money,” he said. “I’d already had money and banking. I put the two together, and I built a business.”
The leadership opportunities during his college career at UK gave him experience as chairman of the judiciary board, vice president of Student Congress, president of the YMCA and dorm counselor. He taught leadership classes at his company, Computer Services, Inc. (CSI), for 30 years. At 84, the CSI founder and chairman emeritus still teaches for Leadership Paducah and serves on an HOA board in Florida. In 2011, he founded the Leadership Institute for School Principals, a program of leadership training run through the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
His civic mindedness began with two UK sociology classes that dealt with community activities. “I spent a life actively involved in civic leadership, and part of it was because of those classes,” he said. Williams also praised the one-onone independent study with Dr. Ecton, who became dean of the College of Business and Economics in 1976.
After graduating from UK, he enrolled in Washington University in St. Louis, intending to go to law school. But Arthur Andersen hired him for its new management consulting division. He then served two years in the U.S. Army and deployed to Germany. Williams was rare. He knew Fortran programming and was the officer in charge of a new computer program. The twofold mission was to build an automated system for managing information and then to increase transmission speed. “In 1963, the fastest you could transmit was 300 baud. That was teletype speed.” Williams and his Signal Corps team went in with repeaters and boosted the signal speed up to 1,600 baud rate. “People flushed out of Washington, D.C., and said it was the foundation of the internet, in essence.”
The army wanted him to stay in Stuttgart. Arthur Andersen wanted him back. But Williams headed home to Paducah to start his own company. He had written a business plan his junior year for CSI and launched it in 1965. He ran CSI for 50 years before retiring and turning management over to others, who sold the company in 2022 for $1.6 billion.
John Williams, pictured as a student above, led Computer Services, Inc., for 50 years before selling it for $1.6 billion.
Terry Woodward
B.S., Industrial Administration, 1963
Hall of Fame, 1999
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2020
When Terry Woodward graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1963, he did so as a first-generation college student. The education and confidence he learned and gained at UK enabled him to be successful in all aspects of life.
Decades later, the breadth and depth of Woodward’s career and community service led the university to confer on him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at the 2022 commencement in Rupp Arena.
Soon after earning his bachelor’s degree from UK, Woodward returned to his hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky, to join his father in their family business, Wax Works Inc. Over the next half century, he would make a name for himself in the music and entertainment industry, all while intentionally keeping his business in Daviess County, cre-
ating a substantial economic impact in Owensboro and strengthening the community.
Wax Works, Inc. developed Disc Jockey, a music retail store chain reaching 240 locations in 37 states over the years, which Woodward sold in 1999. When the video cassette recorder (VCR) came on the scene, Wax Works became a national distributor of video movies for all the major Hollywood film studios, servicing over 5,000 retailers.
In 2006, Woodward started a company called Team Marketing, which grew to be the largest holder of licenses for college sports videos in the nation. Team Marketing also had exclusive licensing agreements with ESPN, NASCAR, the NBA, Fox Sports, ABC Sports and CBS Sports.
In 2018, Woodward was inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame for his contributions to the music industry and in 1999 to the Gatton Hall of Fame. His philanthropic support of students at his alma mater is evident through scholarships and facilities, including the Woodward Hall event venue in the Gatton Building.
Above: Terry Woodward received an honorary doctorate in 2022.
Right: Pictured is the UK student chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Management in the 1963 Kentuckian yearbook. Terry Woodward is second row, first on the left.
James W.“Jim” Stuckert (1938-2025)
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, 1960
Hall of Fame, 1997
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2000
What do mechanical engineering and investment brokerage have in common? A system of moving parts and the expertise of James “Jim” Stuckert. He took business and economics classes while earning a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. With that degree in 1960, he obtained an MBA a year later.
Stuckert’s career path followed the same order. First, he worked as a sales engineer at Cummins Engine Co. in Columbus, Indiana. Within a year, he found his way into the world of investment securities and equity trading with W.L. Lyons (formed in 1854) in his hometown of Louisville. In 1968, the company merged with J.J.B. Hilliard (dating back to 1872) to become known as the J.J.B. Hilliard-W.L. Lyons & Company. It was later shortened to Hilliard Lyons, where Stuckert served as partner, chairman and CEO until his retirement in early 2004.
In his undergraduate days, Stuckert was actively involved in Pi Tau Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa, Kappa Sigma and student government. He met his wife, Diane, an education major, on campus.
In 2012, he told Kentucky Alumni Magazine that in his junior year, he bought 10 shares of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M), and the next week the stock had gone up to $18 a share. “I was hooked,” he said. “I knew
right then and there I was going into this line of business. Sign me up!”
He gave back to his beloved alma mater beginning in 1968. The Stuckerts’ philanthropic contributions are responsible for the construction of the William T. Young Library, the James W. Stuckert Career Center and numerous scholarships.
Stuckert himself was active in the UK Alumni Association and its Jefferson County club, the UK Board of Trustees, UK Development Council, the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Gatton College of Business and Economics and the presidential search committee that brought in Dr. Eli Capilouto in 2011.
Jim Stuckert died in August 2025 at the age of 87.
The late James Stuckert is pictured with his wife, Diane, and former University of Kentucky President Lee Todd Jr.
Paul Chellgren
B.S., Accounting, 1964
Hall of Fame, 1995
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2000
Paul Chellgren got so much out of his time as an undergraduate student at University of Kentucky, he started giving back as soon as possible. His philanthropy began in 1974 and hasn’t stopped.
At UK in the early ’60s, Chellgren was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Sigma Chi and Tau Kappa Alpha, as well as Lamp and Cross, Scabbard and Blade, the debate team and the Honors Program. He was Student Congress president and served as president of a new residence hall called Haggin Hall. Five decades later, a residence hall would bear his own name when Woodland Glen I became Chellgren Hall in 2015.
Chellgren also earned an MBA from Harvard University and a diploma in advanced economics from the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. Supporting higher education is at the top of his to-do list. In addition to UK he has provided scholarships at Centre College in Danville, Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro and Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, to name a few.
For the first 10 years after he graduated from UK, Chellgren held corporate jobs in Idaho, California, Missouri and London, England. He was also an operations analyst in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington, D.C.
Above: Paul Chellgren, left, was awarded first place in the novice division during the UK Debate Awards in 1958.
Left: Paul Chellgren is pictured with University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto at a 2017 ceremony for the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence.
And then in 1974, he joined Ashland, a 50-year-old company based in Ashland, Kentucky. A native to the area, Chellgren graduated from Ashland High School in 1960. Formerly called the Ashland Oil & Refining Company, the name became Ashland Oil in 1970 and Ashland Inc. in 1995. By 1996, Chellgren was CEO of Ashland Inc. and led the global company until 2002. Over the next couple of decades, he served with PNC Financial Services Group and the private equity firm Snow Phipps Group.
A former member of the UK Board of Trustees, he endowed the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence in 2005. Within the Chellgren Center, members of the Chellgren Student Fellows program are called Chellows. In 2014, Chellgren was awarded an honorary doctorate from UK.
Joseph “Joe” W. Craft III
B.S.,
Accounting, 1972
Hall of Fame, 2010
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2010
Not too many people have been inducted into multiple Halls of Fame. But two of them on a single day?
Joseph “Joe” Craft won that daily double, of sorts, on Friday, April 16, 2010. The ceremony for the Gatton College Hall of Fame was held that morning, and the evening soiree at Marriott Griffin Gate was for the university’s Distinguished Alumni ceremony. Two months later, Craft was honored in the College of Law’s Hall of Fame.
A graduate of Hazard High School in Perry County, Kentucky, Craft chose the University of Kentucky for college. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and received his accounting degree in 1972. After completing his work requirement for a CPA certificate, he returned to campus enrolled in UK’s law school, earning his J.D. in 1976. Business and law both served him well in his career. Craft’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather were attorneys in Kentucky. Craft added entrepreneurship to their legacy of work ethic and legal acumen.
In 1980, he was assistant general counsel for MAPCO Inc., a Fortune 500 energy company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After serving as their CFO and General Counsel, he was named president of their coal subsidiary, MAPCO Coal. In 1996, he led a management team buyout of MAPCO Coal. In 1999, he became president and CEO of the renamed Alliance Coal LLC when Alliance Resource Partners was formed as the coal industry’s first publicly traded master limited partnership in the country, trading under the Nasdaq ticker symbol ARLP.
Even with the company’s headquarters based in the Sooner State, Craft’s love of Kentucky has never wavered. In 2007, his philanthropy funded the Joe Craft Center at UK,
Joe and Kelly Craft have been involved in philanthropic and political work throughout Kentucky.
the basketball practice facility and the Joe Craft Football Training Facilities in 2016 and 2022. His philanthropy has extended beyond athletics to UK’s College of Engineering, Business, health care and other university initiatives.
He is a 2012 signer of the Giving Pledge, promising to give the vast majority of his resources to philanthropic causes and charitable endeavors “targeted to people and organizations that embrace individual responsibility, economic freedom, reducing poverty and providing opportunities for those willing to chase the American dream.”
Samuel “Sam” N. Hazen
BBA, Finance, 1982
Hall of Fame, 2016
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2025
From his Eastern Kentucky roots in Cumberland, which included working in his family’s 5- and 10-cent stores and playing high school hoops, to leading the largest investor-owned health care provider in the country, Sam Hazen knows about hard work, compassion and teamwork. These lessons are foundational in his efforts to inspire others, make strategic decisions and lead a large organization.
His more than four decades of service at HCA Healthcare began in an investment class his senior year, when Hazen chose Hospital Corporation of America as part of his portfolio for a class project. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in finance from UK and an MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Hazen held various financial and operational positions in the company before he became the company’s CEO in 2018.
Gatton College was known as the College of Business and Economics during Hazen’s time on campus. He acknowledged it for creating his first-level career opportunity.
“The school gave me a basic foundation of knowledge that has allowed me to expand my education, develop new skills and grow professionally,” he said.
Hazen currently serves on the boards of the Nashville Health Care Council, Federation of American Hospitals and the HCA Healthcare Foundation.
“Gatton College plays an important role in Kentucky by creating opportunities for students, supporting businesses and being a sense of pride for the university,” Hazen said.
Sam Hazen, pictured in the checkered shirt above, from a 1982 Kentuckian yearbook, is from Cumberland, Kentucky, where he worked in his family’s retail business. He went on to lead the largest investor-owned health care provider in the U.S.
Pin Ni
M.S., Economics, 1994 Hall of Fame, 2023
No matter where he opens his laptop, Pin Ni considers Lexington his hometown.
“I spent two of the best years of my life there, so this is my home,” he said. This is where he learned English, because the foreign language he studied while growing up in China was Japanese.
Pin Ni graduated from UK in 1994 and went on to invest in more than 100 tech startups.
“When I came here, I tried to get a job,” he recalled. “I called the Toyota plant in Georgetown, and they thought I was Japanese. So they said, ‘Yeah, you can come.’”
At the time, international students were unable to attend UK and also work off campus, so he interviewed for a job replacing cans in campus vending machines. He failed that interview when asked if he knew the difference between the nickel, dime and quarter. “I had no clue what he was talking about,” Ni recalled.
His roommate found him a gig at the College of Agriculture washing tubes in a lab. After a semester at that job, the Department of Economics reviewed his performance and asked the university for a special scholarship, “asking that I should not get my Ph.D. at another university,” Ni said. He agreed to the terms. One of his economics professors, Dr. Richard Jensen, delivered the good news. “I got a wonderful gift during the Christmastime — a full TA with all tuition waived,” Ni said. He also received a significant amount of
stipends and didn’t have much actual work to do, because all the teaching assistant jobs had already been assigned.
In his two years at UK, Ni learned how to deal with difficult situations, how to treat others well and many other important lessons. “I restarted my life,” he said.
The siren song of the business world called Ni before he finished his Ph.D. In 1993, he founded Wanxiang America Corporation, and in 1994, the company took off. Although headquartered outside Chicago, it is officially a Kentucky company. Today, Wanxiang is investing in more than 100 different tech startups. In 2020, Ni founded the nonprofit Future Wanxiang Foundation, with Gatton scholarships among its beneficiaries.
“So many people have a dream. I think UK is a very good place where you can start your dream,” Ni said.
Nancy Paxton
B.S., Accounting, 1980 Hall of Fame, 2019
While most of her sorority sisters were fast asleep, Nancy Paxton was traipsing over to the B&E building several times a week for an 8 a.m. intermediate accounting class.
“The accounting professors were demanding, and keeping up with the pace of the curriculum was really essential,” she said, “but I had great career opportunities as a result. It was all well worth it.”
She has a heart full of gratitude to the late Dr. James Knoblett, chair of the accounting department at the time, who enthusiastically wrote a letter of recommendation to MBA programs for her. That letter set the wheels in motion for Paxton’s MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and her move to California.
Majoring in accounting built an invaluable foundation for her, from her early days as a CPA to her 33-year career with Apple, heading Investor Relations. “It’s really
something I used pretty much every day of my career,” she said.
Today, Paxton serves on the boards of several nonprofits, including East Palo Alto Tennis and Tutoring (EPATT), which equips youth to thrive in college and career through tennis and tutoring, and Youth on Course, which provides young people with life-changing opportunities through golf.
Nancy Paxton is pictured on the right at a university Greek life event while she was a student. She said the work she put in at UK in her accounting program produced great results in her career later in life.
Chris T. Sullivan
B.S., Business & Economics, 1972
Hall of Fame, 1994
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2000
Chris Sullivan became a successful restaurant industry entrepreneur and now supports UK through the Chris T. Sullivan Foundation.
From waiting tables to owning approximately 1,500 restaurants, Chris Sullivan knows every detail of the food and beverage industry.
Your favorite casual dining establishment is probably on the list of those he developed (Outback Steakhouse), operated (Bennigan’s) or invested in (Carrabba’s, Bonefish Grill, Chili’s).
Sullivan’s career began at Steak and Ale — not the one in Lexington, but a franchise location in Indianapolis.
After graduating from UK in 1972, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Sullivan hit the road for Indiana and then Chicago, soon becoming executive vice president for the S&A Restaurant Group.
In 1988, he and three partners opened the first Outback Steakhouse where he currently lives in Tampa, Florida. And yes, he was quite involved in the sponsorship of the Outback Bowl, the college football game played on (or near) New Year’s Day in Tampa from 1996 to 2022. Sullivan was also a partner with the nascent Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball team in the mid-1990s.
His uncle, Don Sullivan, played baseball for UK and was a three-time K Man of the Year award winner while Chris was on campus.
Born in Lake City, Florida, Chris Sullivan was the second oldest of seven children. He grew up in Michigan, Maryland and Montana, and chose his dad’s home state, Kentucky, for college. His parents, Bill and Mary Sullivan, both served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
He is a 2014 inductee into the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame and a 2007 recipient of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans award.
In 2004, he founded the Chris T. Sullivan Foundation to support educational and community organizations. His philanthropic contributions to the University of Kentucky include gifts to the UK Athletic Association and of course, the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
Paul C. Varga
BBA, Finance, 1985
Hall of Fame, 2009
Tennis, anyone? Paul Varga was the winningest men’s singles player in UK history, a title he would hold for 27 years after graduation.
As he joined the tennis team his freshman year, Varga was pursuing an educational path toward becoming a doctor.
“My switch to the Gatton College curriculum taught me the foundational basics of business, management and finance,” he said. “That initial grounding put me on the path toward what would become a corporate and business career I never could have imagined at that time.”
After graduating from UK, he went earned an MBA at Purdue University and then joined Brown-Forman Corp. in 1987. After being named CEO of the global spirits company in 2003, he led the company’s remarkable expansion and growth for 15 years before retiring at the end of 2018.
“Brown-Forman was the company that led the expansion of bourbon and American whiskey around the world,” he said.
Varga’s Hall of Fame induction was made extra special with his UK tennis coach, Dennis Emery, in attendance.
“It wasn’t easy to balance both college tennis and the pursuit of a finance degree,” Varga said, “and I am for-
ever grateful to the Gatton School, Dennis and UK Athletics for the flexibility they provided in allowing me to do both. Cheers to Gatton on its centennial. May the next 100 be even better!”
Paul Varga found success while at UK on the tennis courts and went on to hold leading roles within the Louisville-based Brown-Forman Corp.
Gretchen Schar
B.S., Accounting, 1976 Hall of Fame, 2001
On a fall day in 1975 as Gretchen Schar was wrapping up her degree in accounting at University of Kentucky, she secured an interview in Lexington with Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble.
“The recruiter was going to Keeneland in the afternoon, so he thought he would swing by the university and do a half day of interviews,” she said.
Gretchen Schar said during her career, she greatly benefited from having exposure to international experiences while in college. She established the $1 million Schar Endowed Fund for education abroad opportunities.
Spelling the company’s name correctly was part of the job-hiring process. Schar was the first UK hire at P&G in 15 years. She worked her way from an entry-level financial analyst to vice president and corporate treasurer, and then vice president of finance for global markets.
A native of Illinois, Schar chose her UK major in a “non-databased way,” she said. “My next-door neighbor was a CPA with one of the big firms, and I babysat his kids. I read his textbooks while the kids slept.”
She chose corporate accounting instead of the public accounting route and is grateful for the support from professors to create her own path.
After retiring from P&G in 2008, she headed west to create
a new future as a CFO in the private equity world, turning around two consumer products companies. She retired from full-time CFO work in 2018 to serve on corporate boards, including Carter’s, the children’s apparel company.
When she was honored in the Hall of Fame 24 years ago, she wasn’t in a position to give back. Fast forward to 2025, when she established the $1 million Schar Endowed Fund. Over the next five years, these scholarships will serve a particular niche in global education, offering education abroad opportunities for Gatton business students.
“During my career, I greatly benefited from having exposure to international experiences,” she said, including in China, Russia, Japan and Singapore.
About 5% of Gatton College students have an international experience. Schar’s goal is to help increase the number to 10%.
“That is the legacy I want to leave because of the great start that UK gave me,” she said.
David Thurston
B.S., Accounting, 1981 Hall of Fame, 2021
A Hall of Fame family twofer? Yes, please. Rosemarie and David Thurston each earned an accounting degree at UK, which took them on two different career paths.
David managed financial service operations at Emory University for 20 years and then became an entrepreneur, purchasing and leading the management of NetMOVE in
the moving and storage industry. Rosemarie recently retired from a distinguished 35-year career with Alston & Bird LLP, one of the largest law firms in the country, where she led the firm’s real estate investment trusts practice and served as chair of the management committee.
Both of them were first-generation college students at UK, which inspired them to fund the Thurston Scholar
Rosemarie Thurston
B.S., Accounting, 1986 Hall of Fame, 2021
scholarship, supporting more first-generation students at Gatton College.
“Rosemarie and I are very privileged to be able to create a scholarship for Gatton students who come from similar backgrounds to ours,” David said. “It’s truly a pleasure and honor.”
David was a practicing CPA for only a few years early on, but says his accounting acumen has helped in virtually every other position he’s had. He’s constantly amazed that sometimes other professionals are clueless about finances. “That accounting background changed a lot of things, both professionally and personally.”
As a corporate and securities lawyer, Rosemarie had the advantage of “being able to read financial statements and being able to talk to my clients and understand their business from a financial perspective,” she said. “A lot of people go to law school with a degree in political science and try to become business lawyers, and they really struggle.”
Her dad, Regis Lynskey, was the youngest of eight children raised by a widow and wasn’t able to go to college, but he raised Rosemarie and her brother to be “very keen on pursuing education as much as we possibly could,” she said. “Every time I visit him, we talk a lot about my Gatton days and how the two of us would enjoy special dinners at the end of each term to celebrate my academic success. He was so proud to be a part of the Hall of Fame celebration. He was beaming ear to ear with joy and pride, and I’ll never forget that evening because of that.”
David says his parents would have been tickled pink. “They didn’t even graduate from high school, but they
knew education makes a huge difference for people,” he said.
Traveling and giving back fill up many hours in the Thurstons’ days now. “We’re passionate about education through our philanthropy,” Rosemarie said. She serves on the board of trustees for Cristo Rey Network, the largest group of private high schools for children under the poverty line, and on the local board of Atlanta’s Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.
David is vice board chair for Chicago-based Credit Union 1 and former board chair of the Howard School in Atlanta.
Reflecting on their Gatton College experience, Rosemarie said, “I love that you keep true to the mission of helping people from Kentucky, and helping them rise up and be able to gain an education that will enable them to empower their communities too.”
David and Rosemarie Thurston, pictured at left, are passionate about education and philanthropy, serving on multiple nonprofit boards in Atlanta.
Terry Hemmings
B.S., Business Administration, 1981 Hall of Fame, 2021
You know the kid in high school who played guitar in a garage band and you wondered if he would make it in the music business? If you were at Tates Creek High School in Lexington in the late 1970s, the answer is yes, he did.
Terry Hemmings became president and CEO of Provident Entertainment, a division of Sony Music. His reputation as a stellar music executive has followed him around his chosen home of Nashville for decades, especially in the faith-based music and film industries. He’s served on the boards of the Recording Academy (aka the Grammy Awards) and the Gospel Music Association, among others, as well as a current seat on the board of Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE) at UK.
Born in West Virginia, Terry and his family moved to Lexington when he was 10 years old. In high school, he was in a band called Manna. They played at Ichthus, the Christian music festival in Wilmore, Kentucky. “Those artists were my heroes,” he said. During his time at UK earning a degree in Business Administration, Hemmings formed friendships that never waned, including those with his Sigma Chi fraternity brothers.
After graduating from UK in ’81, he moved to Nashville, starting out in investment brokering before landing in the music business with Reunion Records, Bertelsmann Music Group and Provident Entertainment/Sony Music Entertainment. He retired from Provident in 2022 and is now doing consulting work in Nashville with private equity firms. He visits the UK campus every few years, stopping by Gatton to visit classes.
“I enjoy speaking to students, giving them tips and encouraging them,” he said.
Terry Hemmings turned his love of music into a succcessful career in the industry.
Pamela R. Goodwine BBA, Management, 1991 Hall of Fame, 2000
Pamela Goodwine enrolled at the University of Kentucky in January 1980 as a nontraditional student and was on campus working toward a degree in business management. Her academic career was interrupted by a life-threatening illness in 1982. Six years later, after multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, she was ready to re-enroll and take on those business studies again.
“One of the most cherished memories of my time at Gatton is my conversation with Dean Furst in 1988,” she said. “I promised Dean Furst that if given the opportunity, I would, in fact, complete my undergraduate degree, even if it took the rest of my life.”
Initially, she could only afford to take one class a semester, but complete her degree she did, graduating in 1991. After finishing her BBA, Goodwine earned a law degree at the University of Kentucky. In 1999, she became Judge Goodwine; first in Fayette District Court, then in Fayette Circuit Court and subsequently on the Kentucky Court of Appeals. After serving 25 years as a judge, she is now Justice Goodwine.
“I have fulfilled my lifelong goal of serving on the Kentucky Supreme Court, becoming the first woman and only the fifth person in history to serve at every level of Kentucky’s judiciary and the first Black woman to serve
on Kentucky’s highest court,” she said.
Justice Pamela Goodwine is a proud UK and Gatton alum and was honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame 25 years ago.
Justice Pamela Goodwine is pictured at the Kentucky Supreme Court, where she made history.
Claire Pomeroy MBA, 2000 Hall of Fame, 2018
In the late 1990s, Claire Pomeroy, M.D., and two classmates — a trio of medical doctors getting business degrees — gathered at her house at 6 a.m. for study sessions.
“Someone always brought orange juice and bagels,” she said, “and that was basically what got me through.”
Dr. Claire Pomeroy was working as a physician when she returned to school for her MBA, which she credits for new opportunities she received in her career.
Pomeroy had a full-time job as a physician and was chief of infectious diseases at UK — with no thoughts of returning to school — when the health sciences chancellor recommended the pursuit of business skills. Pomeroy became a nontraditional student and a member of that “6 a.m. Breakfast Club.”
The leadership courses and organizational behavior classes were her favorites in the MBA program, along with “the excitement of learning new ways of thinking and new skills.”
Dr. Pomeroy is president and CEO of the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation, the New York-based nonprofit with a mission is to improve human health by increasing support for medical research. She serves on the corporate boards for Embecta and Haemonetics.
“I would guess that I wouldn’t have had those opportuni-
ties without earning the MBA, without what I learned at Gatton,” she said.
She’s pleased to make gifts to support scholarships for current MBA students at Gatton. She also mentors women in health care administration and academic medicine.
“I think that it is our responsibility to give back,” she said, citing that an important part of how she defines herself today is “being supportive of the next generation of women leaders. It’s been a source of pleasure and pride to watch Gatton really flourish in the years since I attended. I look forward to watching it flourish further in the next 100 years.”
Rexford “Rex” Tibbens
BBA, Finance, 1995 Hall of Fame, 2021
It’s all about getting a lot done for Rex Tibbens. “I’m a big believer in short career arcs,” he said.
He put himself through college with a job at Toyota in his hometown of Georgetown, Kentucky, taking classes in the daytime and working at night. After earning his bachelor’s in finance at UK and then an MBA at Case Western Reserve, Tibbens led his way through Dell, Amazon, Lyft and Frontdoor.
These days he serves as executive chairman of Leaf Home and as chairman of Bullion International.
“They’re both very large with plenty of fun problems to help the management team navigate through, and I’m having a blast,” he said.
Reflecting on Gatton College, the word ‘opportunity’ comes up. “Going to college is an opportunity to discover who you are, and it sets the foundation for the rest of your life.”
His career track has taken him to different states, “but Kentucky was always with me,” Tibbens said. “It’s a great group of very humble, hardworking people who are always trying to move forward. I couldn’t be prouder to be from there.”
Rex Tibbens put himself through college while at UK by working for Toyota. He went on to lead at multiple global companies.
Edward T.“Ned” Breathitt Jr. (1924-2003)
B.S., Commerce, 1948 Hall of Fame, 1994
Edward T. “Ned” Breathitt Jr. enlisted in the military before his 18th birthday. He already had a semester of college under his belt, but he left UK in 1942 to serve his country during WWII.
He joined the United States Army Air Corps, later known as the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed stateside at Maxwell Field in Montgomery, Alabama.
Three years later, Breathitt was back on the Lexington campus. In his junior year, he chaired the Steering Committee of the Veterans Club, founded in 1944 “to promote the causes and protect the interests of veterans attending the University of Kentucky,” according to the 1947 yearbook.
To say he was involved with the Greek community is an understatement. Breathitt was a member of not one, not two, but three fraternities. As president of Omicron Delta Kappa, he wrote a long letter to the editor for the Nov. 4, 1949, issue of the Kentucky Kernel, explaining how money was dispersed from the fraternity’s fundraising efforts.
“ODK was the instigating force behind the movement of construction of a Student Union Building several years
ago,” he wrote. Proceeds also went toward athletic scholarships for baseball, golf, tennis and track.
In a six-year period, the Hopkinsville native earned degrees in commerce and law, a plan he had put in place as a teenager with his high school principal.
In 1963, he was elected Kentucky’s 51st governor. Gov. Breathitt and his administration passed the Kentucky Civil Rights Act and received the Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Department of Interior for contributions to conservation.
Upon graduation from UK, Breathitt embarked on a career in public service — beginning with serving in the military and later becoming Kentucky’s 51st governor. He is pictured above with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
William Lewis Fouse (1928-2019)
B.S., Commerce, 1950; MBA, 1952
Hall of Fame, 2001
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 2005
William “Bill” Fouse is known in the financial world as the founding father of institutional index portfolios. At home, he was known as Bapa to his four grandchildren.
Fouse grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he played clarinet in the marching band in high school.
He took that woodwind instrument to UK and marched on Stoll Field (later Commonwealth Stadium and now Kroger Field), and joined the music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Fouse also played in the concert band and symphony orchestra during his collegiate career at UK.
After earning his Commerce degree and MBA, he left Lexington and headed to Pittsburgh for the banking industry. He offered Mellon National Bank and Trust Co. his new idea for an index fund. They passed. He took it to Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco, who implemented the strategy for Samsonite Corporation in 1971.
Twelve years later, Fouse formed Mellon Capital Management and accumulated $1 billion in managed assets in the company’s first six months. He retired as Mellon’s chairman in 2014 after a nearly 50-year career in investment management.
Fouse died in 2019 at the age of 91.
Bill Fouse, who played clarinet for UK’s marching band, concert band and symphony orchestra, retired in 2014 after a successful career in the financial industry.
James “Jim” E. Rogers Jr. (1947-2018)
B.S., Commerce, 1970
Hall of Fame, 1994
Hall of Distiguished Alumni, 2010
Jim Rogers was widely lauded for his work in clean, sustainable electricity. He retired as chair of Duke Energy in 2013.
Born in Alabama, James “Jim” Rogers grew up in Danville, Kentucky. After a collegiate start at Emory University in Atlanta, he transferred to University of Kentucky, working his way through the College of Business and Economics with several jobs, one of which was as a newspaper reporter.
He stayed at the University of Kentucky after receiving his commerce degree to earn a J.D. at the College of Law. His career would revolve around both of his chosen academic fields.
In the legal realm, Rogers was an assistant attorney general for Kentucky and served on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Washington, D.C.
From there, he entered the corporate world of energy, leading PSI Energy, Cigna Corp., Cinergy and Duke Energy. He retired as chair of Duke Energy in 2013.
A champion of clean, sustainable electricity, Rogers published a book in 2015 titled “Lighting the World: Trans-
forming Our Energy Future by Bringing Electricity to Everyone.” In addition to serving on Fortune 500 boards, he was global vice chair of the Nature Conservancy and co-founded the Global Bright Light Foundation.
Newsweek magazine named Rogers one of the “50 Most Powerful People in the World” in 2008. He was also featured in the New York Times upon his death in 2018.
Warren W. Rosenthal (1923-2019)
B.S., Commerce, 1947
Hall of Fame, 1994
Hall of Distinguished Alumni, 1985
A year after he graduated with his Bachelor of Science from the College of Commerce, Warren Rosenthal joined a small business that comprised a sandwich shop and a couple of hamburger stands (a burger cost a nickel). The outfit was named Jerrico Inc., and by 1957 Rosenthal was CEO.
In 1969, it was on his watch as president that the company went public. In its heyday in the late 1980s, Jerrico operated 1,400 Long John Silver’s and 60 Jerry’s restaurants. Rosenthal created the Fazoli’s quick-serve Italian chain in 1988.
throughout the state of Kentucky and at UK.
Below right: UK President Charles Wethington, Judy Wethington, Warren Rosenthal and Dr. Charles Ellinger at a Fellows Dinner, circa 1990.
Retiring from the restaurant industry in 1989, Rosenthal formed a quartet of family and friends to take on the task of financially saving Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. They succeeded, and the concert venue in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, hosted country music stars for visitors from far and wide. Rosenthal and his wife, Betty, donated Renfro Valley to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Museum in 2000.
The Rosenthals’ philanthropic gifts supported equine programs, nonprofits for children and educational insti-
tutions in his hometown of Paducah and throughout Lexington, including UK and Transylvania University, Camp Horsin’ Around, Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass and Temple Adath Israel. In 1979, Rosenthal received the inaugural National Leadership Award by Colorado-based Junior Achievement USA.
Right: Warren and Betty Rosenthal are pictured with former UK President Lee Todd, Jr. The Rosenthals were involved in philanthropy
Distinguished Young Alumni
Inducted 2025:
Alicia V. Reitano
Director of the U.S. Customer Operations Group at DHL Express U.S. Finance and Marketing ’03
Inducted 2024: Joel Traut Partner, KKR & Co. Inc. Finance and Marketing ’02
Alicia Reitano was born on Long Island and raised in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She graduated from Gatton in 2003 with a double major in marketing and finance. Following her time at UK, Reitano entered the world of international trade as a customs brokerage analyst for freight forwarder Kuehne + Nagel in Cincinnati. After becoming a customs brokerage manager and obtaining her U.S. Customs Brokerage License, she left K+N for DHL in 2013. Reitano joined DHL Express U.S. as the senior import compliance manager with the International Trade Affairs and Compliance team.
In 2017, Reitano moved to New York to become the Customer Operation Group (COG) senior manager. In late 2020, she became the director of U.S. COG, leading the COG program management and implementation teams by driving and supporting innovative solutions. Currently, Reitano is the senior director of U.S. Operations Quality, overseeing four key teams and functions in the business. She serves as a volunteer leader within the DHL4HER Employee Resource Group, advocating for women’s voices within the organization. In her free time, Reitano enjoys skiing, traveling, trying new restaurants and visiting local breweries. She currently resides in the New York area with her partner, Maria.
Joel Traut joined KKR in 2015 and is a member of the real estate team. He serves as head of originations for KKR Real Estate Credit and is responsible for business development, the origination process and team coordination across the real estate direct lending business. In addition, he is involved in sourcing, underwriting, negotiating and structuring debt investments across all credit products, asset types and geographies.
Prior to joining KKR, Traut spent 13 years at GE Capital where he led the northeast commercial team. He focused on investing in real estate credit strategies, including first mortgage and mezzanine loans. Traut joined GE in 2002 as part of GE Capital’s financial management program and during his tenure, worked across multiple GE Capital business segments. Traut graduated summa cum laude from the Gatton College of Business and Economics in 2002 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and marketing.
He is a member of Gatton’s Finance Advisory Board, the Urban Land Institute, Commercial Real Estate Finance Council and National Association of Industrial and Office Properties on its Capital Markets Council. Traut and his wife, Carolyn, live in New York with their two children, Evelyn and Andrew.
The Gatton College’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an alumnus under the age of 45. This award recognizes those who have enhanced the reputation of the Gatton College through their outstanding professional achievement, personal accomplishments and/or their loyal service to their alma mater.
Keisha Raspberry currently serves as the chief financial officer of Teremana Tequila, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the financial operations and strategic planning initiatives of one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in history. Prior to joining Teremana, Raspberry was vice president of finance and strategy for the United States and Canada at Brown-Forman, a global leader in premium spirits, where she spearheaded financial operations and led revenue growth management strategies for the company’s largest region.
Raspberry also held expansive roles at MillerCoors, Texas Roadhouse, Lexmark International and Brown-Forman, where she worked for 13 years. Born and raised in Clinton, Kentucky, she graduated from Gatton College in 2002 with her Bachelor of Science in accounting. During her time at UK, Raspberry was a student ambassador for Gatton. She currently serves on the Gatton College Finance Advisory Board and holds an MBA from Bellarmine University. Raspberry is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Raspberry finds great joy in her role as a wife and mother. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, Alexander, and their three sons, Ethan, Joshua and Ayden.
Inducted 2023:
Anthony “Champ” Kelly
Senior Personnel Executive, Miami Dolphins MBA ’03
Anthony “Champ” Kelly joined the Miami Dolphins in 2025 as senior personnel executive, marking his 19th season in the NFL. Prior to the Dolphins, he was assistant general manager for the Las Vegas Raiders for three years (2022-24), including as interim general manager during the 2023 season. He served with the Chicago Bears for seven seasons (2015-21) and began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos (2007-14). During the 2007 campaign of United Indoor Football, he was general manager and wide receivers coach of the Lexington Horsemen. A former wide receiver and defensive back at the University of Kentucky (1998-2003), Kelly continued his playing career with the Horsemen from 2003-06.
A native of Campbellton, Florida, Kelly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Kentucky in 2001 and earned an MBA in 2003.
Kelly and his wife, Stephanie, have three daughters: Claire Alaina, Chloe Grace and Caroline Elise. The couple founded Heart Power in 2010, a nonprofit corporation that has hosted youth programs in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky and Nevada.
Distinguished Young Alumni
Inducted 2022:
Edward M. Berry Jr. Football Agent, CAA Sports Management and Marketing ’13, MBA ’14
Ed Berry is a football agent at CAA Sports, a division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
CAA Sports represents more than 2,000 of the world’s best athletes in sports such as baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer and Olympic/action sports, in addition to icons, onair broadcasters, coaches and other preeminent personalities.
Beyond on-field athlete representation, CAA provides unique opportunities for clients off-field, in areas including entertainment, licensing, endorsements, speaking, philanthropy, video games and digital.
Berry, who began his career at Berry Brothers Consulting LLC, and joined CAA in 2015, is based in Atlanta and represents many of the world’s top football players, including Aaron Rodgers, Saquon Barkley, Randall Cobb, Amani Oruwariye, Darian Kinnard, Jake Fromm, Avery Williamson and others.
Berry played on UK’s football team and graduated with a degree in management and marketing, with minors in communication and international studies, in 2014 and an MBA in 2015. He was selected to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2019.
Nathan Winters was appointed chief financial officer of Zebra Technologies in January 2021 following his role as acting CFO, which he assumed in August 2020. Prior to this, Winters served as the company’s vice president of Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis and Business Operations since 2018.
Before Zebra, Winters served in financial roles for GE for more than 16 years, where he held multiple CFO positions, most recently serving as CFO of GE Healthcare Global Supply Chain. Winters received his bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from the University of Kentucky in 2001.
Inducted 2019:
Chad E. Dobson
Chief Financial Officer, Bramco Accounting ’99, MBA ’22
Chad Dobson currently serves as chief financial officer of Bramco Inc., the parent company of Brandeis Machinery and Supply, Power Equipment Company and Certified Rental. He earned his bachelor’s in accounting in 1999, and his MBA in 2022.
A certified public accountant, Dobson began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 1999 in his hometown of Louisville. In 2007, he moved to Lexington and worked for Tempur-Pedic International in various financial roles until 2013. He then joined Viamedia Inc., a private equity-owned company in Lexington as vice president of finance and corporate controller. In 2016, Dobson returned to Louisville and joined Churchill Downs Inc. as vice president and chief accounting officer until he joined Bramco in 2022.
He serves as a board member, treasurer and chair of the finance and audit committee for the Catholic Education Foundation. Dobson resides in Louisville with his wife, Abby, and their three children. Their oldest, Miles, began his freshman year at UK in the fall of 2025.
Inducted 2018:
Sarah Sanders
COO, NATIVE AI Business Administration
’12
Sarah E. Sanders, the college’s first Distinguished Young Alumni Award recipient, is cofounder and co-CEO of NATIVE AI, an AgTech startup empowering local farmers to meet the demand for local, traceable food.
Sanders began her career working in hospitality at the Tavern Restaurant Group, a business started by her father in Lexington. Her passion for the food and beverage industry was apparent from a young age. During graduate school she began to focus on technology and sustainability. Completing her MBA in 2014, she joined Rubicon Global, a cloud-based platform for waste and recycling services. She created Rubicon’s first smallto-medium-size business and mid-market sales teams.
In 2017, Sanders joined Toast, a cloud-based point-of-sale system now valued at $1.4 billion and relocated to New York City. In 2019, she took the Founders Pledge to donate 10% of her earnings to charities providing access to clean water and vision care. She also founded a scholarship for students studying for a career in sustainable agriculture. Sanders earned her undergraduate degree in business management from UK and her MBA in international business from Xavier University.
The Lyman T. Johnson Awards
Named after civil rights pioneer and the first African American student to attend the University of Kentucky in 1949, the Lyman T. Johnson Awards are given to members of the UK community whose hard work and determination have positively impacted the lives of people on campus, the city, state or nation.
Since 2019, UK’s academic colleges and units select one alum to receive the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence Award and one current student whose academic achievement and ability impact the lives of others to receive the Lyman T. Johnson Torch Bearer Award.
LYMAN T. JOHNSON TORCH BEARER AWARDEES
LAURYN McNAIR graduated in 2020 with a B.S. in accounting and in 2021 with a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics. In addition to her Torch Bearer Award, McNair was recognized as Outstanding Senior in Accounting while in undergrad and earned the Award of Excellence for highest exam score on two sections of the CPA exam in Kentucky. A Presidential Scholar, McNair gained early professional experience as a tax intern at EY, where she started her career. Currently, McNair is a senior international tax analyst at Colgate-Palmolive in its New York City office.
JADA GREEN, a 2019 graduate in economics and finance from Gatton, launched her career with a position at Goldman Sachs immediately after graduation, exemplifying the college’s strong pipeline to global financial institutions.
ARIEL BRENT is a 2020 Gatton graduate with a dual major in accounting and business analytics. She served as president of the National Association of Black Accountants student organization and was awarded the AICPA Legacy Scholarship. Brent credits Gatton College for providing mentors and leadership opportunities that shaped her professionally and personally.
LYMAN T. JOHNSON TORCH BEARER AWARDEES
KENDALL DULANEY, class of 2021, earned a degree in management and marketing with a minor in dance. A Louisville native and Social Entrepreneurship Honors Pathway Scholar, Dulaney was a lead mentor in Gatton College’s mentoring initiative and participated in several organizations, including the UK Dance Team, NAACP and Alpha Kappa Alpha. Dulaney joined Dell Technologies in the HR Rotational Program after graduation.
MERCY KAJO EVANSON, also known as M. Kajo Evanson, graduated in 2022 with a degree in accounting. From Louisville, she served as president of National Association of Black Accountants, Treasurer for the African Student Association and participated in several other student organizations. She interned with both KPMG and MCM CPAs and participated in the UK Health Learning Observer Program.
DEBORAH BURDEN, class of 2026, is pursuing dual degrees in accounting and finance with a minor in business analytics. A member of the Lewis Honors College and Beta Alpha Psi, she studied abroad in Paris and completed internships with PwC and the Graham Office of Career Management. Burden is a participant in Gatton Ambassadors and ConnectFirst.
JORDAN DROEGE, a 2024 graduate, earned a B.S. in accounting and a BBA in finance with a minor in business data analytics. While at UK, Droege was active in Alpha Phi and the Gatton Finance Society, interned at MiddleGround Capital and UBS and served as a leader of the UK Endowment Portfolio Management group.
LYMAN T. JOHNSON TORCH OF EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
VICTORIA RUSSELL, a 2019 award recipient, holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management and an MBA from UK. She is currently the managing director, inclusion and sustainability strategy leader at PwC. She joined PwC in June 2024, after serving as the first chief diversity and inclusion officer of Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits. Prior to that, she had a successful 14-year career at Papa John’s International. Russell is a passionate advocate for people and a respected voice in the industry.
ERICA Y. MILES earned her MBA from Gatton in 2001 and a B.A. in political science from the University of Memphis — her hometown alma mater. Before her current role as executive director in the Public Affairs team at Wells Fargo, she served in several federal government roles, including being the first director of Diversity and Inclusion for the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services in the history of the U.S. Congress. Her community work includes serving on municipal and trade association councils and volunteering with her beloved sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. For her accountability work and service to the marginalized, she was a 2021 honoree.
KEISHA RASPBERRY, B.S. in accounting (2002) and MBA from Bellarmine University, is chief financial officer of Teremana Tequila. A member of the Gatton College Finance Advisory Board, Raspberry actively supports scholarships for groups with less access to education, health care or economic opportunities, and participates in former events like the Women in Business summit. “It is imperative that I pour into others as others have poured into me,” she said.
“It is imperative that I pour into others as others have poured into me.” — Keisha Raspberry
LYMAN T. JOHNSON TORCH OF EXCELLENCE AWARDEES
DEMETRIUS SHANDALE
“SEAN” EDWARDS, a 2009 graduate in business management, is a Lexington-based entrepreneur. He founded Fresh Bourbon Distilling Co. and owns ventures in dry cleaning and construction. His leadership exemplifies a commitment to building and reinvesting in local communities.
MARILYN CLARK, MBA ’18, is the inaugural Economic Engagement Manager at the University of Kentucky, supporting UK’s strategic goals to advance Kentucky by developing programs that build small businesses, enhance supply chains and foster economic growth. Formerly vice president and station manager for WLEX-TV, she has been an active member of local and regional boards. Clark made history as the first Black woman since integration to be elected to the Fayette County Board of Education.
FRANK C. PARKER III, a 1997 finance graduate, is the founding member and managing director of Investments at Quintus Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors. He serves on Gatton’s Finance Advisory Board and is frequently asked to mentor finance students and speak about his journey in wealth management for various classes in Gatton. Parker and his team also have been recognized multiple times on Forbes’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisor and Wealth Advisor Team lists for Ohio.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF LYMAN T. JOHNSON
Top left: Lyman T. Johnson (right) exits the courthouse with Kentucky State University President R.B. Atwood after the federal court ruled in favor of Johnson’s admission to the University of Kentucky in 1949.
Top right: Lyman T. Johnson (second from left) at an Alpha Lambda event in 1950.
Left: Imar Hutchins (left) with UK President Eli Capilouto at the 2024 Lyman T. Johnson Awards celebration. Hutchins is the grandson of Lyman T. Johnson.
BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION
The previous century saw 17 different U.S. presidents, 22 different Kentucky governors, 10 University of Kentucky presidents and eight deans of the College of Business and Economics.
The U.S. economy was strong in the early to mid-1920s — until the stock market crash of 1929. There was peacetime after World War I ended in late 1918 until the Second World War began in 1939. Through national ups and downs, the University of Kentucky and its business programs have stood the test of time, providing a foundation of problem-solving skills to students for 100 years.
Pictured circa 1925 are members of the College of Commerce faculty. In the front row, starting at second from left are: Walter W. Jennings, Dean Edward Wiest and Professor Robson Duncan McIntyre. From the Louis Edward Nollau Nitrate Photographic Print Collection.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.”
— Calvin Coolidge, U.S. President 1923-1929
1925-1950
1925-1950: THE EARLY DAYS
Monday, Sept. 21, 1925, was the first day of classes for 221 College of Commerce students. The college operated out of a former dormitory known as White Hall. The building would be razed four decades later for the site to become home to White Hall Classroom Building.
The college offered 38 courses and one degree, a bachelor of science in commerce. The degree required 127 credits, including six credits in military science, four in physical education, three in statistics and 12 in history and/or philosophy, political science, sociology, education and psychology. Dr. Edward Wiest, the college’s first dean, taught eight of those classes. Within a year, the College of
Commerce received full accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — AACSB International was barely a decade old itself.
By December 1925, students had formed the Commerce Club to promote and advertise the College of Commerce. One of the elected officers, serving as secretary of the club, was a student from Mercer County, Kentucky, named Cecil Carpenter. He was a member of the College of Commerce’s inaugural graduating class in 1926, and in 23 years, he would become Dean Wiest’s successor.
In 1927, the nationwide professional business fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi installed a chapter at UK. The local Pi Chi chapter had 10 members, plus Drs. McVey and Wiest as honorary charter members. Another organization was Beta Gamma Sigma, a national honorary society for commerce students.
A half-dozen years after the formation of the College of Commerce, a new group of students would organize a Commerce Employment Association as a way to promote themselves to prospective employers, a precursor to a collegiate job-placement service. The local Chamber of Commerce, known as the Lexington Board of Commerce at the time, also helped students find part-time work during the school year. By 1947, there was a college Chamber of Commerce on campus.
Students in a Commerce class using adding machines, circa 1941.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN WHITE HALL
An undated photo from the University of Kentucky Archives shows the original White Hall. Built in 1881 as a dormitory for men, this brick-and-wood building was remodeled in 1919 for classrooms. The College of Commerce held classes here for four decades. White Hall was originally where the current White Hall Classroom Building is now.
Frank D. Peterson, UK comptroller, included the following notes in a report to the Board of Trustees on Sept. 16, 1941:
“Apparently the supporting walls of the first three floors are structurally sound despite the increased live-load. However, I find that the roof trusses are unsafe and that Mr. Farris included the replacement of this roof and structure in a W.P.A. project last year; but due to war conditions this was cancelled. The major hazard within this building is in the fourth floor center or what might be termed as the penthouse. It consists of a single room about forty feet square used as a typewriter room when I last visited it and often has from twenty to thirty students using it at one time. It has windows both north and south but solid brick walls east and west and the only means of ingress and egress is by a single, narrow, winding stairway or by the aforementioned windows. Therefore, in case of fire or by other accident, escape from this room might be impossible.”
Dr. Edward Snyder Wiest (1878-1962)
Dean, College of Commerce, 1925-1948
When the College of Commerce was established at the University of Kentucky at the behest of UK President Dr. Frank L. McVey, economics classes were nothing new.
An Introduction to Economics course was offered in 1908 (but not to freshmen) within the Department of History, Political Economy and Metaphysics. Dr. Edward Wiest joined the faculty as a professor of economics in the fall of 1918 from the University of Vermont, where he had taught the same subject for three years.
In 1912, at the age of 34, Wiest earned a Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University. He chose to use the postnominal initials A.B. instead of B.A. in honor of the artium baccalaureus degree. Over the next three years, he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Columbia University, then headed due north to the Vermont campus before accepting the career-defining position at UK.
In UK’s 1924-25 campus catalog, Wiest was listed as Dean of the College of Commerce, Head of the Department of Economics and Sociology and Acting Dean of the Graduate School. He also served on eight councils for the committees of the Senate, including music and social hygiene. He taught eight of the College of Commerce’s 38 courses that first year — and subsequent years — including Commercial and Agricultural Organization, Contemporary Economic Thought, Money and Banking, and Transportation.
Wiest authored a 1915 book titled “The Butter Industry in the United States” printed through Columbia University. In 1923, UK published “Agricultural Organization in the United States,” a 600-page book in which he parsed public and private agricultural institutions and urged colleges to offer a course in Agricultural Economics. He was a fan of economist and philosopher Adam Smith.
The fifth of 15 children, Wiest and his next sibling were born in Florida; his other siblings and several previous generations were from Pennsylvania. He was known
to enjoy fishing and gardening. According to the 1933 yearbook, he also liked “eggs and bacon for breakfast; fancies all shades of red, but only one dog; in prosperous times promotor of an annuity for ‘broken’ professors; now, silent, serene, saying nothing.”
He and his wife, Sidney, had a daughter named Marjorie, who was involved in UK activities during her own colle-
giate years as president of Chi Omega. Marjorie graduated in 1935. A month later, keeping academia in the family, she married a journalism professor, Niel Plummer, who would go on to head UK’s School of Journalism. Their wedding was at the Wiests’ home on Fontaine Road near campus.
Dean Edward Wiest died in February 1962 at the age of 83. He is buried at Lexington Cemetery.
Pictured are University of Kentucky deans from 1927. First row, from left: F. Paul Anderson (Engineering), C.J. Turk (Law), Columbus R. Melcher (dean of men), Sarah Blanding (dean of women). Back row, from left: Edward Wiest (Commerce), Paul Boyd (Arts and Sciences), Thomas Poe Cooper (Agriculture), W.D. Funkhouser (The Graduate School).
In the 1949 yearbook, commerce student Lee C. Truman Jr. is pictured with his cousin, newly elected U.S. President Harry S. Truman in 1948. Lee Truman was a star fullback on Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s football team, playing with quarterbacks George Blanda and Babe Parilli. He graduated in 1950 with a B.S. in Commerce. He was a second cousin, two times removed, to President Truman.
Above: On April 7, 1941, a College of Commerce student workshop group posed in front of White Hall.
Opposite Page
Top Left:
Top Right: The College of Commerce is promoted in the Kentuckian in 1941.
Bottom: A Secretarial class, circa 1950.
“HAS
GROWN IN EFFECTIVENESS”
Minutes from the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees meeting on May 30, 1925, show conversations stating that the College of Commerce would be established in White Hall (constructed in 1882 as a residence hall) as a separate college and that the Department of Sociology would remain a part of the College of Arts and Sciences. It had been remodeled in 1919 to be used for classrooms.
Minutes from a December 16, 1930, board meeting:
“The College of Commerce has grown in number of students as well as in effectiveness. The Bureau of Business Administration has been called upon from time to time to study some of the state problems and it has proven valuable in the advice and help it has given in these matters. As in the case of other colleges, this group needs more room. If, however, provision is made for the Department of Botany, the college could use the space in White Hall and thus find itself quite satisfactorily housed.”
Minutes from a December 14, 1937, board meeting:
“The most amazing growth in numbers of students is to be seen in the College of Commerce which now has 620 registrants. Housed in White Hall, a former dormitory known to all of the older alumni, it shares these quarters with the Department of Botany. This college is cramped and its usefulness hampered by inadequate quarters. The removal of the Department of Botany to other quarters will help the situation, but not adequately.”
In 1942, a portion of the fourth floor of the White Hall building is recorded as being used as a typewriter room.
In 1944, the board minutes reveal the building was deemed “entirely inadequate as a classroom building. This college needs a modern classroom building with adequate laboratories and equipment approximating what would be found in banks and business houses in our industrial economy. Until such a home is provided for the College of Commerce, it will remain handicapped in its program of education for young men and women for the business world.”
The World, 100 Years Ago
A century ago, the United States had just 48 states, Prohibition was in full swing, and if you wanted to call someone you only needed to dial four numbers, sometimes three.
Kentucky celebrated its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years of statehood, while the University of Kentucky turned 60 — though it had only been going by its current name for the previous nine years.
Trains ruled the business world back then. Freight from the Chesapeake and Ohio, the Louisville and Nashville and the Lexington and Eastern railway lines rumbled through Fayette County, keeping shopkeepers stocked with merchandise from places like Cincinnati and Chicago.
But cars were just as popular, with nearly 8,000 licensed vehicles on the road, even as crews were still building roads and putting up signs to help motorists find their way. At least a dozen automobile dealerships advertised in Lexington’s city directory. Business was robust in the area and in the country, but the phrase “Roaring Twenties” never really made it into the local lexicon.
By the mid-1920s, the University of Kentucky had experienced a 340% increase in enrollment over 1908 — when the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky was renamed State University, Lexington, Kentucky, and the student population was 477.
Now with 1,600 students enrolled, the campus was bursting at the seams, and classroom space was at a premium. University of Kentucky President Frank McVey would set new buildings and new curricula in motion.
On May 12, 1925, the executive committee of the Board of Trustees met in President McVey’s office. It was noon on a Tuesday. Attendees didn’t know that in four days’ time, a horse by the name of Flying Ebony would win the
Kentucky Derby by six lengths, and that the 51st race at Churchill Downs would be referred to as the “Run for the Roses” for the first time.
What the committee of Judge R.C. Stoll (for whom Stoll Field was named), Senator H.M. Froman, local business owner Louis Hillenmeyer, along with board secretary Enoch Grehan and President McVey, did know was the time had come for a College of Commerce. They had talked about it for years. At least 50 years prior, UK President James K. Patterson wanted a Department of Commerce.
In 1918, a new professor named Edward Wiest was hired to lead the new Department of Economics and Sociology. Economics and commerce were companion theories across academic disciplines. The College of Mines and Metallurgy offered an Introduction to Economics course. The School of Home Economics had the Department of Household Arts and Department of Household Science.
The word “economics,” which had been in use since the 1500s, is derived from a medieval Latin definition for managing a household: the science and art of managing a home. The word “commerce” is from the same time period but has the same connotation today as it did five centuries ago: the buying and selling of goods and services.
Back in the executive committee meeting in May 1925. President McVey recommended shifting things within the Department of Economics and Sociology. He wanted to establish a separate College of Commerce and then, within the College of Arts and Sciences, a formal Department of Sociology. The proposal was brought to the quarterly meeting of the Board of Trustees on May 30 (a Saturday), where the vote was unanimous — both academic programs were officially established.
The new College of Commerce opened for students in the fall of 1925.
Top Left: Two students are seen working in Dean Wiest’s office in 1940.
Top Right: Robert Toll, instructor and head of Placement Services for the College of Commerce from 1932-1971, is pictured between two students.
Above: College of Commerce’s honorary fraternity, Beta Gamma Sigma, had its photo appear in the 1941 Kentuckian by Lafayette Studio.
A LOOK AT TUITION AND FEES, 100 YEARS AGO
White Hall, formerly known as the Old Dormitory, was a three-story brick building built in 1881. In 1919, it was remodeled and renamed for Dr. James G. White, mathematics professor and acting UK president in 1910. The Departments of Art and Botany were operating out of White Hall when the College of Commerce squeezed in during the fall of 1925.
A handful of faculty and upwards of 40 courses were ready for the 221 students enrolled. To earn a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, students had to complete 127 credits. The general-business curriculum required classes in general hygiene, gymnasium, military science, political science, psychology, business law and business English, as well as accounting, economic history, corporation finance, contemporary economic thought, production and marketing, money and banking and business cycles.
Students matriculating into the 1925-26 academic year paid a $30 incidental fee per semester (plus $10 for non-Kentucky residents), a $5 graduation fee and $5 room reservation deposit, plus $10 for a required military science course for men. Women were charged $280 per year for room and board. By 1945, men were also charged for a room in residence halls at $60 per semester, plus cafeteria costs, while women paid $345 a year for room and board.
When Dean Cecil Carpenter took the reins in 1948, the college had 18 faculty members. The 1949-50 course catalog offered five curricula for College of Commerce students: business-management, industrial-administration, marketing and advertising, commerce-law and secretarial. Course requirements for freshmen and sophomores included English, math, history and principles of accounting. For juniors and seniors, all required courses had “Economics” or “Commerce” in the title.
A 1942 Kentuckian shows the Beta Gamma Sigma chapter — an international business honor society — meeting. A Kentucky chapter of the club was founded in 1928.
Pictured is an undated photo of an economics club at University of Kentucky, circa 1925.
Dr. Cecil Clayton Carpenter (1904-1998)
Dean, College of Commerce, 1948-1964
How many deans can say they graduated from their college’s inaugural class? Cecil Carpenter is one who earned that distinction. He graduated in 1926 with 24 other classmates in the College of Commerce, and in 1948, he was appointed dean.
As an economics student, Carpenter was an elected officer and founding member of the Commerce Club, established to promote and advertise the new college. After earning his Bachelor of Science at UK, he pursued his master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Illinois. He taught economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and at Marshall College in West Virginia.
Then, Dr. Carpenter was called back home. Dean Edward Wiest was the one who made the call in 1936, requesting Dr. Carpenter join the faculty as an assistant professor of economics. Dr. Carpenter accepted the offer at his alma mater. Five years later he was a full professor.
In the summer of 1941, Dr. Carpenter was an economist in Washington, D.C., for President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s brand new Office of Price Administration and Civilian Supply, shortened in August of that year to OPA, to stabilize prices and protect consumers during World War II.
A native Kentuckian, Dr. Carpenter was born in Mercer County and grew up in nearby Perryville, Kentucky. He was the oldest of eight children and his economic acumen ran in the family. His younger brother Maurice served as commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Revenue in the 1970s under Govs. Wendell Ford and Julian Carroll. Twins Maurice and Marshall, the youngest of the siblings,
were on campus in 1937 in the College of Agriculture when their big brother Cecil was teaching in the College of Commerce.
Dean Edward Wiest retired at the end of the 1947-48 fiscal year, and Dean Carpenter took the helm on July 1. Professor R. D. McIntyre organized a banquet for the Wiest egress and Carpenter ingress in the Student Union Bluegrass Room. The majestic Student Union building was, according to the 1949 yearbook, the center of campus activity. “Here, students hold everything from meetings to hands.”
As dean, he was an unofficial financial advisor to UK President H. L. Donovan and an official student loan officer at one point. Dean Carpenter began the Kentucky Banking School, and in 1952, he instituted the MBA program at UK. He retired from the deanship in 1964 and continued to teach economics classes for the next five years, bringing his UK career to a total of 33 years.
Dr. Carpenter was inducted into the inaugural Hall of Fame class in 1994. He died in February 1998, two weeks after his 94th birthday. His funeral was at Milward Mortuary-Broadway, his late classmate Emmet Milward’s family business. Dr. Carpenter is buried in Lexington Cemetery.
Left: Graduating seniors of the Commerce Program, in UK’s 87th Annual Commencement Exercise Program; June 4, 1954.
Right: Dean Carpenter handed a diploma to a little girl, circa 1964.
Top left: Commerce student Virgil Couch is pictured second from front right, circa 1929, with 12 unidentified men in group YMCA photograph.
Top right: An undated photograph shows Dr. Ruth Thomas, instructor of commerce and correspondence, in her office.
Right: A group of unidentified high school students from Somerset, Kentucky, visited UK in 1928, posing for a photograph in front of Miller Hall.
IT’S THE ERA OF KENTUCKY BASKETBALL... BUT WHICH SEC IS IT?
Which came first, the SEC of the National Collegiate Athletic Association or the SEC as a federal regulatory agency? Sports fans know the Southeastern Conference was founded in 1932, with the University of Kentucky as one of the original 13 member schools. Finance and economics students learned that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission was established in 1934.
University of Kentucky NCAA Basketball Championships: 1948, 1949, 1951, 1958, 1978, 1996, 1998, 2012
COACH ADOLPH RUPP, FRONT LEFT, AND THE 1934-35 BASKETBALL TEAM
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was founded in 1906 at the behest of President Theodore Roosevelt. The previous year, he had directed leaders from 13 universities to reform football safety and standards. On Dec. 28, 1905, 62 institutions of higher education became charter members of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS), which was deemed a rulemaking body in March 1906. In 1910, the IAAUS became the NCAA.
When Host Communications acquired the radio rights to broadcast NCAA games in 1975, owner Jim Host, a UK alumnus, charged all staff and on-air sportscasters to pronounce it with four separate letters: N-C-A-A. No “Double A” or “Two A” pronunciations were heard on radio stations in Kentucky or across the country.
The NCAA’s first collegiate championship was held in 1921 for track and field. The 1938-39 Oregon Webfoots won the first NCAA basketball tournament on March 27, 1939. Coach Rupp’s “Fabulous Five” won the Kentucky Wildcats’ first national championship on Tuesday, March 23, 1948, in Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Top: The 1953 Kentuckian introduction page for the College of Commerce.
Above: Margaret Dorothy Salmon graduated in 1933 with a B.S. in Commerce and a Bachelor of Law (LLB) in 1938. She’s pictured in the 1941 Kentuckian while working at the university.
BOWTIES: OUT, NECKTIES: IN
The quarter century between 1950 and 1975 ushered in the era of modern electronics, saw flower children and hippies demonstrating, brought needed changes in policies and culture by way of the Civil Rights Movement and changed the logistics of business and economics for good.
In the 1950s, bowties were on the way out, as college men started wearing neckties and button-down shirts to campus functions and social events. Women students were seen in classes and social events wearing belted dresses with Peter Pan collars.
The University of Kentucky celebrated its 100th anniversary as a land-grant institution in 1965. It was also in the mid-1960s that the College of Commerce upgraded from an antiquated building to a brand new classroom building, changed its name to the College of Business and Economics, added degree programs for a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration and established the Department of Accounting.
1950-1975
1950-1975: A BABY BOOM, THE SPACE AGE AND PORTABLE MUSIC
From Elvis and Alfred Hitchcock to the Beatles and James Bond, the 1950s, ’60s and early ’70s were a pop culture lover’s dream. Walking on campus between classes, students and professors had portable music for the first time, due to the invention of the transistor radio. Families were gathering around television sets in living rooms to watch “The Idiot Box” in technicolor and using a fast-cooking invention called a microwave oven.
In California in the mid-’50s, engineer William Fair and mathematician Earl Isaac started a business and named it Fair, Isaac and Company. They created a credit scoring system soon to be known as FICO. Revolving credit was an innovation in the late ’50s when banks began issuing credit cards, the first of which was Bank of America’s
BankAmericard (rebranded in 1976 as Visa). In 1974, women were able to apply for credit cards in their own name, thanks to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. In the 1960s, the automated teller machine (ATM) made its way from England to New York, but ATMs would have to wait until the early ’80s to be commonplace around the country.
The space age started in the fall of 1957 when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1. A year later, the United States established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, leading to the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, among many other exploratory missions. NASA scientist and astronaut Story Musgrave earned an M.S. in physiology and biophysics from UK in 1966, one of a half-dozen degrees he holds.
Before he was on the crew repairing the Hubble Space Telescope in 1993, Musgrave served a surgical internship at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital, which opened in 1962. Many UK and Gatton College graduates have gone on to important careers in science and health care.
When the American GIs came home from WWII, a baby boom
The era of 1950-1975 brought much change and new excitement to the college, UK and the world, including a new building for Commerce.
followed. More than 78 million babies were born during this boom, from 1946 to 1964, and those baby boomers matriculated into college from around 1964 to 1982.
“So far as the World War II ‘baby boom’ effect on college enrollments is concerned, I believe it is too early to consider it. The effect should be seen starting about 1964,” said Dr. Charles Elton, UK dean of admissions and registrar, said in a Nov. 10, 1960, article in the Kentucky Kernel. The increase in birth rate was expected to swell college enrolments tremendously in the next few years. And it did.
Prior generations hadn’t been given a moniker, but they’ve been referred to as the Silent Generation. The boomers’ children were called Generation X, born 1965 to 1980, who entered college from the mid-1980s to the late ’90s. Millennials started off as Generation Y, but that
didn’t stick. They were becoming first-year college students between 1999 and 2014. The first Gen Zers started college in 2015, and Generation Alpha will begin their higher education in 2031.
Above: The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees is pictured, circa 1960. Right: Students are seen walking on campus, circa 1950.
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Foster Haywood (1927-2023)
Dean, College of Commerce, 1965-1968 College of Business and Economics, 1968-1975
A native Kentuckian and first-generation college student, Dr. Charles “Chuck” Haywood grew up in Ludlow, Kentucky, in Kenton County. At age 16, he was valedictorian for the Ludlow High School graduating class of 1943. He spent just under two years at Berea College before joining the Merchant Marines and the U.S. Army, where he earned the rank of Sergeant Major.
After his military service, he returned to Berea to earn his bachelor’s degree in 1949, followed by a master’s in economics and political science from Duke University and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1955.
Dr. Haywood was research director of the Bank of America
in San Francisco prior to accepting the appointment as dean of the College of Business and Economics at the behest of UK President Dr. John “Jack” Oswald.
During Dr. Haywood’s 10 years as dean, the College of Commerce was changed to the College of Business and Economics; the entire undergraduate curriculum was revised; three new baccalaureate degrees replaced the B.S. in commerce: business administration, accountancy, and business and economics; a DBA was added to the curriculum for a Doctor of Business Administration degree; student enrollment and the number of faculty members both doubled; and Dr. Haywood fostered relationships with state government.
Enrollment rose 20% the first year of implementing the three new undergraduate degrees, and it continued to
Dr. Charles Foster Haywood was a first-generation college student who joined the Merchant Marines and the U.S. Navy and then worked for Bank of America before pursuing a career in academia. He’s pictured above with his wife Judith, who served at the college under the leadership of four deans.
rise over the next 10 years of his deanship. As an economist himself, he was “fussed at, at times, by the head of the economics department for not giving any more positions,” he said in a 2023 interview. “I made it a point to expand the business side of the business school, and that led to increasing enrollments, which enabled the college to be allocated additional budgeted faculty positions.”
He served 35 years at UK, retiring at the end of 2000. During his academic tenure, he also served in several cabinet positions for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, including the Economic Development Commission, and as an advisor in the Department of Finance and Administration. Nationally known as a consultant in the banking industry, Dr. Haywood’s clients included the American Bankers Association and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. He died in August 2023 at the age of 96.
STAFF PROFILE: JUDITH M. HAYWOOD, ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF OFFICER
Judith “Judy” Milburn Haywood helped Gatton College thrive for four decades with four deans and continues to be a shining ambassador for the college, especially in her advocacy for staff. She arrived as a student in 1958, shortly before her 17th birthday, and in January 1963 earned her B.S. in commerce. A month later, she was hired full time at the College of Commerce, having been a student worker for several years already.
As Judy Milburn, she worked for Deans Carpenter, Haywood, Ecton and Furst. And yes, she married Dr. Charles Haywood, but it was a full two decades after meeting him at work.
A self-proclaimed “consummate rule follower,” she didn’t have a formal job description or a supervisor, so at the end of every day, she wrote down everything she had done on an index card, “so that I had a history to present if I was ever challenged.” She never was.
Haywood typed the college’s accreditation reports, provided clerical support on faculty research grants for the Bureau of Business Research and other projects and participated in hiring choices. When students and faculty
moved into the new building in 1964, she was the staff assistant for the Department of Business Administration, then transferred to the Dean’s Office, where she remained until her retirement in 2001 as administrative staff officer.
“I spent a lot of time training deans, and there was one of them that could never quite finish the program, so I had to marry him,” she said, exuding her delightful sense of humor in an interview with her husband shortly before he died in 2023.
In 1989, she became a University Fellow by endowing a scholarship honoring her late husband. In 1995, she earned the Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Professional Staff and in ’99 was inducted into the Gatton College Hall of Fame. She established the Judith Milburn Haywood Staff Award in 2002 to recognize Gatton College staff members who go the extra mile.
“I never considered transferring to another position within or outside the University of Kentucky. I have always known that the decision I made in 1963 to be a full-time staff member in the college was my best employment decision,” she said in May 2025. “I have a personal appreciation for a modernized bachelor’s degree and the addition of one of the fairly new master’s degrees, because I have a grandson whose future benefited from these actions.”
A member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business and management honorary, Haywood retired in 2001 with the most years of continuous service (39 years and 5 months) among all employees in the college.
An Innovative New Home for Commerce
In November 1955, three decades after the College of Commerce began at the University of Kentucky, formal talks were underway for a series of new buildings on campus.
UK President Herman Donovan and Vice President of Business Administration Frank Peterson submitted to the executive committee of the Board of Trustees a 10-year construction schedule for additions and new buildings. Three years earlier, a candid comment from Dr. Donovan about the existing White Hall, the old dormitory, made it into official minutes.
“This building is a disgrace to any modern university and it should have been abandoned long ago,” he said. “Many bankers and business men who are deeply interested in this college have talked to me
Above: The new $1.9 million Commerce Building opened for students in the fall of 1964. The four-story building had a 266-seat auditorium with a projection room, a student lounge and faculty lounge, six seminar rooms, 18 classrooms with 27 to 70 seats, five office suites for faculty with six single and two double offices in each suite, eight offices and 26 cubicles for the Bureau of Business Research, and central air conditioning with individual controls in every classroom and office. The building also housed the Bureau of Business Research and the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.
Left: The Kentucky Kernel, 1959.
personally about the poor housing facilities for the College of Commerce, which is making quite a reputation for itself in the state and which is becoming more and more useful to people engaged in commercial activities.”
Included on the university’s 1955 list of 14 proposed facil-
ities was an $800,000 new construction for the College of Commerce, along with a $3 million physical sciences building, an agriculture building and an animal house for biological sciences.
Ten years later, commerce students and faculty were ensconced in a brand new state-of-the-art facility.
A year after that there was another fresh start, when the College of Commerce became the College of Business and Economics, effective July 1, 1966. This was a linguistic and practical change, “inasmuch as the term ‘commerce’ is no longer appropriately descriptive of the instructional programs,” according to UK’s Academic Analysis Committee. “The word ‘commerce’ has a narrow connotation, usually being taken to mean the distribution, or exchange of commodities, whereas the programs cover the broad areas of accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing and production as they apply to all types of business enterprises and as they relate to our economic system in general.”
Also, only six of the 117 AACSB-accredited schools in the mid-1960s were still named College (or School) of Commerce. Instead of joining the majority of schools that were named or renamed as a College of Business Administration, decisionmakers at UK included the word ‘economics’ in the college’s name, as it was and is the foundation of every business.
Off the Limestone Street entrance to the main part of campus, construction was just about to begin in the spring of 1963. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building was May 20, 1963, just over two weeks before graduation on June 5. There to mark the occasion were UK President Frank Dickey and College of Commerce Dean Cecil Carpenter, along with other university and state officials.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT:
JAMES LAWRENCE GIBSON (1935-2017)
A native of Danville, Kentucky, James “Jim” Gibson earned his undergraduate degree at Centre College in his hometown, and then went on to the University of Kentucky for his MBA in 1959 and doctorate in economics in 1962, the same year he became a parttime instructor at the College of Commerce. In 1963, he took an assistant professorship at the University of Texas in Arlington, and the next year, he joined Centre College, where he served until 1966. It was then that he made a career move back to UK.
In 1987, Dr. Gibson was recognized as the Kincaid Professor of Management. From teaching assistant in his junior year at UK in the 1950s until his retirement in 1997, Dr. Gibson imparted business and management wisdom to students for four decades.
He widened his sphere of influence to students and readers worldwide by coauthoring eight textbooks on the topic of business management, including “Organization: Behavior, Structure and Processes,” published in 1973 by McGraw Hill. The 14th edition of that book was published in 2011.
In 1982, the College of Business and Economics reorganized the Department of Business Administration into a triad of departments: finance, management and marketing. Dr. Gibson chaired the Department of Management, the largest of the three with 20 faculty members. During his academic career, he served as director of Graduate Studies and as associate dean for Academic Affairs. He was a veteran of the Kentucky National Guard and member of the Navy League of the United States.
In 2001, Dr. Gibson was inducted into the Gatton Hall of Fame. He died in Danville in December 2017 at age 81.
Top: A page from the Kentuckian shows Associate Professor Carlos C. Erwin lecturing in Economics History class.
Above: On Sept. 30, 1965, Dean Charles Haywood, UK President John Oswald, Kentucky Governor Edward Breathitt ’48 and other dignitaries hosted a convocation and “cornerstone laying ceremony” to dedicate the new Commerce building, with a time capsule containing newspapers and university publications sealed in the cornerstone.
Below: An architectural drawing depicts plans for the college’s new buidling on a footprint that largely still exists today.
Above: Students attended a salesmanship demonstration, 1963.
Below: The 1954 Commencement program at UK.
“RESEARCH BRIEFS” WITH THE BUREAU OF BUSINESS RESEARCH
In the spring of 1965, the Bureau of Business Research, housed in the College of Commerce, started a publication called “Research Briefs.”
In the August 1966 issue, assistant professor of economics Dr. L. Randolph McGee presented findings from a study showing that “Kentucky’s economy is growing faster than that of the nation as a whole and is less sensitive to fluctuations in the business cycle.” He noted that fewer Kentuckians were looking for jobs in other states, which “has no doubt had a favorable impact on the relative cyclical sensitivity of personal income in Kentucky.”
The Bluegrass State still had an optimistic economic forecast late the following year, when Dr. John Fulmer (right) , director of the Bureau of Business Research and professor of economics, reported that Kentucky counties were generally prosperous when their male populations over the age of 25 had completed at least four years of high school. “High levels of income have always had a strong relationship to high levels of education,” he said.
GOVERNOR MARTHA LAYNE COLLINS
As a student, Martha Layne Hall graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in home economics. As governor of Kentucky from 1983 to 1987, Martha Layne Collins brought Toyota’s first full U.S. production facility to Central Kentucky in 1986.
A SEVEN-DECADES LONG CBMI TRADITION
Initiated in 1953, the College Business Management Institute (CBMI) leadership program is still going strong. Early on, the annual CBMI event garnered recognition across the United States, and the reputation has continued. In 1955, Lexington-based Grocers Baking Company made an $800 donation to CBMI. The Rainbo Baking Company contributed $750 in 1960.
Toward the end of fiscal year 1956, UK President Herman Donovan approved a request from the College of Commerce to charge a fee of $2.50 for students taking the Col -
lege Business Management courses 177a, 177b and 177c. Taught by Frank D. Peterson, vice president for Business Administration at the university, this fee went toward expenses for the CBMI institute held each summer.
For seven decades, UK has hosted hundreds of collegiate business and finance officers from all over the country and even abroad. They gather on the UK campus for a week in the summer to connect and earn continuing professional education credits as they discuss and learn from one another and from expert guest speakers about compliance, facilities management, human resources and other important topics on the business of higher education.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. JAMES HOWARD DONNELLY JR. (1941-2017)
The year the College of Commerce became the College of Business and Economics, 1968, Dr. James “Jim” H. Donnelly Jr. began his 35-year career at UK. He was the inaugural recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Teaching in 1990, among many other accolades in his academic career.
INCREASING STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
In the spring of 1962, the American Marketing Association established a chapter on campus, dedicated to the advancement of science in marketing, merchandising, advertising, and marketing research. Today, the AMA is one of more than a dozen organizations for Gatton students.
In 1967, UK established a chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, a national honorary fraternity in economics, joining the existing Beta Gamma Sigma, Society for Advancement of Management and Beta Alpha Psi.
A prolific writer, he was published in many marketing publications. He authored and coauthored at least a dozen books, including “25 Management Lessons From the Customer’s Side of the Counter” and eight books with colleague Dr. James Gibson. Dr. Donnelly was inducted into the American Bankers Association Bank Marketing Hall of Fame in 1995.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, he earned a bachelor’s in business administration from
Pace College in New York City, his master’s from Long Island University and his doctorate from the University of Maryland.
“It’s funny how one individual can change your course entirely,” said Dr. Eric C. Street, assistant professor of management and assistant esports coach at Spalding University in Louisville. “One night I met Dr. Donnelly out for dinner to discuss the possibility of pursuing an MBA. While I was hesitant to get a second master’s degree, Dr. Donnelly was very much in favor of me getting an MBA. I remember him saying ‘Eric, get that MBA, I promise you won’t regret it!’ Having an MBA is the reason I have my current job as the department at Spalding needed someone to teach business courses as well as sports management.”
That was in the early 2000s, and after working in corporate America for 13 years, Street pursued a doctorate in sports management. “I would email Dr. Donnelly years later and he would always reply to my questions about working in higher education. It always impressed me that he would be willing to do that for me as I was one of thousands of students he had over the years.”
In the 1998 UK Football Media Guide, wide receiver Lance Mickelsen was asked to name a great professor he’d had at UK. He said, “James Donnelly, because he is down to earth and cares.”
Dr. Donnelly died in November 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona, a month before his 76th birthday.
A 1962 Kentuckian page shows images of students working at typewriters and Dean Cecil Carpenter talking with students.
New Courses for the Modern Student
College of Commerce students had plenty of curricula choices in the 1950s. Nine of them, in fact. Marketing, merchandising and advertising was one curriculum, along with accounting, banking and finance, business management, commerce-law, general business, industrial administration, personnel management and secretarial.
In 1964, formal departments were established for the first time at the College of Commerce. Proposed by UK President John Oswald, he recommended the Department of Economics and Department of Business Administration
Above: Harold K. Charlesworth is pictured delivering a lecture on June 26, 1960, at a small business aid meeting. Charlesworth was a business administration professor and director of the Office of Development Service and Business Research plus associate dean of the College of Business and Economics. The men seated at the table (left to right) are Walter Brown, executive director of the Lexington Urban League; Edgar Wallace, Lexington businessman; Jerome Hutchinson, loan officer for the Louisville Office of the Small Business Administration; and Dr. Gus Ridgel, chairman of the Department of Economics at Kentucky State College.
be organized effective immediately, July 23, 1964. The new commerce building was slated for occupancy on Sept. 1, so the timing of the departmentalization structuring was quite opportune, particularly in hopes of recruiting new faculty and promoting program development.
By the 1973-74 academic year, the College of Business and Economics had four departments (accounting, business administration, economics and the Office of Business Development and Government Services) offering three undergraduate programs: BBA, B.S. in accounting and B.S. in business and economics. Undergraduate degrees
Left: Donald Mullineaux, holder of the chair of Banking and Finance, College of Business, circa 1985.
were conferred upon those students who completed 120 semester hours with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
Is the study of economics a science or an art? Either one at the University of Kentucky, depending on which college students chose for that major. The College of Business and Economics offered a B.S. in Economics, while the College of Arts and Sciences’ offered a B.A.
“Preparation for a career in business can be combined with study in some depth in agriculture, engineering, and the various fields in the arts and sciences,” as said in the 1973-74 Kentucky Bulletin.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. MERLIN MAYNARD HACKBART
Dr. Merlin “Merl” Hackbart has worn his fair share of hats at the University of Kentucky and for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Gatton College has had him wearing such titles as associate dean for graduate studies and research, associate dean for academic affairs and administration and senior associate dean. He’s also served as director of the James Martin Graduate Center for Public Administration. In between Deans Sudharshan and Blackwell, Dr. Hackbart was appointed interim dean of Gatton College for eight months.
An associate professor of economics and public administration when he joined the College of Business and Economics faculty in 1973, Dr. Hackbart was also charged with developing a School of Public Policy and Administration. The Martin School of Public Policy and Adminis-
tration opened in 1976 with Hackbart as its director.
A native of Watertown, South Dakota, he went to South Dakota State College, graduating in 1963, a year before it earned its university status. Hackbart’s official major was economics, while unofficially he was studying and mastering leadership: he was a member of at least 10 organizations, including the Economics Club and Toastmasters.
In 1966, he received a doctorate in economics from Kansas State University and soon after served as a captain in the U.S. Army for two years. He gained a few years of higher education instruction at the University of Wyoming and Kansas State prior to joining the University of Kentucky in 1973.
Dr. Hackbart has served four Kentucky governors: as state budget director for Govs. John Y. Brown and Wallace Wilkinson in the 1980s, as special assistant for policy management and senior policy adviser for Gov. Paul Patton in the ’90s and from 2021-2025 he was appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear to the board of trustees for CERS, the County Employees Retirement System, where he chaired the investment committee.
He has received many national and collegiate awards, including the Provost’s Distinguished Service Professor of Finance and Public Administration at UK.
The University of Kentucky K Book, 1955.
Dr. William “Bill” Ecton (1928-1998)
Dean, College of Business and Economics, 1974-1980
Another graduate of the University of Kentucky and a native Kentuckian, Dr. William “Bill” Ecton was a faculty member at the University of Kentucky from 1957 until his retirement in 1997, just shy of 40 years.
A couple of career hallmarks included chairing the new Department of Accounting when it was established in 1966 and being the first professor in the School of Accountancy when it opened in the late 1980s.
When Dean Haywood stepped down in late 1973, Dr. Ecton was named acting dean of the College of Business and Economics in January 1974. He was appointed dean by President Otis Singletary in April 1976, serving until 1980. During his deanship, the college established a Business Advisory Council to strengthen ties to the business community in Lexington and central Kentucky.
Dean Ecton fostered an academic relationship with the Republic of Indonesia and expanded international courses in the College of Business and Economics; continuing education programs were also added.
Born in Winchester, Kentucky, Ecton graduated from Lafayette High School in Lexington in 1946. He spent the next year serving in Korea with the U.S. Army before attending UK to earn his undergraduate degree in accounting (Bachelor of Science in Commerce) in 1952. He worked for an accounting firm for five years, bringing business experience to his career in academia. While teaching, he also earned an MBA from UK, then a doctorate from the University of Missouri.
In 1958, between semesters, he requested and was granted permission from UK President Frank Dickey to make an analysis of the cost accounting allocation procedures of a St. Louis business enterprise. Dr. Ecton was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year twice, by Beta Alpha Psi in 1983 and Beta Gamma Sigma in 1984.
Ecton was inducted into the Gatton Hall of Fame in February 1998. He died a month later. He and his late wife, Joan Ecton, are buried at Lexington Cemetery. On their headstone is an inscription from educator and author Jesse Stuart: “I am firm in my belief that a teacher lives on and on through his students. Good teaching is forever and the teacher is immortal.”
Dean William Ecton presents student Karen Schalk the Russel S. Grady Award, circa 1970.
Beta Alpha Psi, the most prominent national accounting fraternity, started a UK chapter in 1952 dedicated to “the promotion of accountancy and to the development of high moral, scholastic and professional attainment among its members.”
Beta Gamma Sigma, the national commerce honorary association, was formed at UK in 1928 “to foster principles of honesty and integrity in business practice and to encourage a more friendly attitude of the business public toward graduates of commercial courses.”
Delta Sigma Pi, noted professional fraternity in commerce, launched a chapter at UK on Nov. 27, 1920, five years before the College of Commerce was established. The local chapter began with 10 members — all economics majors — who pledged to “further a higher standard of commercial ethics and culture, and the civic and commercial welfare of the community.”
BETA ALPHA PSI COMES TO CAMPUS
Students walked by walls covered in graffiti surrounding White
The university hosted a 1965-66 Centennial Founders Day Convocation.
Clockwise from left:
Hall, circa 1970.
The Whitfield Stump fossil is pictured in front of the White Hall Classroom Building in 1964.
Clockwise from top left: New College of Commerce building, 1964.
Students working in a classroom, circa 1965.
Students studying in the Breckenridge Research Room of King Library, circa 1965.
Students lying in the snow, circa 1975.
Students walk past White Hall Classroom Building, November 1967.
NEW NAME, SAME BUSINESS
Between 1975 and 2000, the College of Business and Economics expanded the building’s footprint with an additional facility and got a new name in honor of benefactor Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, becoming the Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics in 1995. Dean Richard Furst and his team set the standards for fundraising efforts and that bar has continued on an upward trajectory since.
Under Dean Furst’s leadership, the Business Partnership Foundation officially began in August 1981. The nonprofit corporation was established to solicit gifts from businesses for the enhancement and improvement of the College of Business and Economics. It was through this foundation that a statewide fund drive produced a $1 million endowed chair in banking and financial services.
In the late 1980s, the accounting programs earned Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. In 1990, the college hosted its inaugural Economic Outlook Conference, an annual event that has grown to hundreds of attendees and is still going strong.
1975-2000
1975-2000: THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION COMES FOR BUSINESS
In the 1970s and 1980s, B&E classes were discussing the pros and cons of deregulation, supply-side economics, stagflation, and other economic theories. The Tax Reform Act of 1976 led to the creation of the Individual Retirement Account, around the same time that adjustable-rate mortgages were introduced (first in California).
The last 25 years of the 20th century also spurred the digital revolution that has touched every facet of the American experience: Microsoft and Apple are household corporate names. IBM manufactured its first personal computer in 1981, and 10 years later, a spinoff of IBM was created in Lexington by way of Lexmark, a printer manufacturer and global imaging solutions company.
CNN was the first 24-hour news channel, debuting on June 1, 1980, as Cable News Network. In 1989, the business audience got its own information channel when CNBC, the Consumer News and Business Channel, came
on the scene. The 1990s got underway with the World Wide Web. Soon, students and consumers were using digital cameras, mobile phones and the Global Positioning System (GPS).
One of the mainstays of business in Kentucky is the
In 1992, the college got a new building complete with the computerized Ashland Oil Information Center, with almost 100 computer terminals, and 16 classrooms wired for computer networking and video access.
1983 COMMENCEMENT
On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, 1983, the College of Business and Economics got its own commencement ceremony at the Singletary Center for the Arts, with a speech from Lynwood Schraeder, senior vice president of Kentucky Utilities. That morning, B&E seniors received individual diplomas and were honored individually by name, with a handshake from Dean Richard Furst. The regular UK commencement was that afternoon. More than 2,500 people attended a reception for the College of Business and Economics (60 had shown up the previous year).
equine industry. In 1984, the Breeders’ Cup organization was developed in Lexington, providing an annual world championship for Thoroughbred racing. The Gluck Equine Research Center opened at UK in 1987, thanks to the largesse of renowned horse breeder Maxwell Gluck.
Gatton College has produced leaders in the horse in-
dustry, including Shannon Cobb, CFO and COO of the Red Mile Racetrack, who earned her B.S. in accounting in ’86. Jamie Eads, president and CEO of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, earned her BBA at Gatton in 2001, proving once again that business and economics students are prepared for the industry of their choice.
Dr. Richard “Dick” Furst (1938-2012)
Dean, Gatton College of Business and Economics, 1981-2003
The only Gatton dean to serve in two millennia, Dr. Richard “Dick” Furst was also the second-longest-serving dean at 22 years. The college’s first dean, Dr. Edward Wiest, served for 23 years before retiring at age 70.
UK President Otis Singletary appointed Furst as dean of the College of Business and Economics, effective July 1, 1981. That year had started out with a book publication for Furst, one titled “Financial Management for Health Care Institutions.”
In his first month at the helm, Dean Furst met and worked with Kentucky Gov. John Y. Brown on federal funding for the Kentucky Small Business Development Center. One of the many accomplishments over the next few years was the college’s accounting programs earning accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in 1989. Dean Furst’s two-decade legacy is one of collaboration, particularly in the triad of academia, business and government.
It was during Furst’s deanship that Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton and Douglas Von Allmen gifted the college with $14 million and $7 million, respectively, actuating the renaming of the Gatton College of Business and Economics and the creation of the Von Allmen Center for Entrepre-
neurship. The School of Accountancy became the Douglas J. Von Allmen School of Accountancy in 2000.
A native of New York state, Furst earned an undergraduate degree in the College of Liberal Arts at Alfred University, located about 200 miles east of his birthplace in Fulton County, New York. His doctorate in Business Administration came from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
In December 2002, six months before Dean Furst’s retirement, the Board of Trustees approved a request made by Bill Gatton to rename the Gatton Endowed Chair in Finance as the Richard W. and Janis H. Furst Endowed Chair in Finance. The first to hold the Furst Chair, in July 2003, was Professor Brad Jordan.
After his retirement in 2003, Furst spent time in Frankfort working on projects with Gov. Ernie Fletcher. He also cofounded an investment group in Lexington called
NEW PROGRAMS UNDER DEAN FURST
Business Partnership Foundation
Student phonathon to request financial support of the Carpenter Scholarship fund
Education abroad program
Annual Economic Outlook Conference
Gatton Alumni Hall of Fame
Center for Poverty Research
Program for Excellence
“Business Exchange” newsletter for alumni
Singletary Scholarship fund for the benefit of graduate students
Ashland Oil Information Center
B&E Ambassador program
Kentucky Scholars program
the Bluegrass Angels. He remained close to UK, coming back several times, once for a stint in the Office of the President, where he was influential in UK President Lee Todd Jr.’s decision to create the UK Office for Commercialization and Economic Development. Dean Furst also returned to Gatton College again to teach and to serve as a temporary professional administrator. UK was in his blood.
In his spare time, Furst was an aficionado of the opera. He supported UK Opera Theatre and served on the board of the Lexington Opera Society, a position his wife, Jan, now holds. Furst died May 19, 2012. He is buried at Lexington Cemetery.
When the College of Business and Economics faced a dip in enrollment in the early 1980s, Dean Furst led the charge for fundraising efforts for student scholarships, in addition to helping launch new programs for faculty and students.
BUSINESS IN THE BLUEGRASS
After Dean Furst retired and cofounded the Bluegrass Angels, one of the subsequent chairs of the investment group was Jed Bullard, fourth-generation of the family-owned Bullard company. His ancestor invented the hard hat in 1919, and the company opened a satellite facility in Cynthiana, Kentucky, in 1971 and then moved the manufacturing plant from California to Kentucky in 1989. Bullard was grateful to UK President Lee Todd and Gatton Deans Furst and Blackwell for their support.
“The university continues to support entrepreneurial activity,” he said in a 2018 interview. At the time Bullard Center was opening in Lexington to accommodate the company’s growth. His daughter, Wells Bullard, has been the fifth-generation president and CEO of the company since 2017. She is a VACE mentor with the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship.
A THRIVING UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY CAMPUS
Above: A group is seen in 1976 boarding “Old Blue,” a bus used for guided campus tours and shuttles to UK football games.
Opposite page, top: Students met Muhammad Ali outside the student center in 1980.
Opposite page, bottom: Reference librarian Norma Jean Gibson helps a student in the Margaret I. King Library, 1982.
PROGRAMS THAT KEEP UP WITH THE JONESES AND THE JOBSES ...
Throughout the 1970s, the college grew at an average rate of 10% per year. Enrollment in 1972 was 1,902. By 1979, there were more than 3,000 students in B&E, which Dean William Ecton attributed to an increase in the number of women studying business, representing 40% of students in the college.
For the fall semester of 1982, the 35 faculty members of the Department of Business Administration were assigned to one of three new departments: finance, management and marketing. Dean Furst and former Dean Haywood were two of the seven finance instructors. The Department of Marketing had eight instructors; management had 20.
Effective in the fall of 1988, the College of Business and Economics required a GPA of
2.0 or higher for graduation. And there were five divisions of study instead of three: the departments of economics, finance, management and marketing, and the School of Accountancy.
In keeping up with the Joneses, or the Gateses and Jobses, the 1988 course catalog saw an “Introduction to Computing” course sitting alongside “Principles of Accounting and Elementary Calculus” for students earning a B.S. in accounting or in business and economics, or a BBA with a major in marketing or in finance. By 1995, an additional degree program, Decision Science and Information Systems, rounded out the half-dozen programs offered by the college.
In the mid-1980s, graduate students were earning an M.S. in accounting or economics or a Master of Business Administration. The college also offered a doctorate in economics and a doctorate in business administration.
By 1995, the BBA came with a choice of three majors: finance, management, and marketing. Students could also minor in economics and/or in business. A professional program in accountancy was also in the course catalog.
In 1997, Gatton College added joint-degree programs with the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Allied Health to the existing joint-degree programs with the Colleges of Law and Engineering. Formal education in dual areas of interest have produced graduates who bring a broad set of skills to the workforce.
SENDING EMAIL TO FACULTY — A FIRST!
High tech in 1990 meant B&E alumni would soon be able to use a new electronic Bulletin Board System, aka BBS, as long as they had access to a personal computer, telephone landline and dial-up modem. They could send electronic mail to other alumni and current faculty and participate in forums. An article in the Spring 1990 “Business Exchange” newsletter stated that the “system will not be available to salespeople or mailing services, so you won’t need to worry about junk mail or sales calls.” Through the BBS, students and alumni could also add their resume to kiNexus, a computerized national employment marketplace.
University of Kentucky students are pictured walking on campus in 1988.
Students are seen walking in front of Memorial Hall in 1977.
A New Building — With Computers!
The first building used for business students at UK was built in 1881 — as a dormitory, not a classroom building — and a brand new replacement building came along in 1964. In the late 1980s, talks were in full swing for an upgrade and an addition.
The $10.5 million construction and renovation project was underway in the spring of 1990. Over the next two years, the front lawn and guard shack were dug up, as was a good portion of Administration Drive, to build a new four-story, 45,000-square-foot facility for the College of Business and Economics.
The existing three-story building was renovated, and a
new atrium of the same height connected both structures. During the process, the college maintained business and education as usual.
The new building was dedicated on April 10, 1992, with remarks from Dean Furst, UK President Dr. Charles Wethington, chair of the Business Partnership Foundation Gary Bello and featured speaker Robert Galvin, chair of Motorola.
“The original building was designed for 1,000 students and 35 faculty,” Dean Furst said at the dedication. “We now have 3,000 students and 82 faculty and over 100 staff. This gives us added space and, equally importantly, gives
The new University of Kentucky College of Business and Economics building was dedicated in 1992. The $10.5 million construction and renovation project modernized the college’s offerings and included a computerized Ashland Oil Information Center.
us some badly needed technology. The old building was equipped with the technology of the 1950s and 1960s.”
Included in the new space were the computerized Ashland Oil Information Center, with almost 100 computer terminals, and 16 classrooms wired for computer networking and video access.
Private funding contributed $2 million to the $10.5 million project, while $500,000 came from university funds and $8 million from bond funding authorized by the state legislature. The College of Business and Economics raised another $6 million in private contributions for scholarships, endowed professorships, research, and other service programs.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: RICK FORD
Right after earning his MBA in Marketing at UK in 1984, Rick Ford was hired at the College of Business and Economics as its first alumni affairs director. A decade earlier, he had earned his undergraduate degree at the college, graduating with honors.
One of the highlights of his three-year stint in that position was spearheading Career Day at Gatton, bringing in local business owners to meet students. Another was launching the Cecil C. Carpenter Scholarship Fund in 1985 at the behest of Dean Richard Furst. Carpenter was the second dean of the College of Commerce and the first of two deans who earned their own business degrees at UK. In the mid-1980s, Dean Furst served as the primary faculty creator and endorser of the Carpenter Scholarship Fund.
“That was my first assist in the effort at fundraising for the college,” Ford said, “and as of today the fund has contributed over $1 million to that effort.”
In 1986, Ford worked with current B&E students to call alumni in UK’s first documented phone-a-thon. The next year, they amped up production and worked the phones for five nights.
“We employed a fundraising approach using risers and nightly entertainment, including faculty member and Marketing Department Chair Jim Donnelly on the piano, along with 25 student callers each night in a ‘television studio’ fashioned after the Jerry Lewis March of Dimes Telethon,” Ford said.
The ’86 phone-a-thon raised $14,000 in pledges and almost doubled the following year, making the College of Business and Economics the beneficiary of students having fun while raising money for their college.
Rick Ford, left, with Tina Payne and Dean Richard Furst during the 1987 Business and Economics Phone-athon.
Above: Students attended a presentation, circa 1990, in the CSX Corporation Room.
Above: Mike Fanuzzi was a 1975 business graduate and was quarterback of UK’s 1974 football team.
Below: Paul Dukeshire was a UK soccer star and graduated in 1974 with a degree in business administration.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: JANE BROWN WELLS
Few people gush over accounting like it’s a chocolate cake more than Jane Wells. She loves the subject. Loves it. She loved her students, the University of Kentucky and Gatton College.
One of her own accounting professors when she was a UK student was the late Don Madden. In a 2025 interview, she said he “made accounting come alive.” As an associate professor herself in the Von Allmen School of Accountancy, Wells did the same for students for three decades.
A native of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, she came by her love of teaching honestly. Her mother, Sadie Brown (who lived to age 101), was also an educator. Professor Wells earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting at UK in 1974 and 1986, respectively, and then it was into the world of public accounting for her. She was a CPA with Potter & Company in Lexington for almost eight years and then joined the faculty at UK in 1994, where she taught accounting for 31 years.
She also served as Gatton’s assistant dean of undergraduate studies and was director of the Master of Science in Accounting program.
Professor Wells won a plethora of “great” and “outstanding” teacher awards from Gatton College, UK Alumni Association, Office of the Chancellor, Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma, among others, even the Kentucky Society of CPAs. And she never met a committee she didn’t like or join.
Professor Jane Wells was inducted into the Gatton Hall of Fame in April 2025 and retired, with accumulated appreciation, at the end of fiscal year 2025.
“I have drawn so much inspiration from the teachers that truly dedicate themselves to their students. One teacher I have in mind is Professor Jane Wells; she looks to give back to her students in any way possible, from being an amazing teacher to working on the scholarship committee. Her dedication is inspiring!” — Ryan Sullivan
AT KENNEDY’S!
Many a UK student worked at Kennedy’s Book Store over the years. It was a mainstay from 1950 through December of 2017.
The ad at the right appeared in the above issue of the Kentuckian in 1976.
THE KENTUCKIAN GOES TO A MAGAZINE FORMAT
After the 1975 Kentuckian was printed for the 1975-76 academic year, the yearbook staff decided to try a magazine format. Starting with the Summer/Fall edition in 1975 through 1977, they produced six magazines. In 1978, the hardback version of the Kentuckian was back. Pictured below is the first issue.
A Record-Breaking Gift, and a New Name
On Dec. 12, 1995, the Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics became the first college at the University of Kentucky named after an individual.
During the presidency of Dr. Charles Wethington and deanship of Dr. Richard Furst, Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton gave the then-largest single gift to the university: $14 million. The Committee on Naming University Buildings unanimously approved the recommendation — by faculty and staff of the college — to name the college and eponymous building after Mr. Gatton.
A native Kentuckian, Bill Gatton graduated from the College of Commerce with a B.S. in business administration in 1954. His philanthropic contributions to the univer-
The late Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton is pictured at far left with UK’s 11th president, Lee Todd Jr., and Dean Devanathan Sudharshan. Gatton’s gift of $14 million to the university was at the time the single largest gift in the university’s history and marked the Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics as the first college named after an individual at UK.
Above is UK’s Bill Gatton Student Center, a tribute to the generous alumnus who accounted for a record-breaking $200 million-plus in philanthropic gifts to the university.
sity over the years totaled more than $200 million and included the C.M. Gatton Endowment Fund to support endowed chairs and professorships, scholarships for students, and other programs for Gatton College.
The naming of the college after Bill Gatton paved the way for other UK colleges to honor their respective benefactors, starting with the Lewis Honors College in 2016 after Mr. Thomas W. Lewis and his family. In 2020, the College of Law was renamed after its philanthropic benefactor, J. David Rosenberg. In 2023, the College of Engineering added the names Stanley and Karen Pigman to the beginning of its name.
In May 2023, 11 months after Bill Gatton’s death, The Bill
BUILDING CAMPUS
SPORTS MARKETING ACADEMY
From 1998-2010, Gatton College partnered with UK Athletics and Host Communications to sponsor an annual Sports Marketing Academy. It would become the first program of its kind to offer professional certification in the field. The Center for Sports Marketing joined Gatton College from 2000 to 2022 and became another sponsor of the annual academy, bringing in athletics directors from colleges and high schools, along with sports marketing professionals from businesses and universities. Topics focused on the business of marketing sports, from the legalities and logistics of licensing logos and mascots to creating partnerships with corporate sponsors and sports teams. UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart is pictured above speaking at a Sports Marketing Academy event.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: GLENN C. BLOMQUIST
How many industry experts were born in March 1945? For starters, Pat Riley and Walt Frazier of basketball fame, guitarists Eric Clapton and Robin Trower and economists from India and America, B. B. Bhattacharya and Glenn C. Blomquist.
Professor Emeritus of Economics and Public Policy.
Twice listed in “Who’s Who in Economics” and recently named a Fellow of the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis, he has won — twice — the Outstanding Teacher Award in the Department of Economics, in 2006 and 2015.
Gatton Foundation bestowed $100 million to the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, making it the largest single gift in the university’s history. In honor of his parents, Edith Martin and Harry W. Gatton, Sr., the college was renamed as the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Mr. Gatton’s impact on the University of Kentucky exceeds $200 million, making him the university’s single largest donor.
Dr. Blomquist joined the University of Kentucky in 1980 with a joint appointment in the Gatton College of Business and Economics and the James W. Martin School of Public Policy and Administration; he was promoted from assistant professor to associate and full professorships in both. He chaired Gatton’s Department of Economics 1997-2005 and served as interim chair 2011-2012.
Today, he is Carl Pollard Professor Emeritus of Health Economics and
Known for teaching health economics, environmental economics, and public policy, among other courses, Dr. Blomquist has three degrees in economics. He earned his bachelor’s in 1967 from Ohio Wesleyan University, and a master’s two years later from Ohio State University, at which time he stepped away from academia to serve his country for three years with the U.S. Air Force as procurement officer. He earned his doctorate at the University of Chicago in 1977 and was an assistant professor of economics at Illinois State University prior to joining UK.
Current president of the Southern Economic Association and a past president of the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis, Dr. Blomquist has been a visiting Fulbright Scholar and visiting professor in Latvia and Sweden. He has presented his research throughout the U.S. as well as at international conferences, from Switzerland in 1981 to Poland in 2024.
AHEAD OF THE GAME
The new millennium started off strong for Gatton students, thanks in part to the generosity of Doug and Linda Von Allmen. The Center for Entrepreneurship, having been around since 1996, was renamed the Douglas J. Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce Center. Adding the reference to electronic commerce was intentional, because the burgeoning digital landscape was transforming the way goods and services were bought and sold. Gatton faculty and staff, being early adopters, had expertise in e-commerce and were expanding research and educational programs. As e-commerce began to be fully recognized as a tool for businesses in virtually any industry, the center’s name was rebranded as VACE, the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship.
What does it take to start and run a business? Since the fall of 2015, students, alumni and community members have been able to take advantage of an entrepreneur bootcamp at Venture Studio through VACE. The VentureStudio Bootcamp puts students through a semester-long startup program involving proof of concept, viability testing, business model creation and a myriad of other steps involved in starting a business.
Long before the COVID-19 pandemic drove academia to digital classes off campus, and before Zoom became a verb, Gatton College had online offerings. Already ahead of the game, the transition to remote learning was seamless. Paul Childs, associate dean of graduate programs, spearheaded the technological transformation. And just five months after lockdown, Gatton College offered a new master’s degree in Supply Chain Management.
At the spring commencement of 2024, more than 1,000 degrees were awarded to Gatton graduate and undergraduate students.
2000-2025
2000-2025: WE SURVIVED Y2K ... AND BUSINESS IS BOOMING!
From Napster to YouTube, Skype to Facebook, Blackberry to iPhone, some of the inventions of the past 25 years have not lasted, yet others have thrived.
The whys and wherefores make for scintillating discussions in classrooms all across Gatton College. Google began as a search engine named Backrub and was incorporated in 1998. By the time of its initial public offering in 2004, the company and product were renamed as a misspelling of googol, the mathematical number with 100 zeros.
Salesforce, Airbnb, Uber, OpenAI, what’s next? Fintech, crypto and blockchain, cloud computing, and of course artificial intelligence and machine learning are all making for a profusion of business and economic lessons in labs and classrooms.
Lexington and surrounding cities also provide fodder for those industries and principles, for example, bourbon tourism, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and the $1.5 billion acquisition of Lexmark by Xerox in 2025.
Almost 50 national and global corporate headquarters are located at UK’s Coldstream Research Campus, including A&W Restaurants, American Board of Family Medicine, Kentucky Small Business Development Center, Tempur Sealy International and World Trade Center Kentucky.
Gatton College — its faculty, staff, student body and philanthropists — has what it takes to weather internal and external challenges, whether it’s an economic downturn, budget cuts, the COVID-19 pandemic or lockdown. The strength and spirit of this college cannot be undermined.
Above: A student works at a computer in the Wendell Ford Center, 2002.
Left: Students pictured in the new Gatton College of Business and Economics building, completed in 2016.
THE BIG BLUE NATION
Big Blue Nation is UK’s loyal athletics fanbase, with students leading the way in cheering on the Wildcats in spectacular fashion. It is a key part of the UK student experience.
PREPARING FOR NEW (OLD) TECHNOLOGY, SINCE
THE 1950 s
Just how new is artificial intelligence (AI)? Not very. It’s older than common business-oriented language (COBOL), formula translation (Fortran), beginners’ all-purpose symbolic instruction code (BASIC), structured query language (SQL) and many other programming languages. The concept of AI has been around since the mid-1950s.
Reporting in the Kentucky Kernel, 1964:
“We don’t even come close to the possibilities ... ”
The University of Kentucky Computing Center opened in 1958. Four years later, in the basement of McVey Hall, an electronic data processing system known as the IBM 1410 was installed, taking up a quite a bit of space. In 1964, the IBM 1410 machine-reasoned itself into writing a poem after being fed 200 assorted words.
In UK’s 1967-68 graduate school catalog for those working toward a Master of Arts in philosophy, PHI 575 was a “systematic examination of the major contributions to the philosophy of mind by contemporary thinkers. Topics to be studied will include the nature of mind and mental phenomena; the relations of mind to body and to machines; the knowledge of other minds; artificial intelligence; consciousness, will, emotions, etc.”
One of Dean Simon Sheather’s top priorities is to prepare Gatton College students, faculty and staff for this new world of artificial intelligence.
“I’ve had the opportunity to engage with international leaders at AI conferences and to collaborate closely with our IT team to ensure that Gatton is not just adapting to AI, but helping shape how it’s used in business and higher education,” he said. “A group led by college academics and senior staff has been put in place to foster the use of AI across research, teaching and administration. New technology can feel threatening — it’s our goal to help our community learn to use it confidently and ethically to become stronger, smarter business leaders.”
Dr. Devanathan Sudharshan
Dean, Gatton College of Business and Economics, 2003-2011
While serving as dean, Dr. Devanathan Sudharshan loved extolling the successes of and the bright future for Gatton’s people: its students, alumni, faculty and staff.
He passionately worked for new facilities for Gatton College during his time as dean, one that met the university’s then-master plan and provided plenty of space and technology and other attractive factors to grow the faculty and student populations. Although he did get the ball rolling, he had stepped down as dean before the 2016 opening of the new Gatton building.
In 2003, he was appointed by UK President Lee Todd as Gatton’s dean. During his eight years of leadership, Dean Sudharshan launched an 11-month MBA program. He laid the foundation for Gatton College’s Advancement/Development and Communications departments, its Undergraduate Resource Center, the Global Scholars Program, the Scholars in Engineering and Management Program and partnered with Piraeus University in Athens, Greece, to offer an MBA program.
Dean Sudharshan started Transform magazine “to convey the spirit of transformation and progress” of Gatton College. In the inaugural issue, winter of 2007, he said, “At Gatton, we take seriously our mandate as educators to innovate in our teaching and in our research. Innovation is the hallmark of progress and success.”
Dr. Sudharshan earned his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering in 1974 from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and his doctorate in business administration in 1982 at the University of Pittsburgh, after which he joined the faculty of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
In the mid-1990s, he wrote a book on marketing strategy and published two more in 2019 and 2020, the latter of which was titled “Marketing in Customer Technology Environments: Prospective Customers and Magical Worlds.” He has been published extensively in major peer-reviewed scholarly journals in the fields of marketing, management science and strategic management.
Dr. Sudharshan stepped down as dean of Gatton College in 2011 and remained with the Gatton faculty, holding the James and Diane Stuckert B.S./MBA Endowed Chair until his retirement in 2018.
Nalini and Devanathan Sudharshan at the Main Building reopening ceremony, 2004.
Above: A winter 2006 issue of Kentucky Alumni magazine highlighted the new Global Scholars program under Devanathan Sudharshan’s leadership. “The programs at Gatton are what set us apart,” he said.
Kentucky Kernel gives a glimpse of student life at UK in April 2001.
Top right: Becky Eaton and Patrick Honaker are pictured working in the University Archives processing area of the Margaret I. King Library, circa 2005.
Right: The
THE AWARD-WINNING GRAHAM OFFICE OF CAREER MANAGEMENT
Gatton’s Graham Office of Career Management won a University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Award of Excellence in the “talent” category at the UEDA’s 2024 summit in South Bend, Indiana. UK has has won three Awards of Excellence for initiatives, research or accomplishments that represent outstanding economic development impact. The 2024 award was for the office’s innovative program titled “#WhatsYourStartDate: A Career Center’s Strategic Scaling Strategies to Take Gen-Z from Backpack to Briefcase.”
Since its founding in 2011, the Graham Office of Career Management has served Gatton College as more than a career planning service. Faculty and staff help students throughout the entire career devel-
opment process to make a smooth transition from college to career.
The Graham Office has a 400-company-strong, on-campus recruiting pipeline. Students have individual meetings with career counselors, attend career fairs both on campus and through the virtual hub known as Navigate and have access to a profusion of digital resources. When they enroll in the Gatton Pro Series, they’re adding cake to the icing: Professional Leadership Development, Professional Exploration & Career Management and Strategic Business & Professional Communication.
“Learn who you are. Plan where you’ll go. Get where you’re going.”
- Graham Office of Career Management motto
The Graham Office of Career Management was dedicated in April 2012. It was named in honor of Jeffrey C. Graham, second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, who died during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004. He graduated from UK’s College of Engineering in 2003.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Pictured are Chinese New Year celebrations from 2019 at Gatton College.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
MELISSA HUFFMAN
BEAVEN
No two days were the same at Gatton College in the late ’90s and early 2000s for Melissa Beaven.
“I came at an exciting time because tech was just really taking off in higher education,” she said. She had started working at UK in 1996, before electronic records were kept, and joined Gatton in February of ’98. At the time, she was pursuing a doctorate in sociology — she had taken all the courses and was very close to starting on her dissertation — but she had just discovered a love for technology that changed her path.
Beaven was the first hire in Gatton’s IT Department but certainly not the last. “I saw that I could shape where and how tech was implemented in the college,” she said, appreciating the support and resources she was provided to build a “robust and well-respected IT team.” Building Gatton’s IT Department was one of Beaven’s finest
professional achievements. “The team under me and now Matt Cosgrove is very customer-focused with the attitude that we can do anything with technology. But just because we can do anything with technology doesn’t mean we should. IT should help staff and faculty be as efficient as possible.”
In the early 2000s, the Undergraduate Resource Center, then named the Undergraduate Advising Center, was slimmed down to just a couple advisors with the intention of using technology for much of the advising duties. The experiment with technology-based advising taught the school that advising students required people for best results, and the center was staffed back up under Nancy Johnson, Scott Kelley and Jennifer Siebenthaler.
“Gatton does a fantastic job of teaching subject matter but also teaching business ethics,” Beaven said. “As technology advances, such as those in artificial intelligence, it is paramount that there are principled, ethically sound business leaders in the world who are independent thinkers and can balance the use of these technologies with the human workforce.”
After serving as Gatton’s director of technology for 23 years, she took on the role and title of business intelligence and process specialist in 2022, allowing her to spend 100% of her time on process efficiencies, until her retirement on June 30, 2025.
Building the “Best Place on Campus”
Gatton College shares historical land on Administration Drive and South Limestone with the oldest buildings on campus, the Main Building and the Ezra Gillis building, both dating back to the 1880s. Today, the Gatton building is three structures in one, containing the “new” 1963 College of Commerce building and the 1991 College of Business and Economics addition, both of which were gutted down to original concrete and then rebuilt for the Gatton College complex of 2016.
In June 2012, the Board of Trustees approved $4 million for the design phase of the Gatton College renovation and expansion.
It took more than a decade to finalize, but the design phase was finally approved in June 2012. On March 1, 2013, Dean David Blackwell introduced the Gatton United Capital Campaign. By summer, $34 million in pledges was already on the books, with $25 million of that coming from four donors: Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, Howard Lewis, Don and Cathy Jacobs and Dr. William Seale.
Above: On Oct. 11, 2013, UK President Eli Capilouto (center), Gatton Dean David Blackwell (to Capilouto’s left), and Bill Gatton (to Capilouto’s right) donned hard hats with other Gatton College officials and grabbed shovels to participate in the ceremonial groundbreaking and revealing of the architectural plans of the new $65 million building. The Gatton College project was part of $500 million of construction work on campus around that time.
Opposite Page: When Dean Blackwell presented President Capilouto and Trustee Bill Gatton with commemorative shovel plaques from the ceremony in December 2013, “Trustee Gatton gave credit to former Gatton College Dean Dick Furst, who was instrumental in making him understand that to retain first-class faculty and staff, the college needed first-class facilities,” according to minutes of the meeting.
The entire $65 million Gatton construction and renovation project was funded by philanthropy with no state tax dollars. This was the first academic building on campus to be funded completely through private donations.
The college’s footprint increased by 40 percent, from almost 140,000 square feet to more than 204,000 square feet, with the new building providing 21 smart classrooms, 42 glass-windowed study rooms, a 500-seat auditorium, a café and even an outdoor garden plaza. The three-story
center atrium connects the new building to the original structures. Within the 7,000-square-foot atrium are the “social steps,” wide stairs that attract students for studying, talking, and enjoying the huge space that feels cozy and expansive at the same time.
Centers include the Behavioral Research Lab, Don and Cathy Jacobs Executive Education Center, Graham Office of Career Management, Seale Finance Learning Center and the Undergraduate Resource Center. Kincaid Auditorium and Woodward Hall are for lectures and special events.
“We like to refer to it as the best place on campus,” said Tony Day, Gatton facilities planning director.
The new addition to the building opened in the fall of 2015. The renovation and technological upgrades for the 1963 and 1991 buildings were completed the following year, with a grand opening celebration on Oct. 7, 2016. The following summer, the Gatton College building was LEED Gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.
“I like the fact that all of the faculty offices open to one hallway. It creates a lot of social opportunity and interaction and a feeling of togetherness,” Dean Blackwell said in a 2024 interview. His threefold pitch to donors was simple and compelling. “One, the college needs to grow for the university to grow. Two, we need to have a showpiece to attract great people to the University of Kentucky and to the Gatton College. And three, we need to enable the most modern learning technology available to best serve our students.”
DIGITAL AND DATA DRIVEN TOOLS, AND AN EXPANDED MBA
The past 25 years brought digital and data-driven tools to the forefront and the future for Gatton College, from the way courses are taught to the course topics themselves.
In the early aughts, the college offered courses in the Von Allmen School of Accountancy, Department of Economics and four tracks within the School of Management: Decision Science and Information Systems, Finance, Management and Marketing. The college is now composed of five departments: the Von Allmen School of Accountancy, Economics, the John Maze Stewart Department of Finance and Quantitative Methods, Management, and Marketing & Supply Chain.
For graduate offerings, the college expanded the programs to help future business leaders grow. In 2005 , Gatton College started an 11-month intensive MBA day program that included a full-time MBA experience with Project Connect where students worked with companies to apply the learning from the classroom. The college also offered the MBA curriculum in Greece.
In 2014, MBA students in the professional evening program could earn certifications in project management, global management and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, the same as the accelerated 11-month MBA program. Also happening in 2014 was the onset of the UK/UofL Executive MBA Program. The first cohort that summer had 20 emerging business leaders. In 2019, an MBA concentration in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation was added. Years before the COVID-19 pandemic forced higher education to go online, Gatton was already modernized, as evidenced by the addition of a real-time online option for the professional MBA, providing flexibility to working professionals.
In 2017, Gatton College began offering a Master of Science in Finance (MSF). It added to the current Master of Science in Accounting and expanded the college’s focus to include specialized master’s programs. In 2020, a graduate degree in supply chain management was added as a new program, and the following year, a Master of Science in Marketing and a Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management and Analytics were added to the college’s portfolio. Planned for summer 2026, a Master of Accountancy and Analytics will be offered for students who did not major in accounting as undergraduates.
The growth in programs has not been limited to graduate education. Gatton College has developed several innovative programs designed to prepare students to make an impact post-graduation. The college created multiple Honors Pathways, including the Global Scholars, Social Entrepreneurship, and SEAM (Scholars in Engineering and Management, a joint program between Gatton College and the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. The college developed a fully online Bachelor of Science in General Business as well as a new minor in business data analytics that began in 2019.
Throughout the years, the college has been very responsive to both student and industry needs in revising curriculum to enhance both program and course offerings. Gatton College offers an undergraduate sales certificate, online certificates in business and in fiscal planning, a graduate certificate in business analytics as well as taxation, among others. Innovation is innovating at Gatton!
Dr. David “Dave” Blackwell
Dean, Gatton College of Business and Economics, 2012-2018
Professor, dean, provost, associate dean — Dr. David “Dave” Blackwell takes on the title of service where he’s needed most. He joined the Gatton College as the dean on March 1, 2012, after Dr. Merl Hackbart served as interim dean for eight months.
Gatton College Dean David Blackwell was a first-generation college graduate and, among other accomplishments, streamlined the college’s academic departments.
“A dean may have some ideas, a dean may present a vision, but it’s the staff and the faculty that get the work done.” — Dean David Blackwell
Dean Blackwell fondly recalls mentorship from Chuck Haywood and Dick Furst, prior deans who graciously shared their wisdom and experience. Dr. Furst, though battling cancer at the time, attended the first Dean’s Advisory Council meeting in spring 2012 to endorse Dean Blackwell and encourage all those present to support the new building project. “That will always stand out as an inspiration to me,” Dr. Blackwell said in a 2024 interview. “He also took me around town to meet some of the business leaders.”
Dr. Blackwell streamlined the college into five traditional academic departments: Economics, Finance and Quantitative Methods, Management, Marketing and Supply Chain and the Von Allmen School of Accountancy. This
restructuring facilitated “better resource allocation to the faculty in those departments to do their research and their teaching.” The theme of his first strategic plan was “to make Gatton an academic home for everyone: students, faculty, staff, alumni.”
Dr. Blackwell initiated a change of culture by intentionally recognizing staff as equal partners with faculty. Among other achievements, first-year enrollment at Gatton increased by 67 percent, and overall enrollment increased by 36 percent during his term. Over $100 million was raised. Several new programs were created, including the University of Kentucky-University of Louisville joint Executive MBA program, the Master of Science in Finance program, the Social Enterprise Scholars Honors Pathway and the Pelissier Finance Scholars.
One of the most tangible and visible accomplishments at Gatton by Dr. Blackwell was the $65 million renovation and expansion of the Gatton building, designed by RossTarrant Architects and Robert A. M. Stern Architects, which opened in fall 2016. Senior Associate Dean Ken Troske worked closely with Dean Blackwell overseeing the project. The stunning new building not only enhanced
the student experience through modern teaching and learning spaces but also enabled collaboration, making Gatton College the academic home envisioned in the strategic plan.
Dr. Blackwell is a first-generation college graduate. He was born in Alabama but moved frequently by the age of 18 given his father’s military career. He enlisted in the Army in 1976 after graduating from Fort Campbell High School, where he played basketball and football and performed in musicals. He studied for two years at West Point after being appointed from the enlisted ranks, before transferring to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to complete an undergraduate degree in economics in 1981 and a doctorate in finance in 1986.
Before joining UK, Dr. Blackwell was a finance faculty member at University of Georgia, University of Houston, Emory University and Texas A&M University. At Texas A&M, he served as the head of the Department of Finance and then associate dean for graduate programs. He also worked as a director for KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
He left the Gatton deanship in January 2018 to serve as the provost of the University of Kentucky. He completed his term in 2021 and returned to teaching finance courses and serving Gatton College as associate dean for professional graduate programs.
In 2024, he joined the University of South Florida as dean of the Muma College of Business.
Governor Steve Beshear, left, joined UK President Eli Capilouto and hundreds of others in 2016 to celebrate the opening of the new $65 million Gatton building. It was the first academic building on campus to be funded completely through private donations.
BRINGING COLOR TO BUSINESS
How many pencils do business and economics students use? It took 50,000 colored pencils for the wall-sized mural in the main entrance of Gatton College. Titled “Chromodynamics” by artist Robert Dickes, then a UK faculty member of the School of Art and Visual Studies, the colors shift as passersby keep looking. “The pencil has been one of the most essential tools throughout the history of business,” Dickes said in a 2016 UKNow article. “It has been used in every form, from accounting to the signing of contracts.”
Another commissioned piece of art is the suspended sculpture hanging in the atrium. Titled “Humanity Roll - Left to Right,” it weighs 8,000 pounds and was crafted out of stainless steel and bronze by Garry Bibbs, sculptor and College of Fine Arts professor. The sculpture is 112 feet long and 32 feet wide.
On the first floor of the atrium, the artwork of the window arcade was created by then-graduate student Tianlan Deng, who based the glass design on a type of Chinese accounting system.
HONORING HISTORY AT GATTON
During the Oct. 11, 2013, ceremonial groundbreaking and design reveal for the Gatton building renovation, the college’s third dean, Charles Haywood, and its seventh, David Blackwell, opened a 1963 time capsule from the building’s cornerstone.
These three art pieces were selected from 30 project proposals sent in by faculty and graduate students from SA/VS, the School of Art and Visual Studies, and commissioned for the new Gatton space through the Garry Knapp Endowment, a fund shared between Gatton and the College of Fine Arts.
THE STORY OF THE KINCAID AUDITORIUM
A 1951 letter from Dean Cecil Clayton Carpenter to UK President H.L. Donovan mentions a gift from Garvice Kincaid, president of the Kentucky Finance Company. Kincaid, native Kentuckian and UK graduate, was a lawyer, banker and entrepreneur. He would also serve on the Board of Trustees as a member of the finance, investment and executive committees.
When he was 32, Kincaid purchased the Central Exchange Bank in downtown Lexington and renamed it Central Bank. The year was 1945, and he and his wife, Nelle, had twin daughters, Jane and Joan, who were four years old. They would grow up to become vice chairs of Central Bank and Trust Co. after earning their bachelor’s degrees in commerce from the University of Kentucky. Jane majored in business and finance; Joan took a full curriculum of secretarial training. Each of
Jane (top row, center) and Joan Kincaid (top row, right) are pictured in the 1963 Kentuckian. Their history with the university began with their father, Garvice Kincaid, and culminated with a $6 million gift to facilitate the Kincaid Auditorium.
them was inducted into Gatton’s Hall of Fame in 2008. Jane Kincaid died in 2010.
In 2014, Joan D. Kincaid and Central Bank & Trust Company pledged $6 million to Gatton College to fund the auditorium in the upcoming building expansion. Kincaid Auditorium was named in honor of her late sister, Jane, and their parents, Garvice and Nelle. The 500-seat auditorium is off the main entrance of the Gatton College building.
MODERN OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAVVY STUDENTS
It’s a small world, after all — especially because Gatton College is preparing students to be global business leaders. On Sept. 16-19, 2024, the college hosted its inaugural Gatton Global Week. A free food and music festival kicked off the events, along with an information fair and panel luncheon. Over the next few days, students learned about the benefits of international experiences, including studying abroad, as 12 globally successful alumni spoke to 32 classes. Students who had recently traveled shared their experiences during the Gatton Students Abroad Showcase.
Hosted by Gatton College and the Don and Cathy Jacobs Executive Education Center, the annual Supply Chain Forum began in 2011. At the March 2015 event, Lexmark International was honored with the college’s inaugural Commonwealth Supply Chain Innovation Award. The forum brings together company professionals and Gatton faculty and graduate students each year to discuss trends and best practices within supply chain management. The theme for 2025 was “Rethinking supply chain with intelligence.”
Each fall from 2021-24, current students and alumnae gathered on campus for the Women in Finance Summit. Previous Gatton graduates and keynote speakers shared their stories and insights into the industry of finance, empowering the next generation of leaders in the financial services industry. Scholarships were also presented at the Women in Finance Summit.
The Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs began in 2012 under Gov. Steve Beshear (UK history degree in ’66 and J.D. in ’68) and has been supported by Govs. Matt Bevin and Andy Beshear since, for high school students statewide to learn about entrepreneurship empirically. Gatton College began an official partnership in 2024 to host the GSE “Summer Startup” program on campus and signed an agreement to continue hosting for three more years. There were 160 students for the threeweek session in 2025, the largest number in program history.
“This program gives Kentucky students the support they need to become tomorrow’s business leaders,” said Gov. Andy Beshear in a 2025 press release. “Last year, UK proved to be a great partner in helping our young entrepreneurs succeed, and we’re pleased to extend this partnership with the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics through 2027.”
Pictured above are the 2022 Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs “Summer Startup” class. At top is the Women in Finance Summit, 2016.
Dr. Simon J. Sheather
Dean, Gatton College of Business and Economics, 2018-present
Dean “Call me Simon, please” Sheather loves numbers and data and all things math. And meeting and greeting, mentoring, encouraging everyone around him and appreciating the culture at Gatton.
There’s a welcoming atmosphere, a collaborative air among faculty and staff, because everyone is invested in one single, simple value: student success.
A top mathematical researcher, Dr. Simon Sheather came to Gatton College from Texas A&M. His favorite quote is by his mother, Margaret Sheather: “Until you’re perfect, quit complaining about others.”
“It’s as simple as that,” Dean Sheather said. “I don’t know anybody in this building who doesn’t really enjoy student success.”
He extends Gatton’s student-first, person-focused culture everywhere he goes. And he appreciates the collegiality among the deans of the 16 degree-granting colleges on campus. “The deans are my best buddies,” he said.
Dean Sheather’s positive outlook comes by way of his mother, who was a nurse. “She was always super positive about what was possible,” he said. The oldest of four boys, he grew up in Melbourne, Australia, with hardworking parents. As a teen, he also worked, teaching tennis and cleaning operating rooms in the hospital at night.
At age 10, young Simon entered a creative contest in which
he was expected to submit a composition, poem or drawing. He submitted in a book of math sums. In year 12, he won a prize as the best student in applied mathematics. His goal was to be a high school math teacher. As a firstgen college student, he studied mathematical statistics, graduating with 1st Class Honours from the University of Melbourne. He earned his doctorate in statistics from La Trobe University, also in his hometown, and taught statistics at a business school in Sydney, Australia.
While studying for his doctorate, Simon met and first worked with Tom Hettmansperger, a professor from Pennsylvania State on sabbatical at La Trobe University. Tom would go on to be an important mentor to Simon over the next 40 years.
Dean Sheather came to Kentucky by way of visiting professorships at Pennsylvania State University and the Stern School of Business at New York University, as well as chairing the Department of Statistics at Texas A&M University.
At Penn State in 1987, he taught a graduate statistics class for non-statistics students. Then it was back to Sydney for an 18-year tenure at the University of New South Wales, where he taught statistics to MBA students, an executive education class, directed the MBA program and a program for Hong Kong civil servants and earned the title of associate dean for research.
In 2005, Dr. Sheather relocated to the United States. He accepted a position at Texas A&M University, but only after promising his mother he would visit Australia every Mother’s Day and Christmas. He kept that promise until her passing in 2010. That same year, Texas A&M established the Margaret Sheather Memorial Award for the best project in analytics.
In May 2018, UK Provost David Blackwell welcomed Dr. Simon Sheather as the next dean of UK’s Gatton College of Business and Economics. Drs. Blackwell and Sheather had once been neighbors in College Station, Texas, where it wasn’t unusual to see them playing a hand of poker or a round of golf together.
In 2021, Dean Sheather was named in the top 2% of mathematical researchers worldwide. According to Google Scholar, his published works have been cited almost 18,000 times. Also in ’21, he was named the inaugural Tru-
“Call me Simon, please.”
Despite his credentials as a highly touted researcher and academic expert with strong leadership skills, Dr. Simon Sheather is well-loved for his approachable manner and ease of connecting with students, alumni, faculty and donors alike. He lets his relatable side shine with the production of his monthly “Simon Says” videos.
ist Chair in Data Analytics in UK’s Department of Finance.
On campus, he gets positive marks from faculty and staff, and there are more than 100 of them. “I’m good at not micromanaging,” he said, “because I know what it’s like to be in their roles.” He knows names and is quick to tell his people, “You’re a star, mate.”
One of his favorite tasks at Gatton is to tell faculty members, with the executive associate dean, that their tenure case has been recommended to the president and provost. Looking around at the faculty and student body at the Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dean Sheather is in awe of their dedication and accomplishments. “How can you complain about your life, even on a bad day, when you see what people do and achieve?” he said.
In 2024, Dean Sheather accepted a second six-year term as dean.
Magnifying Research at Gatton
Research is of paramount importance at Gatton. The college houses several centers, each dedicated to a particular type of study in business and economics.
In addition to the Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE) and its dedication to entrepreneurship, there’s the UK Center for Poverty Research (UKCPR), established in 2002. UKCPR focuses on the causes and consequences of poverty in the United States, with an emphasis in recent years on the impact of food insecurity.
The Kentucky Research Data Center (KRDC) is a collaboration between the University of Kentucky and the U.S. Census Bureau. KRDC is part of the nationwide system of Federal Statistical Research Data Centers. KRDC’s partners include UK academic colleges, The Ohio State University and Indiana University, who were both founding consortium members.
Also housed at Gatton College is the Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise (ISFE). In the summer of 2024, funding from the Kentucky Hospital Association and Global Action to End Smoking allowed the ISFE to start a specific type of research into the role hospitals play within the free enterprise system and how public policy influences the market for tobacco products.
The Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) conducts applied economic studies within various as-
pects of the state’s economy. CBER is the leading source of information on the economic status of Kentucky and has released an updated Kentucky Annual Economic Report for five decades. The 350-page 2025 economic report was disseminated at the annual Economic Outlook
The Center for Poverty Research is highlighted in the Kentucky Kernel, November 2005.
The LINKS Center was the brainchild of the late Dr. Dan Brass, professor of Innovation Management, who also served as director of LINKS until he passed in early 2025. He was a recognized pioneer of network research in the field of organizations and management.
Conference in February 2025, an event that began in 1990.
The Business Analytics Center prepares students to create one of the most attractive resumes and cover letters an employer could hope to see. Because data can be predictors, historians, and storytellers for business decision-makers, Gatton students who utilize the Business Analytics Center are miles ahead of other career seekers.
As of the fall of 2019, upper-level students across campus can apply for Gatton’s minor in Business Analytics.
The LINKS Center
Created in 2006, the LINKS Center at Gatton College is devoted to the study and optimization of various kinds of networks in business, ranging from supply chain networks to networks of workplace friendships.
The LINKS Center conducts and publishes cutting-edge research on social networks, offers consulting services and training workshops and regularly hosts a conference that brings network scholars from universities around the world to share their ideas. The LINKS Center was the brainchild of the late Dr. Dan Brass, professor of Innovation Management, who also served as director of LINKS until he passed in early 2025. He was a recognized pioneer of network research in the field of organizations and management.
NEW WAYS TO “DO BUSINESS” AT GATTON
One of the first things Dean Sheather did upon his arrival in 2018 was to give MBA students an online option. He was truly ahead of his time by launching online MBA classes ( “Gatton From Anywhere” ) before remote learning became a standard practice. While many institutions only embraced virtual education following the COVID-19 pandemic, he recognized the potential of online learning and pioneered this innovative approach, setting a benchmark for the future of education.
Dean Sheather also started a new minor in business analytics. When the pandemic hit, he hit back with a master’s in supply chain management, as well as other new programs, including a master’s and graduate certificate in both marketing and in strategic human resource management and analytics, and a graduate certificate in business analytics. There have been 10 new academic programs at Gatton College since Sheather’s deanship began.
For the Fall 2024 semester, he announced a whopping 2,056 students to the Dean’s List , which are students earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher. When Sheather arrived in 2018, the first-year class was 650. In 2025, more than 1,500 students have matriculated into Gatton College.
For the Hall of Fame ceremony every April, Dean Sheather grabs a tuxedo and microphone to conduct interviews on the blue carpet. Thanks to media training and executive coaching as the icing on his own outgoing personality, he’s a natural. “The interviewer’s job is not to talk very much, but to get the celebrity to talk,” he said.
Dean Sheather has hosted a scavenger hunt, donned costumes, participated in arts and crafts, and has been pied in the face, on video, for all the world to see. On his YouTube show, called “Simon Says,” a phrase he heard plenty in his childhood in Australia. He has since produced more than 80 of them with the Gatton team. There’s fun and positivity on and off the set of “Simon Says,” a show that showcases students, faculty and alumni, presenting stats, accolades and news of Gatton goings-on for alumni and donors across the world. “Donors love to see what the kids are doing,” he said.
As for fundraising? He loves it. Sheather’s philanthropic efforts have raised more than $100 million — and counting — in new cash gifts and pledges. In any given month, he’s flying around the U.S. or the world, meeting with donors and attending academic events.
“B orn out of the Classroom, Tested on the Road”
In July 2025, a groundbreaking demonstration of industry-academic collaboration with UK graduate students piloted a logistics innovation that could help redefine how transportation fleets track and optimize deliveries across the U.S.
Through a partnership with Valvoline Global, the student-led team launched EdgeTrack Solutions, an artificial intelligence-powered logistics platform designed to enhance real-time shipment visibility, fleet analytics and support operations insights. The project was part of the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MSSCM) program and was guided by faculty mentor Carol Chavez.
“It shows how students are empowered to solve real-world problems using innovation and data,” said Chavez.
EdgeTrack combines live GPS tracking, AI-powered video analytics, and a custom dashboard to help logistics teams monitor vehicle activity, detect anomalies and analyze performance in real time and make faster, data-driven decisions. During the pilot, graduate students Shem Odhiambo (project director), Eric Wambua and Bryce Gentner installed EdgeTrack’s hardware on a Valvoline Global distribution truck that operated on a live route
between Valvoline Global’s Cincinnati Oil Plant and Valvoline’s customer locations across Ohio. The platform helped visualize real-time location, movement data, idle time, stop classifications, route efficiency and delivery trends. The pilot uncovered inefficiencies in transportation operations and gave the students experience refining their product.
“EdgeTrack was born out of a classroom but tested on the road,” said Odhiambo. “It gave us the chance to apply what we’ve learned to a real logistics operation.”
EdgeTrack was supported by Gatton faculty and a broader university commitment to fostering applied innovation. With guidance from Chavez and collaboration with Valvoline’s logistics team, students gained valuable mentorship from logistics leaders throughout the project.
“This is what innovation at UK looks like,” said Odhiambo. “It’s student-led, collaborative and focused on real-world impact.”
The pilot reflects UK’s broader mission; to turn ideas into impact and prepare graduates to lead in a dynamic supply chain landscape.
PEOPLE, PARTNERSHIPS, PATHWAYS ... THE LEWIS HONORS COLLEGE AND GATTON ARE FOR THE GO-GETTERS
The University of Kentucky established an Honors Program in 1958. When UK alumnus Tom Lewis and his wife, Jan, donated $23 million to the university in 2015, the Honors Program became a college, officially launching in 2017 as the Lewis Honors College.
For incoming first-year students who are part of the highly competitive Lewis Honors College and are enrolled in Gatton College, Gatton encourages them to apply to one of two pathway programs: Global Scholars or Scholars in Engineering and Management .
Students also are eligible to apply for the Future Leaders in Ethics and Business Pathway at the end of their first year, provided they have at least two years remaining before graduation. This timeline ensures they have sufficient opportunity to complete the pathway requirements and fully engage with the program’s academic and cocurricular components.
Global Scholars Pathway students participate in a semester abroad where they develop a deep appreciation for global business perspectives and gain valuable knowledge and exposure to international business practices and environments. During this experience, they complete a minor in international business and earn the Global Scholars Certificate.
The first cohort of the Social Entrepreneurship Scholars (SES) in 2015 was known as Social Enterprise Scholars for those seeking to become socially responsible entrepreneurs. The last cohort of SES was admitted Fall 2024. The program will end and graduate the last cohort in 2028. The Department of Management is expanding its entrepreneurship course offerings to better serve both general business students and the broader UK community.
Launched in 2007 in partnership with the College of Engineering, students accepted in the Scholars in Engineering and Management Pathway (SEAM) are applying business concepts to real-world issues of reducing waste and increasing productivity in the workplace, all while earning a Lean Systems certificate.
Approved in 2025 to start in the fall of 2026, the Future Leaders in Ethics and Business Pathway is a partnership between Gatton College and Lewis Honors College. The pathway program equips students with essential leadership skills applicable across varying business sectors. Its flexible course structure allows students to tailor their academic journey to align with their career aspirations, adjusting their pace of completion as needed.
Throughout their time in these programs, students engage in robust professional and personal development activities that set them apart in a competitive job market. By the time they graduate, students have strong academic credentials and a portfolio of real-world experiences that have led many to secure highly competitive internships and job placements with top employers nationwide.
Gatton Honors Pathway alumni have gone on to make remarkable contributions across a wide range of business industries. From finance and consulting to technology, health care and entrepreneurship, graduates of Global Scholars, Scholars in Engineering and Management and Social Entrepreneurship Scholars are thriving in leadership roles across the globe. Their success is a testament to the rigorous academic foundation, experiential learning and global exposure these programs provide, preparing them to innovate, lead and make meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
SIMON SAYS!
“Simon Says” by Dean Simon Sheather is a monthly video newsletter blending warmth, wit and university spirit. In each episode, Dean Sheather takes viewers on a journey through the latest happenings at Gatton College, highlighting student achievements, faculty successes, campus events and global adventures. As of 2025, “Simon Says” is on its eighth season, and it continues to keep viewers connected to life at the Gatton College in Lexington.
NEW GROWTH, SAME PRINCIPLES
A rendering of the expanded Gatton College of Business and Economics facilities, which are designed to accommodate growth in enrollment and faculty over the next 10 years and open by the Fall 2028 semester.
It is one of the many exciting new features in store for the next 100 years at Gatton College.
THE NEXT 100 YEARS
The Next 100 Years at Gatton
How do you sum up the first 100 years of Gatton College of Business and Economics? How do you sum up the priorities of the next 100 years? How do you think about the next century in a world where technology changes by the day?
Gatton has remained and will remain a student-focused institution, and with that end, the university’s goals for the next 100 years will always align with the outcome of providing a transformative education and producing the best and brightest industry leaders.
Gatton College Dean’s Advisory Council Chair Sean Smith
Current Dean’s Advisory Council Chair Sean Smith and the whole council team are tasked with helping set the vision of Gatton College, supporting the faculty and staff and providing key leadership.
“The Dean’s Advisory Council plays a key role in giving
the dean a perspective from business leaders who are passionate about the success of the University of Kentucky and the Gatton Business College,” he said. “Key to that is improving the quality of the education, the rankings of the college and most importantly the ability for graduates to gain employment at the best opportunities, not just within the state of Kentucky but worldwide.”
Thanks to the Graham Office of Career Management, internships, hands-on learning experiences and cultural learning for students have dramatically increased. The next 100 years are bright, with greater global connectivity than ever before.
There are faculty-led travel experiences that have also produced formidable career results. Professor John Kirn, who serves as MBA faculty and a senior lecturer, has taken more than 200 UK students abroad to study in Italy and London since 2017, focusing on entrepreneurship and international business, resulting in countless learning experiences. Kirn taught 45 Chinese students in 2018 as a visiting professor for a services marketing class at Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai. In 2020, two of those students came to Gatton to finish their degrees.
Experiences like these help fuel the “next 100” vision of Gatton College. The program began with 14 students and has grown to 50 per trip. It has grown from one faculty member to four, including Wally Ferrier and Leslie Vincent. Kirn
Professor John Kirn is pictured in the second row, sixth from left (floral shirt) with students in Florence, Italy, in 2025.
sees more growth in the future, adding that they are eyeing trips to Germany and Japan. He noted Western Europe has been popular with students traveling abroad for the first time. The program began with two trips in 2017, and in 2025, faculty led nine programs abroad.
Kirn has seen the impact extend well beyond the semester, resulting in longstanding peer and mentor relationships and many students’ gravitation toward MBA or J.D. programs upon completing a bachelor’s at Gatton.
“And one of the greatest outcomes of our program is the friendships made,” he noted. “Another student who was on the Italy trip from Eastern Kentucky was truly out
of her comfort zone the first week of the program. She talked about how different it was and how she wanted to go home. She stayed, and by the fourth week, she was sad the trip was ending. A year later, as she gave the commencement address, she glowed when she talked about how education abroad changed her life.”
While much growth happens outside the walls of Gatton, the university is planning on increasing its physical space in the next 100 years to accommodate more students, new technology and changing student needs.
“To be great, you have to think and take actions to accomplish greatness,” said Smith. “We need to expand beyond
THE FUTURE IS GATTON
A rendering is shown of the planned Gatton College of Business and Economics building expansion, courtesy of RossTarrant Architects.
PHILANTHROPY
IN THE NEXT 100
In its 100 years, the state’s flagship business school has been marked by generosity and fueled in part by alumni who recognized its great impact in their lives.
“The Gatton College’s past and future are deeply intertwined with philanthropic efforts, particularly those of our alumni and community members,” said Nicole Cartier, senior director of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “The successes of our alumni are a testament to the education they received in the Gatton College. It is because of their generosity and priority of giving back to the institution that changed their professional trajectory that we not only have the infrastructure to provide innovative teaching and instruction, but we are additionally able to retain and recruit world-class faculty who share their cutting-edge and transformative research in the classroom to educate the next generation of professionals who will change the future of business.”
The growth of Gatton over the last 100 years (from just over 200 to nearly 5,500 students) is a testament to the successful relationship with donors. Still, there are big plans to come and high achievement to maintain that will require ongoing support.
“By clearly articulating the growth of the college and showing measurable progress, Gatton fosters a sense of ownership among its alumni and supporters,” Cartier reflected. “Alumni have the power to transform their alma mater from a respected public institution into a national leader in business education. It is our responsibility to not only grow the philanthropic support for the growth of our home base, but support for the heartbeat of this college — our students, faculty and staff. The road to the top is paved with vision, leadership and the generosity of those who once walked the halls of Gatton themselves.”
Top: Gatton College’s building expansion plans were highlighted in the April 20, 2025, edition of the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Left: A Lexington Herald-Leader article from July 22, 2022, showed the most popular majors at UK — including two from the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
the thinking that UK is not only a flagship school for Kentucky, but a flagship school in the U.S. in our areas of focus. As the college continues expanding, we need the ‘best in class’ infrastructure to handle the demand.
This includes the physical space, the best faculty and offering scholarships that will attract the best and brightest from around the world to Gatton College. The college needs to be on the forefront of all things coming with innovation and in technology. Having a focus on core skillsets in disruptive innovation is key — for example, building on expertise in artificial intelligence. Gatton College should be seen as leading the way and not following others in this initiative.”
Facilities Planning Director Tony Day mapped out the plans for a building expansion, as Gatton sees record numbers of students and rapid growth. Gat-
ton will be ready for its next 100 years with a new building expansion “in order to continue to provide a world-class business school experience for our students,” he said. “We will expand the Gatton College facilities to provide cutting-edge spaces to help support the college’s overall goals and objectives of providing a top education to its business students with exciting spaces that will help support and foster traditional learning, as well as developing programs such as AI technology.”
SERVE ALL STUDENTS, EQUIP RISING LEADERS, INNOVATE
“As the college enters its next 100 years, all of us here — staff and faculty alike — are confident of a few things:
1) the Gatton College will continue serving all students, no matter their background; 2) the college will continue to equip rising global business leaders to thrive in a complex, interconnected and AI-driven world; and 3) its commitment to innovation in research, teaching and engagement will position the college as an education leader in Kentucky and beyond.”
With plans nearly completed in Summer 2025, the building expansion will add approximately 60,000 to 80,000 square feet and comfortably accommodate projected enrollment and faculty growth over the next 10 years and incorporate new technology. The building expansion is anticipated to open by the Fall 2028 semester and will cost upward of $100 million.
To make room for the new expansion, the existing Mathews Building will need to be demolished, but the new structure will occupy roughly the same footprint as the current site. It will feature a shared courtyard with the front lawn of historic Memorial Hall, enhancing the character and atmosphere of the area while blending the new construction with the existing landscape. While accommodating a
— Dean Simon J. Sheather
Facilities Planning Director Tony Day
complex underground utilities network and preservation of a historic oak tree, the expansion will connect to the existing Gatton College of Business and Economics with architectural elements carried through to ensure a seamless transition.
“The expansion and renovations will provide a variety of classroom spaces in different sizes, as well as enhanced student support areas,” Day said. “These will include an expanded Undergraduate Resource Center and Graham Office of Career Management, along with a larger Information Technology suite to support IT services and de-
2021-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN: INTO THE FUTURE
The Gatton College of Business and Economics 2021-2025 Strategic Plan was approved by faculty in June 2021. The plan was created through a design thinking process, which included suggestions/feedback from a broad base of Gatton College constituents. From these ideas, the Strategic Planning Committee and college leadership developed our strategic initiatives. As part of a transparent process, Kaufman Hall interviewed multiple internal and external Gatton stakeholders to produce foundational research to aid the Committee in making decisions regarding priorities and future results. Since the current year is 2025, the college is beginning the process of rewriting the strategic plan.
velopment. The project will also add study rooms, multipurpose spaces and additional departmental areas, including ample office and support space for faculty and staff. A range of other facilities will be incorporated to support and advance the college’s mission.”
Smith echoed the importance of Gatton staying competitive in its places and spaces — domestically or abroad, no matter where students are.
“We need to continually attract the best students, the best faculty and have the best technology to develop those students,” Smith said. “Students need to be eager to learn and graduate from UK with the skills to prosper at the best companies, leaving an impression on their employers that hiring UK graduates is a solid decision. A subset of these graduates will become very successful entrepreneurs as well as leaders within great companies which continues to elevate all things UK. You will find this underway with many incredibly impressive UK graduates who are very successful entrepreneurs and those in executive roles at recognizable companies worldwide.”
The next 100 years will produce more of these results.
Mission Statement
The Gatton College of Business and Economics prepares principled leaders for the global economy, produces impactful research and elevates economic growth in Kentucky and beyond.
Goal 1: Enhance the learning experience and career outcomes for all students.
Goal 2: Enhance the research profile of the college.
Goal 3: Re-envision operations as the connective tissue between stakeholders.
Goal 4: Establish mutually beneficial, lifelong relationships with alumni.
The Next 100 Years
MBA STUDENT DISCUSSES PREPARATION FOR A FUTURE WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Trace Jaen Williams, an MBA student from Lexington, Kentucky, is expected to graduate in 2027 and talked about the future with AI.
Has artificial intelligence changed the way you view your future prospects? I’m both excited and nervous, but the unknown is always met by these emotions. It’s unsettling to hear people express fear about losing their jobs to AI and some of the concerning things bad actors are doing with the technology, but similar concerns have accompanied nearly every major technological advancement throughout history. At the same time, the capabilities of artificial intelligence are so extraordinary that it’s hard not to feel energized by the possibilities. AI has come up in nearly all of my classes so far. Some professors warn against relying on it to shortcut learning, while others encourage us to explore it deeply and develop an understanding of how it works, how to use it responsibly and how to apply it meaningfully in our future careers.
How do you think doing business in the next 100 years (or 10 for that matter!) will change with artificial intelligence?
As an MBA student, I recognize how important it is to prepare for the evolving workforce and business landscape, and Gatton has played a valuable role in that journey.
I have a few predictions:
1. AI will help level the playing field in a sense because start-ups and small businesses will be able to quickly access information, produce high-quality work efficiently and operate at a caliber previously only attainable by the established firms.
2. I think AI companies will play a major role in the future of advertising, reshaping how businesses market and how consumers make purchasing decisions. I expect we’ll soon see ad breaks and pop-ups when using major large language models like ChatGPT. I suspect paid placements will also be embedded in AI-generated answers, similar to how Google includes sponsored results in its search engine. As AI systems collect more data, they’ll likely feed into even more personalized targeted advertising.
3. The quality will continue to rise and businesses that fail to produce refined websites, proposals, ads or communications will quickly fall behind as AI elevates standards.
4. The education gap will widen, but in a new way. Students who use AI to enhance their understanding will gain a clear advantage, while those who use it as a crutch may fall behind. This divide will inevitably carry over into the professional world.
5. AI will be integrated across nearly every business function, including both customer-facing and behind-the-scenes operations.
6. Routine tasks and large projects alike will be completed more quickly. AI can offer fast, reasonably accurate advice, reducing the need to wait for expert input. Instead of waiting hours (or days) for a consultation with a lawyer or financial advisor, businesses will be able to receive helpful guidance and proceed in minutes.
7. I recently heard an AI CEO suggest that nearly everyone in the workforce will soon take on a managerial role by overseeing AI systems. People will manage one AI system handling a specific task for one project while supervising a different system working on another. This shift is already beginning to take shape.
What are the time-tested principles that you’re building into your skill set that shouldn’t be impacted by AI?
I am strengthening my soft skills because human connection will always matter. And because people prefer to work with those who are reliable, likable and can communicate effectively.
This goes with building a strong professional network. The people who surround you can still elevate your career faster than any artificial intelligence system ever can.
I’m also staying informed and proactive about new technology rather than being intimidated by it. This goes with expanding my hard skill set to remain adaptable and versatile, bringing value in a variety of settings. While AI has access to vast information, it still lacks the “hands-on” ability for mastery and nuance.
The highest achievers will be able to oversee these systems and have strong management skills with people.
The World Is the New Classroom
For 100 years, Gatton College has gathered some of the brightest minds from Kentucky and beyond to Lexington for the sake of its students. It has graduated more than 38,000 students since 1925, and as it steps into the next 100 years, a big focus will be on taking its programs global.
Gatton welcomes students from all corners of the globe into the college, creating a rich and expansive learning environment. Simultaneously, students are being sent into the world to make an impact, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. It all helps create a globalized workforce and prepares students to navigate the complexities of international business. An ever-expanding
AHEAD OF THE GAME
tool in this preparation is faculty-led education abroad programs in captivating destinations around the world.
“Fundamentally, I believe in education abroad because it compels students to step outside their familiar environments, expanding their personal and professional boundaries,” said Joshua Taylor, senior director of globalized learning and professional advancement in the Graham Office of Career Management. “By navigating new contexts and challenges, they’re making a profound investment in their own growth. This process not only enriches their academic understanding but also builds critical skills — adaptability, resilience, global perspective — that are invaluable assets for launching their careers after graduation.”
“Through this opportunity I was able to be ahead of the game and ready for the international business world. Now my bosses love to send me out to visit international customers because they know I can hold my own in a room with anyone internationally or domestically,” said 2023 finance graduate Blevin Campbell, who gained new, deeply impactful cultural understanding during her time in Paris. “The University of Kentucky did everything it could to prepare me for my life ahead, but Kentucky cannot show you what this trip did. Just having the knowledge that we vastly differ and the communication internationally is completely different has made me much more prepared than someone who read it out of a book. The stories made and sightseeing alone are enough to get someone out there, but the added value in getting knowledge that cannot be found in a classroom is priceless.”
From London’s bustling streets to the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya, from the cultural riches of Austria to the romantic allure of Paris, Gatton students embark on journeys that combine academic rigor with cultural immersion in Gatton’s global programs. With courses designed by expert faculty, students are introduced to subjects like international marketing, global economics, business practices, professional development and accounting. These experiences broaden horizons and provide students with a competitive edge in the job market.
Gatton saw 234 undergraduates participate in a education abroad experience in the 2023-24 academic year, with 12.5% of 2024 bachelor’s graduates participating in a a education abroad ex-
perience during their time at UK. While 2024-25 participation counts are not yet confirmed, the number will likely be at least 15% higher.
Leadership has a goal to increase that number significantly, with a long-term vision to make education abroad accessible to all of our students. Director of Gatton Global Initiatives Katherine Hale said, “We’d like to see at least 20% of our students graduating with education abroad experience and for 100% of our students to gain experience inside and outside the classroom that prepares them for the global business landscape.”
By taking courses abroad with Gatton faculty, students can learn about consumer behavior in Ireland, business practices in Peru, accounting in the United Kingdom, investment management in Florence or economics in Japan. They also get the unmatched opportunity to travel and experience new cultures with their peers. It’s not just course credits; it’s a treasure trove of experiences, global perspectives, lasting friendships and skills that set students apart in their careers. They return home with a deeper appreciation for the world’s complexities and a heightened ability to adapt and excel in an ever-changing global economy.
The Graham Office of Career Management, which won the 2024 University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Award of Excellence for the Talent category, has a new initiative heading into Gatton’s next 100 years called the “Business Goes Global” program in Paris that has a unique micro-internship component. It was founded in 2019 with 15 students and has expanded to 30 students per summer cohort.
“Paris isn’t just the backdrop for ‘Business Goes Global’; it’s the intentional engine,” said Taylor. “Paris is Europe’s leading business capital, as it’s home to the highest concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters within the EU. We harness this
Joshua Taylor is the senior director of globalized learning and professional advancement. This includes leading the Graham Office of Career Management, where he is committed to preparing Gatton students to achieve employment success as knowledgeable, world-ready leaders.
Do you think college students today see the world and career potential differently than they did in previous generations? Absolutely, I believe college students today approach the world and their career planning with distinctly different perspectives than previous generations. They recognize that successfully launching a career demands more than just securing a degree. It’s vital to likewise build a record of meaningful experiences outside the classroom throughout their college journey. High-impact practices like internships and education abroad provide exactly this, which is
The Next 100 Years
why “Business Goes Global” was intentionally designed to deliver both. Gatton students are eager to invest in opportunities that foster their growth and proactively prepare them for what lies ahead, which is why ed-abroad is central to so many of our students’ education plans. Finally, I’d add that growing up in a world shaped by economic globalization, technology and social media has given this generation a more intuitive understanding of why approaching the professional world with a global lens is essential — and that awareness is truly exciting to witness.
What are the key goals of “Business Goes Global” and where does it go from here, in the next 100 years… and beyond?
“Business Goes Global” was designed with clear student outcomes: enhanced intercultural competence, elevated international business acumen and real-world exposure leveraging Paris’ unique immersive environment. Our micro-internship exemplifies this, evolving from analyzing 2024 Summer Olympics sponsorships to focusing on Disneyland Paris sponsorships, ensuring ongoing relevance. Looking ahead 100 years and beyond, the program’s timeless core mission will endure: powerful preparation for successful global careers, ensuring Gatton students’ competitive edge in a changing world.
S TAFF SPOTLIGHT: JOSHUA TAYLOR
environment to deliver a truly world-class international business education. The program integrates core Gatton coursework, enriching cultural experiences, vital handson exposure through company site visits and leading industry speakers and an embedded micro-internship that focuses on local business operations. This powerful blend creates an immersive learning experience, granting students a unique vantage point on global commerce and sharpening their competitive edge.”
Since its launch, “Business Goes Global” has grown into one of the largest programs in Gatton’s education abroad portfolio, and it pioneered the inclusion of an embedded micro-internship within a education abroad program at the University of Kentucky.
“This intentional design, centering career-readiness as a core feature, has established ‘Business Goes Global’ as
For accounting and finance senior Deborah Burden (first row, far right), studying abroad enhanced
a powerful catalyst for professional advancement among the program’s alumni,” Taylor said. “The program consistently opens doors to significant campus leadership opportunities, helps secure prestigious and competitive internship offers and launches exciting full-time careers, including those on the international stage. Ultimately, ‘Business Goes Global’ builds students’ confidence in their abilities and expands their vision of what’s possible for their futures.”
Students also learned many key skills that can’t be learned in a classroom.
“Living and working in a foreign country taught me how important it is to be adaptable,” said Sydney Meek, a 2023 graduate in management. “I had to fully immerse myself in a new culture and adjust to unfamiliar routines. It was a valuable lesson that I might not have learned if I had stayed in Kentucky for all four years of college, and I truly believe that having such a unique experience on my resume helped me stand out when searching for a job.”
her time back in Kentucky when she returned from Paris, helping pave the way for a summer internship, preparing her to lead and inspiring her to rethink her career goals.
“Studying abroad was just the beginning of my journey at Gatton,” she said. “It opened my eyes to the many opportunities available right here on campus. When I returned from Paris, I felt more motivated to get involved. Before the trip, I had been selected as a mentee for the Women Business Leaders program and as a peer mentor for ConnectFirst, but studying abroad gave me the confidence to truly step outside my comfort zone. Since then, I’ve taken on leadership roles I never imagined myself pursuing, including working as a Program Assistant intern for Graham and eventually serving as the president of Gatton Ambassadors. Beyond professional growth, the experience also sparked a love for traveling. I’ve made it a personal goal to visit all 50 states and explore at least one new country each year.”
She noted that it confirmed her decision to pursue a career in merchandising, while helping her gain real-world experience.
Julian Downey is a senior Social Enterprise Scholar and Gatton Ambassador who studied in Paris as a first-year student. He learned key best practices while there that directly translated to his internships at home, but the whole experience also shaped him as a person.
“Studying abroad after freshman year was difficult,” he said. “It was my first office job and my first time living in a city to work. It was my
PREPARED TO LEAD
Julian Downey, a Gatton Ambassador, is pictured during his semester in Paris where he felt “at home.”
“I had a coffee shop, a grocery store, a pizza shop and a train station that felt like my own,” he said. “I was in no rush to check everything off, I had time to relax and have a routine. It wasn’t a vacation, I did not have to hustle from destination to destination. I was able to wake up, go to the coffee shop and say bonjour to the same woman each morning, ride the metro across town, see the same neighborhoods and come home and sit on the balcony. A routine in a completely foreign city was a feeling like no other.”
first time living anywhere other than home, other than on campus. Having a foreign internship as my first internship made it easy to move elsewhere. I wanted to see new cities, but the intimidation factor: non-existent. I lived and worked in Paris, France, as my first job. I did it, I succeeded, and since I conquered that, everything else was easy.”
He also reflected on the cultural nuances shaping business relationships, but that key business principles do not change.
The Next 100 Years
2025 FACULTY LED EDUCATION ABROAD
Faculty led education abroad programs are unique opportunities for students to experience new cultures while also traveling with their friends and learning in an engaging environment. In summer 2025, faculty took student groups to London (top), Paris (center), Croatia (bottom), Ireland, Austria, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.
SHOULDERS TO STAND ON
The Gatton College of Business and Economics has a legacy of caring and invested alumni, donors and community partners. This provides a way for future generations of Wildcats to thrive at Gatton.
PHILANTHROPY AND ALUMNI
The Building Blocks of Gatton College
Philanthropy has shaped the mission of Kentucky’s largest business school
Ask any student what fueled their time at Gatton, and almost everyone will point to the generosity of someone who “helped them get there.” Whether it’s a donor, endowed scholarship or mentorship and encouragement from a thoughtful community member, the generosity of others is fuel more valuable than gold.
“Philanthropy has been a cornerstone in advancing the mission of the Gatton College of Business and Economics, but mostly in the second half of Gatton’s century-long history as public funding has decreased over the years,” said Nicole Cartier, senior director of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “Philanthropy touches every aspect of the college, and we see its impact every day on our students, faculty and entire community. Private gifts support students through scholarships and new programs to help them develop into successful professionals; they support faculty with distinguished chairs and professorships to
DONATING WAS A “NO-BRAINER”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Gatton College saw a sudden need to support financially struggling students. Dean Simon Sheather (above, left) responded by establishing the Gatton Persistence Scholarships, one-time grants designed to keep students moving in the right direction.
Dean Sheather challenged a group of alumni to raise more than $300,000 collectively, and it was matched with internal funds. They rose to the challenge, and $309,198 was raised in just one month. The college awarded $529,000 to 160 students during the 2020-21 academic year.
recruit the best talent and create the next innovative and groundbreaking business solution used worldwide; and these gifts have built a Gatton community through an evolving infrastructure with the latest technology.”
Giving has evolved significantly in the last century with donors initially coming primarily from local businesses and a few individuals who either led or created wellknown Kentucky companies.
“However, as the college’s alumni base grew, and the outcomes of our alumni kept reaching higher executive
Pictured with Dean Sheather is Ruth Day (Accounting ’85), CIO for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, who said, “If somebody’s hungry to get an education, then the one thing that you don’t want to have stand in their way is finances. I was happy I could help in my small way.”
Allan Zachariah (Accounting ’81), CEO of Pathstone, added, “I’d like to be a pebble and drop the pebble in the pond and watch the ripples go out.”
Sean and Scott Smith (Finance ’90) said their desire to give to this scholarship was a “no-brainer. It was a real heartfelt need. Simon sent us the thank you notes from those students. We read every one of those thank you letters.” Scott is pictured above, right.
positions, individual giving became a substantial part of the fundraising efforts,” Cartier said. “The shift reflects a growing sense of loyalty and commitment among graduates who want to give back to their alma mater and support future generations of students. We hear all the time from alumni that without a Gatton College degree, they wouldn’t be where they are today.”
Alumni cite the one class that made them realize “I can do this” or a faculty member who just took a little more time to help as keys that changed the trajectory of their entire professional life.
A “RESPONSIBILITY” TO GIVE BACK
Don and Cathy Jacobs were part of the “founding philanthropic foursome” who contributed the first $25 million of the $65 million Gatton building expansion. Bill Gatton, Howard Lewis and William Seale were the others.
The late Don Jacobs was born in South Carolina. In the 1950s, while serving in the U.S. Army, he trained at the Army’s leadership school in Fort
Lee, Virginia. He then sold cars in Nashville for about 15 years before opening his own automobile dealership in Lexington in 1971. Over the years, he also developed automobile financing programs. The University of Kentucky has been one of the beneficiaries of the Jacobs’ philanthropy for years, including the Don and Cathy Jacobs Health Education Center at UK Chandler Hospital, the Don & Cathy Jacobs Science Building, and the Don and Cathy Jacobs Executive Center at Gatton College.
“Lexington’s been very good to me, and it’s my responsibility to be good to them and share with them,” he said in a 2013 interview for Transform magazine. Cathy Jacobs urged student readers to “get the best education you possibly can so you will have the same opportunity to give back.”
Don Jacobs received an honorary doctorate in humanities from UK in December 2014. He died in April 2015.
“I do believe that, for alumni who have been successful, getting involved is a great opportunity to give back,” said 1975 graduate Charles “Chuck” Sonsteby. “By giving back, you’re providing an opportunity to really change someone’s life. I can’t think of a higher ideal than that — to be able to positively influence change in someone’s life, and to help them be successful.”
PHILANTHROPY IS PERSONAL
Senior Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Nicole Cartier (pictured second from left, with Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Brandon McGray and Tom and Skip Shaver) talked about how Gatton College approaches philanthropy.
“As the phrase goes, ‘business is business,’ but philanthropy is personal. We want the giving experience to be meaningful because in this case, it doesn’t have a graduation date but rather will leave a lasting legacy in the form of generational economic change or paradigm-shifting business contributions. Collaboration with alumni and our stakeholders brings their unique experiences and ideas into our classrooms and research centers — which gives the Gatton College exclusive insight from these leaders.”
Cartier noted that Gatton’s alumni “also understand that tuition and the cost of an education is a far more significant investment today; they don’t want finances to be the single deterrent for a student to receive a degree.”
For Gatton to continue moving forward, breaking records and furthering its impact, successful donor collaboration will continue to be a critical factor: building strong and lasting relationships with donors, understanding their philanthropic goals and passions and aligning them with Gatton College’s strategic initiatives.
Gatton Gives
“As the phrase goes, ‘business is business,’ but philanthropy is personal,” Cartier said. “We want the giving experience to be meaningful because in this case, it doesn’t have a graduation date but rather will leave a lasting legacy in the form of generational economic change or paradigm-shifting business contributions. Collaboration with alumni and our stakeholders brings their unique experiences and ideas into our classrooms and research centers — which gives the Gatton College exclusive insight from these leaders.”
As Gatton embarks on its next century, several key initiatives are in progress, including the creation of new opportunities for students and transforming dream experiences into reality.
“Donors’ drive to better the next generation is just as important as the drive from our students, faculty and staff to make higher education special,” she said. “Working at the Gatton College, I get to see amazing outcomes over the years and am inspired with each person I come in contact with. Progress in higher education can be a years-long process — from being a first-year student to a graduate, from collecting data to getting research published — but impact and passion are seen every day, and that’s something that’s truly special about Gatton.”
*Bill Gatton ’54**
Howard L. ’70 and Ruth Ann Lewis
Dr. William E. Seale ’63, ’69, ’75 and Marguerite E. Pelissier
John Maze Stewart
BB&T Bank
Truist Charitable Foundation
Thomas W. ’62 and Mary A. Shaver
John C. “Jack” Peters ’66
Joe Craft Foundation
Charles Koch Foundation
David L. ’81 and Rosemarie A. ’86 Thurston
John A. ’62 and Vivian Williams
Terry T. Woodward ’62, ’22**
James Fritz Skeen ’72, MBA ’73 and Helen Morse
D. Scott ’87 and Kelli B. Parsons
*Daniel J. and Karen L. Brass
Ashland Inc.
Laura J. ’73 and Jerry T. Miller ’73
John H. Dicken Jr. ’82 and Mary Tully Dicken
Advanced Technology International
*James W. MBA ’61, ’14** and
*Diane V. Stuckert
John S. ’86 and Carla D. Cain
Gerald R. ’79 and Vicki S. Benjamin
Allan J. Zachariah ’81 and Alison S. Rand
James E. Geisler ’88 and Cara L. Meade
The Humana Foundation, Inc.
Paul W. Chellgren ’64, ’14**
Baird
J. Michael Schlotman ’79
Gary A. Smith Sr. ’83, MBA ’22 and Anne T. Smith
Kentucky Hospital Association
*Dr. M. S. and Sowmya Vijayaraghavan
EY Foundation
*James Ernest ’32 and *Christine
Dennis Luckett
Douglas J. ’65 and Linda L. Von Allmen
The Bill Gatton Foundation
Richard J. ’80 and Debra D. Huxley
Central Bank
*Don L. Jacobs Sr. and Catherine K. Jacobs
Sean S. ’90 and Victoria Smith
Scott S. ’90 and Shannon Smith
Cynthia J. Harkins ’84
The Smith Brothers Family Foundation Fund
Rexford J. ’95 and Amy L. Tibbens
Scott Roeth ’69, MBA ’70
Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, Inc.
Geoffrey H. ’74, MBA ’76 and Janet M. Rosenberger
D. Michael ’62 and Moninda D. Coyle
Roger E. Mick ’68
The John H. Schnatter Family Foundation Inc.
*Warren W. ’47, ’84** and *Betty M. Rosenthal
Nancy Zink O’Connor ’82
Gretchen Widmer Schar ’76
Dr. Gary B. Knapp, DBA ’77
Forcht Group of Kentucky
Elizabeth S. Pease
Darrell W. Smith ’78
Dr. Michael A. ’90 and Lisa L. ’88 Wiechart
Michael R. ’69 MBA ’71 and Susan H. Buchanan
Roger D. McDaniel MBA ’66
Donald C. ’65, ’67 and *Penney P. Rogers
MiddleGround Management LP
Mark L. Rexroat ’92, MSAcc ’93
R. Michael ’80, ’81 and Susan B. Gray
Timothy L. and Sandra K. Haymaker
Hilliard Lyons, Inc
Estate of Haldon G. Robinson ’49
Helen R. Bradley ’81
Jim L. ’84 and Sheila Master
*deceased ** received a UK honorary doctorate
The Impact of Non-Endowed Scholarships
Scott Roeth was raised in the Chicago suburbs but spent many family vacations in the South, which led him to choose the University of Kentucky for college.
He arrived at Kincaid Hall in the fall of 1965, not knowing anyone. More than 50 years later, he still visits Lexington a few times a year for Keeneland, UK games and, most importantly, to see old college friends and meet current students benefiting from his scholarship.
After earning a bachelor’s in business administration in 1969, Roeth stayed on to complete his MBA by 1970, thanks to summer classes. One class that stayed with him was taught by Dr. Charles Haywood, a legendary professor and dean. Roeth recalls how that statistics course still informs his decision-making.
After finishing his MBA, Roeth joined IBM as a sales representative in Lexington. He envisioned staying in the city long-term until he was drafted and sent to Fort Lewis, Washington. IBM promised his job would be there when he returned.
He did later resume his role, calling on banks and insurance companies. In 21 years, he moved up the ranks and lived in nine cities, eventually becoming IBM’s worldwide vice president for healthcare providers and even advised U.S. policymakers on health care IT.
His IBM success led headhunters to recruit him, and in 1993, he left to become U.S. vice president at Digital Equipment, followed by leadership roles at U.S. Surgical and Solectron.
In the early 2000s, Roeth shifted focus to health care start-ups, serving as COO, investor and board member. “I’ve gone from giant corporations to three-person startups,” he said. “Both taught me valuable lessons.”
Today, he advises early-stage companies but focuses mainly on nonprofits like the Smithsonian and Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Wanting to support students financially, Roeth first set up a charitable remainder trust to fund scholarships. A conversation with UK Trustee Myra Tobin convinced him to start giving while still alive. “You don’t say no to Myra Tobin,” he said.
In 2006, he launched the Scott Roeth Scholarship program, which now supports four students annually. “It’s kept me connected to Gatton and today’s students,” he said.
Having helped several students through college, Roeth praises today’s UK students. “This generation is the best ever,” he said. “Gatton offers an incredible experience. I hope others are inspired to start scholarships too.”
In existence for nearly two decades, the Scott Roeth Scholarship continues to help talented Gatton students focus on their studies so they can be well-prepared to step into their careers. Some past recipients, like Dr. Stefan Slavov ’14, are already making a mark in their professional arenas, while current recipients like Dylan Drummey ’26 have big dreams for their future.
“The Scott Roeth Scholarship gave me the freedom to get the most out of my experience at the University of Kentucky,” said Slavov, who majored in accounting. “When I learned that I’d received the scholarship, I sent Scott a letter expressing my gratitude. He not only responded, he took a personal interest in my success and told me that I could go to him for advice and support when I needed it.”
Slavov went on to earn a master’s degree in accounting from University of Notre Dame and become an audit senior at Deloitte before earning a doctorate in accounting from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Now an
assistant professor at San Diego State University in the Fowler College of Business’ Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy, he still has Roeth on speed dial.
“We’ve stayed in touch over the past 12 years, and his mentorship has been invaluable in helping me navigate key transitional moments in my academic and professional pursuits,” Slavov said. “He’s also one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I treasure the friendship we’ve formed over the years.”
Current students like Drummey are also thankful for the financial support, which allows them to pursue their ambitions. The economics and finance major from Northern
Kentucky believes his Gatton education is providing a solid foundation that will help him pursue his dream of working in operations for a Major League Baseball team.
“My experience at Gatton has been great. The teaching staff has been very supportive and engaging,” he said. “Plus, it’s been a pleasure getting involved with numerous programs.”
Ultimately, the Roeth scholarship has given Drummey more peace of mind to focus on his studies. “Finding funds to pay for school was admittedly a big stressor, which this scholarship partially alleviates,” he said. “I’m incredibly thankful for Mr. Roeth’s generosity.”
Above: Scott Roeth ’69, chairman of the Greek Activities Steering Committee, 1969.
Top Left: Gatton Dean Simon Sheather (left) is pictured with 2022 scholarship recipients, Dylan Drummey ’22 and Avery Duvall ’22, and donor Scott Roeth.
Left: Roeth with Dr. Stefan Slavov ’14, who received the Scott Roeth Scholarship as a Gatton student.
DEFINED BY GENEROSITY
For tens of thousands of students over the last 100 years in the University of Kentucky College of Commerce and then the Gatton College of Business and Economics, scholarships have made the world go round.
Below, right: Three unidentified UK women scholarship winners are pictured in September 1955.
Below: The Gatton College of Business and Economics Philanthropy team is pictured in 2024. Top row, left to right: Sherry Thompson, Krista Rigsby, Marina Serdyuk. Bottom row, left to right: Nicole Cartier, Andie Savoree.
Right: Ronald G. Geary, B.S. 1969, and future member of the Board of Trustees (right), receiving a scholarship from Dean Charles F. Haywood (left) and Raymond Roe (center), March 1969.
LEGACIES IN GENEROSITY
The late Bill Gatton (pictured at left with UK President Eli Capilouto), a self-made entrepreneur, believed that wealth should be a tool for progress, not just personal gain. “Because of the training I had as a young man, I thought making money was very important and I still think it is important,” he once said, “but I have recognized as I’ve gotten older that there are things more important. I think giving money to the right things is more important than making money.”
Through his individual pledges and those of The Bill Gatton Foundation , UK has been the beneficiary of $14 million for the Gatton College of Business and Economics building, $16 million to the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, $20 million for the initial construction of the Bill Gatton Student Center and another $13.5 million for its expansion and a historic $100 million to the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Valvoline/Ashland Oil has also supported the school. Paul Blazer, the company’s founder, was awarded UK’s Sullivan Medallion for civic leadership in 1948 and an honorary degree in 1952. Blazer Hall was named for his wife, Georgia Monroe Blazer, who served 22 years on the Board of Trustees — the first woman to do so.
Paul Chellgren, ’64 Gatton graduate with a B.S. in accounting, had a 28-year career with Ashland Oil, retiring as CEO. For an article in Transform magazine, he said, “My father was always interested in philanthropy from his lifelong church involvement. As the baton was passed to me from my father, I want to pass it on to my children and grandchildren.”
In 2025, Valvoline Global partnered with UK’s Launch Blue accelerator program to support start-ups focused on sustainability and the circular economy. Sam Mitchell, former CEO of Valvoline Oil (2016-2023), served on the Gatton College Dean’s Advisory Council for many years, some of those alongside Bill Gatton. In an interview, Mitchell said, “The example that Bill Gatton set with his generosity and commitment in the meetings motivated so many others to do the same.” He added, “When you think of making a strong business, they need to evolve within a healthy community. When the community is healthy and the schools are strong, then really good things happen.”
THE WILLIAM E. SEALE FAMILY FOUNDATION
Just as a degree in economics can foment success in any given field, so too can other studies be a precursor to success in economics. Chemistry, for example, was the major of choice for native Lexingtonian William “Bill” Seale at the University of Kentucky in 1963. He then earned an M.S. and doctorate in agricultural economics from UK.
Dr. Seale has been a presidential appointee as commissioner of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, chair of the Department of Finance at George Washington University (GWU) and senior associate dean of GWU’s business school and a public member of the Board of Managers of the New York Cotton Exchange. In 1997, he and two cofounders launched the ProFunds Group.
The William E. Seale Family Foundation, founded in 2006 and based in Annapolis, Maryland, provided pledges of $10 million in 2013 and 2014 toward the Gatton College Capital Project, for renovating and expanding the Gatton building.
The Oct. 7, 2016, grand opening of the new Gatton College facility unveiled the Seale Finance Learning Center, which provides students with a wealth of technology, including digital displays for simulated trading.
In the Winter 2012 issue of Transform magazine, Dr. Seale’s advice to Gatton students was profound and succinct: “Learn math.”
It is, after all, foundational to the principles of business and economics — and chemistry.
The Road to Success: Powered by a Love for Cars
Gatton College of Business and Economics shaped Tom Shaver’s illustrious career and prompted him to give back. Shaver, a Gatton Hall of Fame member, attended the University of Kentucky from 1959 to 1962, graduating with a degree in marketing.
His journey began in Central City, Kentucky, with a passion for cars. By the time he was 13, Shaver’s heart was set on working for Chevrolet. “So one Saturday morning, I went to the Chevy dealership in Central City and saw two men washing used cars,” he recalled. “I asked them if they would teach me the proper way to detail a car. They agreed, and I kept showing up every Saturday. On my fifth or sixth Saturday washing cars, the dealer noticed me and asked me what I was doing.
“I said I was learning the right way to wash a car. He inquired if anybody had paid me. I said no, and to my surprise, he gave me $60. That’s when I knew I had made the
right decision to go into the car business — it paid well! I worked at the dealership reconditioning used cars every summer after that through high school.”
Upon graduation, Shaver continued working at the dealership, and worked into management and sales roles. His goal was to earn a college degree at the University of Kentucky. Most of his high school classmates were going to colleges closer to home. “But my dad told me we’d do whatever it took to make attending UK happen.”
His parents dropped him off at Donovan Hall, and he studied electrical engineering. One semester in, he decided to change his major and spoke with his father’s cousin, Robert “Zeke” Shaver, who was dean of the College of Engineering, about changing his major.
“Dean Shaver arranged for me to meet with Dean Cecil Carpenter at the College of Commerce,” Shaver said. “Dean
Carpenter was extremely gracious with his time and told me about the curriculum offered in the college. I recognized it was more oriented to my interests and abilities in marketing. I quickly changed my major to commerce.”
After earning his B.S. in 1962, he worked for Procter & Gamble, and “the Vietnam War was heating up and my dad suggested that I fulfill my military obligation to the country before launching a career.” Shaver enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in the fall of ’62, did six months of active duty at Fort Knox and served seven years in Army Reserve.
New job and military service aside, cars never left him. When his six months of active duty ended, he got a call from the Chevrolet zone office in Louisville. “My time at Gatton College had provided me with the foundation to get hired at Chevrolet,” he said. “In 1963, I became a field administrator, traveling a seven-state area. Because of the miles I was driving, I got a new Chevrolet company car almost every month!”
He also credits his time at the college with meeting his wife, Mary Ann Harris.
“I was very fortunate to have attended,” he said. “I had a remarkable career in the automotive industry at Chevrolet and GM, eventually rising to senior management level assignments. In 1976, I was called to the office of the chairman of General Motors and was told that of GM’s 831,000 employees, I along with three other GM employees had been chosen to go to Stanford University Graduate School of Business to obtain a master’s degree in management at GM’s expense, and then resume work and apply what we had learned to benefit the corporation.”
In 1985, Shaver was appointed director of General Motors Global Merchandising in Detroit. His prolific work included unique Disney partnerships, working with Saturn cars, being recruited by Volkswagen and traveling extensively to Germany and much more. In 1995, he was invited by Dave Power, founder and CEO of J.D. Power and Associates, to join the firm as a senior partner, where he served 11 years before retiring in 2006.
When the University of Kentucky was planning Bill Gatton’s memorial service in 2024, Tom Shaver (right) was asked by UK President Eli Capilouto to give remarks as the fourth and final speaker. He called it a “special honor to share a personal tribute to Bill.”
“The Gatton College is elevating today’s students to face a challenging time in a highly competitive world where the answers to tomorrow’s problems are largely unknown,” he said. “I have always said you leave college with a process on how to think, and that process is the door opener to opportunity and success. I learned to ‘think BIG,’ and it has continued to be a key part of what I achieved.”
The Shavers are giving back: contributing to building renovation and expansion, naming a classroom and launching the Thomas W. Shaver Scholarship Fund for students from Western Kentucky. They also have UK written into their estate plans.
“I believe all of us UK grads who have achieved a measure of success have a responsibility to give back,” he said. “We should help students with financial need attend the University of Kentucky. Life has been wonderful, and I thank the Gatton College and all the others who made it so rewarding over the years … I have been blessed!”
TAILGATES WITH GATTON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
Alumni and donor engagement is a major part of the Gatton College’s strategy to connect the past and present with the future. Tailgates begin before kickoff at UK football games — including Homecoming weekend — and are open to alumni, faculty, staff, students and guests. They are one of the many events managed by the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team along with the Dean’s Office at Gatton. Pictured are tailgates from Fall 2023 and 2024.
Philanthropy in 2025: Real Impact on Real Students
From 2006-23, Gatton College awarded $10,859,872.24 to 2,243 students in scholarships.
For some, scholarships are the key to attending college, and for others, those dollars make the difference in whether or not they can stay enrolled. These students are filled with grati-
Dear Mr. Gordon,
Thank you so much for your Joel C. Gordon Scholarship gift, it is greatly appreciated!
I am from Louisville, Kentucky, and I am so excited about beginning my time at the Gatton College of Business and Economics. I am majoring in finance with a minor in international business, and with that, I am a part of the Global Scholars Pathway and Wall
tude, and a theme emerges throughout some of their letters in the following pages that resonate with the important philanthropic work the Gatton College, alumni and donors are doing to support students and the Gatton community: belief and beginning. The belief in these students by awarding their merit and potential as
Dear Ms. Nancy Zink O’Connor,
Thank you for your support of my academic endeavors through the gift of a scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. I am currently a senior at UK studying economics and management within the Gatton College of Business and Economics. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to attend medical school and practice as a physician with healthcare administration responsibilities.
I am originally from Bristol, Virginia, and decided to attend the University of Kentucky due to strong family
Street Scholars Program. I am thrilled to education abroad as part of this pathway, and your gift will make that opportunity easier to come by.
I am pursuing finance as a major because the subject has intrigued me since middle school. I started investing back then, and ever since, I have been very excited and interested in the impact I can make in the world. One of them is a project I have been working on since my freshman year of high
they experience a world-class education — and the beginning of innovative and noble work beyond the classroom in their professional careers.
Because we are never finished educating and inspiring, it is always just the beginning…
ties. Despite being out-of-state, Lexington has become my new home. Receiving this scholarship will support the completion of my undergraduate degree at UK and enable me to attend medical school, hopefully at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
I greatly appreciate your willingness to support me in my educational journey. Thank you again for providing me with this scholarship award.
Best, Lauren Lewis
school called Project 502. It is a plan to help reduce the impacts and vastness of the food desert in Louisville and provide educational and extracurricular resources to students with little access (at no cost). I believe this project could have tremendous impacts on the Louisville community, and I know that my studies at Gatton are just the beginning of what I will do to make the world a better place.
Max LeDoux
Dear Mrs. Snow,
It is an honor to receive the George and Bonnie Ruschell Scholarship. I am extremely blessed and thankful for your generosity that allows me to attend the University of Kentucky.
This opportunity will be valued and I promise to continue to be the student that led me to this scholarship. I am a sophomore at Kentucky and I plan on graduating with a degree in business management. My plans after college are to lead and execute a leadership role with a successful company. I was involved with football and helped manage the basketball team in high school. I was a big buddy in our senior/freshman program at school. I am also a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of the classroom, I worked at Chick-Fil-A until I graduated from high school. Saint X requires
Dear Mrs. Robinson,
I am beyond grateful to be a recipient of the Robert D. Haun Memorial Scholarship. To be selected for this scholarship is an honor that further motivates me to continue striving for excellence in academics and career readiness.
I am a third year pre-law, finance and accounting student from London, Kentucky. With less than 10 people in my graduating class attending the University of Kentucky, I knew that transitioning from a small town to a school that is bigger than my entire hometown
roughly 40-60 hours of service before graduating, so I often work with local churches like St. Patrick Catholic Church with many events. This past summer I spent eight weeks as a camp counselor, continuing this passion to lead others and the youth. I have a desire for helping others really reach their full potential or even just a state of happiness.
I want to say thank you again, this is genuinely an honor and a privilege. I promise to stay focused and push myself to be the best Lamont I can be. This scholarship will definitely be an aid financially for my family and me. Your fund is truly a blessing and I am forever grateful.
Sincerely,
Lamont Hunter
might not be the easiest task. In fact, I was intimidated by it, and as the first day of school slowly approached, I only grew more anxious. Now that I have established myself within the Gatton community, I look back and laugh at how I felt. UK is easily my second home. I have made so many new friends, joined many clubs and look forward to the first day of school.
Although the university has been wonderful to me, the burden of paying for college still remains. Through your giving, I am now able to attend college without having to worry so much about the cost. Instead, I can truly live in the moment; allowing me to fully embrace and experience the joy of learning and growing as an individual. Words can not describe my appreciation for this generous gift.
I can assure you that it will be used to its full potential, which is to allow a small-town student to achieve big things in the future. Upon graduation, I plan on going to the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, whereafter I will begin my private practice in Eastern Kentucky. I will forever be grateful for people like yourself who continue to help people like me achieve things never thought possible.
Sincerely,
Will McCowan
“I am honored to have been awarded the Don and Marla Moore Scholarship Fund. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity which has enabled me to pursue my education at the University of Kentucky. I am a transfer student and am fully committed to making the most of this opportunity.”
“I am an international student and am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Virgil Christian Scholarship. I am deeply grateful for the scholarship you have provided, as it allows me to pursue my dreams. I have a strong interest in economics and enjoy learning about how it can solve real-world problems. Your support has greatly reduced my financial stress and allowed me to focus on my studies. Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams.”
“I am deeply honored to have been selected to receive The J. Michael Schlotman Endowed Scholarship. Thank you! Once I graduate, I intend to get a job within a company where I can use both marketing and economics skills to analyze data and market to target audiences well. I started my college journey at another college and ultimately felt led to come home and attend UK. I am so grateful that I did. When I am not doing school work I love to be creative, go on walks, be with my family and friends, work
at a bakery in Versailles and go to church. I cannot express how overjoyed I was to receive this scholarship.”
“I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Middleground Scholarship. It means the world to me and I am so thankful for your generosity. This year I am honored to be a member of Women in Business Leaders. Outside of class, I am a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, am on the board for member development, and play intramural soccer and basketball. I also danced for DanceBlue with other girls in my sorority.”
“It means so much to me to be selected as a recipient of the Joel Gordon Scholarship, and I am so thankful for your generosity which has allowed me to attend the University of Kentucky. I am a freshman from California and I chose to come to UK because of the amazing community as well as the athletic and academic opportunities. I am currently a walk-on athlete and am majoring in finance. I am looking forward to participating in some community service opportunities as well as exploring all that the Gatton College of Business and Economics has to offer. I am so excited to pursue a lifelong dream of competing in the SEC and pursuing a degree in business. Thank you for helping me achieve this dream.”
Dear Mr. and Mrs. John Aboud,
Thank you! I am ecstatic to be the recipient of your John and Jeanette Aboud Endowed Scholarship. My overwhelming gratitude cannot be expressed enough.
I was born and raised in Bardstown, Kentucky. I have always had a passion for education, a deep curiosity, and as my teachers will tell you, an interest in socializing. My enthusiasm for school earned me awards like the AP Scholar Award, Governor’s Scholars Program attendee, National Honor Society president, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica membership, Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) First Team Academic All State and more. My social abilities landed me the positions of student ambassador, Junior Star Award, Senior Star Award, Nelson Elite Soccer captain, high school soccer and basketball captains, and Nelson County Young Leader. Another hobby of mine is athletics. In my senior year, I won the title KHSAA Soccer State Champion, KHSAA All A State Pole Vault runner-up and was a KHSAA Elite 8 Basketball participant. I also have a passion for community service.
I chose UK because of the amount of resources and opportunities. I was accepted into the Lewis Honors College, Global Scholars Program, and Wall Street Scholars Program, and I registered for Panhellenic recruitment. After graduating with a finance and international business degree, I hope to become an entrepreneur and U.S. Ambassador.
This scholarship removes the monetary burden during some of the best years of my life and removes the anxiety that comes with piling debt. It has allowed me to attend my dream university and stay close to my family after my father’s death. This time in my life has been difficult, but the prospect of attending college has given me a goal to reach and a reason to get up each day. Your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten.
With the utmost gratitude, Kensey Clayton
Dear Dean Sheather,
I am incredibly thankful and honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Gatton College Scholarship for Emerging Leaders. I am grateful for your generosity as it helps me continue my educational pursuits at the University of Kentucky.
I am a junior from Bloomingdale, Illinois, majoring in marketing and management with a minor in international business. For this exciting upcoming year, I will continue to serve my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, as vice president of operations for our chapter. I will also serve as executive director of the Wildcat Wardrobe with exciting additions of becoming a part of the Gatton Global Community Leaders program.
When I am not in class or participating in extracurriculars, I love crafting using my Cricut machine to create and upcycle clothes for friends and family. Additionally, I enjoy working on my marketing materials company, Hay Girl Products, which provides custom marketing materials to barns and businesses throughout the United States. Finally, I have a passion for being active, immersing myself in nature and being involved in animal welfare groups.
Thank you again for your generosity and kindness in making this scholarship possible. It has allowed me to focus on schoolwork and offers me peace of mind. Your support is helping me chase my big dream of owning my own marketing firm one day!
Sincerely,
Raegan Biemolt
“It is my greatest honor to accept the Gary and Anne Smith Scholarship. I cannot begin to thank you enough. I am currently a sophomore majoring in finance. As a first-generation student from a small Kentucky town, opportunities like this mean the world to me. Your generosity has given me the confidence to further dedicate myself to my academics and future career. I look to pursue a career in either financial advising or to be a financial literacy teacher. These aspirations of mine stem from low financial literacy among kids and adults in the area of my hometown. The thought of being someone to help others in my community is what drives me to pursue my goals. I will make the most of this opportunity and someday give back to a community who needs financial help, just as you did.”
“I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Stewart Family Gatton College Endowed Scholarship. It means so much to me and I am so thankful for your generosity. I am interested in a career in wealth management and am currently a private wealth management intern at Baird. I have been heavily involved with the Wall Street Scholars and Finance Society during my time in the Gatton College. I also had the opportunity during my sophomore year to spend a week in New York City with the Pelissier Scholars, visiting Mr. Stewart’s penthouse and MiddleGround Capital office.”
Philanthropy and Alumni
“I am truly honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Robson D. McIntyre Scholarship. My passion lies in working within the business side of the women’s sports world, where I aim to contribute to their growth and success. I completed a summer internship with a women’s professional team, which has further fueled my excitement about my future in sports. Outside of my studies, I enjoy running, reading, and spending time with friends. I am also actively involved in the LeadHer club and CSF ministry at Kentucky, which enriches my college experience. Your support will always be remembered with gratitude.”
“I am honored to be the recipient of the Innovation Scholarship. I cannot thank you enough. Your support allows me to fully immerse myself within the sports industry. Instead of pursuing a part-time job, I can fully commit to my internship — where I have worked into a promotion as lead intern for the UK Athletics Marketing Department — and prepare myself for the sports industry. As a lead, I work office hours and games which combine to 20 hours a week. I am tasked with planning marketing strategies for upcoming games and seeing these projects through their execution. As a Global Scholar within Gatton, I am required to spend six weeks abroad. With this upcoming financial commitment, the assistance on my expenses helps ease my stress moving forward.”
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for being selected as the Larry E. Rogers Scholarship Fund recipient. Being recognized with this award is an honor, and I am incredibly thankful for your generosity. This scholarship is not only helping me financially but also motivating me to strive for continued success in my academic journey. It enables me to focus on my studies and make the most of the opportunities at UK. This support brings me closer to my goal of a successful career in finance.”
“It is with gratitude that I accept this Gatton B&E scholarship. I am a firm believer that the college experience is what you make it, and being rooted in one’s community is a value I hold dear to my heart. As I prioritize my academic excellence through these four years, I will emphasize the importance of being a well-rounded student outside of the classroom. Giving back to the Lexington community is the legacy I wish to leave after my undergraduate years are complete.”
“I was so happy to receive the Warren W. Rosenthal Endowed Scholarship. I’m paying my own way through college so this scholarship is appreciated. I come from a long line of self-employed entrepreneurs, so I understand the importance of a business degree. I completed my plant science pathway in high school. I hope to combine my love of plants with business in the future. Thank you for your generosity! I’m a 4.0 student so be assured that I will take college seriously and your investment in my future will not be forgotten.”
“I am extremely honored to be selected for the Mark J. Plummer Endowed Scholarship. I am ecstatic for the upcoming academic year at UK. Thank you for your generosity that allows me to attend college debt-free and to focus solely on academics. Your generosity has made it possible for my dreams of being a first-generation college graduate come true.”
“I am so thankful for the Lewis-Milligan Scholarship. I consider it a great privilege to be financially supported in my studies. I am studying finance and accounting. During my time at UK, I’ve been in the marching band, worked as a math tutor, and gotten deeply invested in campus ministry and my church. I plan to use my degree to do accounting work for churches, ministries or non-profits. As a self-supported student, this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies.”
“During high school, I was heavily involved in FBLA and took on numerous projects as secretary of my chapter. As a member, I really fell in love with business and hope to continue this passion at the University of Kentucky. Your support will help me pursue my academic and life goals. I will use your award to pursue my B.S. in economics and M.S. in supply chain management from the Gatton College of Business and Economics. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
“Words cannot express my gratitude for receiving The Smith Brothers Family Foundation Scholarship. You helped make my dream of attending UK a reality. I am a freshman from Henry County, Kentucky. I am majoring in accounting, and I hope to attend law school after getting my bachelor’s, master’s and CPA certification. My plan is to be a financial manager. I am heavily involved with my church and in community service. I can assure you that I will honor this award by working exceptionally hard in college. This is a huge blessing to me!”
Dear Ms. Victoria Russell, I am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Gatton College Scholarship. Thank for your generosity which will assist in funding my college education at my dream school.
I am from a small town in Lincoln County, Kentucky, and this fall I will be a freshman. I am happily pursuing my passion by majoring in finance. My goal and dream is to pursue a career in financial advising once I graduate. I look forward to joining groups such as the Wall Street Scholars Program and the Finance Society.
Sincerely,
J. Elan Lane
Dear Dr. David P. and Mrs. Jamie L. Calzi,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your contributions to the UK Gatton College Dream Scholarship. With your help, I can to pay for my housing at the Lewis Honors College! I am from Cave City, Kentucky, and I have interests in agriculture and finance.
I own beehives at my home, and I have been working over the summer at my mother’s retail store in Glasgow. Business has always been a passion of mine, and helping my mom begin a business of our own allowed me to work in an entrepreneurial environment. I have dreams to become a successful businesswoman just like my mom. Thank you for helping students like me to become future successful businessmen and women.
Sincerely,
Katherine Elizabeth London
Dear Ms. Nancy Zink
O’Connor,
First and foremost, a big thank you! I am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Innovation Scholarship. I cannot express how much it will help me through my University of Kentucky journey. I am immensely thankful for your generosity.
I am a senior from Lawrence, Pennsylvania, right outside of Pittsburgh. I am majoring in business management and marketing and minoring in business analytics. I am interested in pursuing a career in financial or pharmaceutical sales after graduation. I am currently involved in the Real-Estate Club, SnowCats (ski and outdoors) Club and DanceBlue.
When I am not in class or studying, I love horseback riding, going to the movies and playing tennis or golf with friends. I also enjoy volunteering and working with the International Dyslexia Association. As a dyslexic myself, being a part of this organization as a young adult advocate means that I can help other young students learn and overcome the challenges experienced by this type of disability. I enjoy giving back to my community and believe it to be an important part of my education and self-preservation.
I would like to thank you again for making the Innovation Scholarship possible. This scholarship has allowed me to be completely focused on my education because I will not have to worry about the financial burden that may come from pursuing higher education.
Your generosity and support will be put to good use as well as to help make my Big Blue dreams come true.
Sincerely,
Simone D. Sergio
Dear Ms. Nancy Zink O’Connor
I want to thank you very much for being so generous and willing to help me pay for school this year and next. Your gift will allow me to work less this school year and focus on my classes and the extracurriculars that I am involved with. Your generous donation is amazing and has helped relieve financial stress, I genuinely thank you for that.
I am a junior from Louisville, Kentucky, and I am a double major in accounting and finance. I work hard in the classroom and also I try to be as involved on campus as I can be. I am a college ambassador for Gatton B&E, a tour guide, vice president of my fraternity and a member of DanceBlue’s Morale Committee. I like to spend my summers working for a landscaping company I have founded with my brothers and volunteering at Flying Horse Farms children’s camp.
Your gift will allow me to focus more on school. This is very important because I plan to graduate in four years with 150 credit hours so that I can be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. This requires me to have a heavy class workload each semester. Having to worry less about financials makes achieving this much easier.
As I start the second half of my time in college, I have a stronger grasp on my career aspirations. I plan on becoming a CPA and working for a CPA firm for a few years out of college to gain real-world knowledge of the business world. After a few years, I plan to go full time at the landscaping company I helped start with my brothers. My passion is to work with my family and have a business that I am proud of. You are helping me to achieve this goal. Thank you.
You have genuinely made an impact on my college career and helped solidify the importance of giving back to others. Due to sacrifices like yours, I hope to someday be in the position where I too can help students and others in need.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Ryan Sullivan
Fritz Skeen ’72 Remembers the 1970s at Gatton
The IBM executive has returned several times to hire
Gatton students
Fritz Skeen attended UK from 1968-1973, graduating with a BBA in ’72 (emphasis in management and marketing) and an MBA in ’73.
“Growing up in Frankfort, Kentucky, the emphasis was to go to the University of Kentucky,” he recalled. “Like many other students at the time, I was unsure of what I wanted to study. I came to decide on going into the College of Business and Economics — as it was then called — during my sophomore year.”
When Skeen was a student, the Vietnam War was happening, and the Kent State University tragedy of 1970 sent many college students around the nation off to demonstrations. He recalls arsonists setting the ROTC building, across the street from Memorial Coliseum, on fire.
“A few days later, Gov. Louie Nunn ordered the National Guard onto campus, and the university closed by his order and we were sent home, without completing finals,” he said.
Also, Adolph Rupp retired as Kentucky’s men’s basketball coach and was succeeded by Joe B. Hall.
“For three years, I played in the Wildcat Marching Band. This was the time that the band had significant growth,
and women were band members for the first time,” Skeen recalled. “And the band developed a great reputation in the South. A notable moment was that the band decided to no longer play ‘Dixie’ at UK football and basketball games. ‘Dixie’ has not been played since.”
The college’s faculty and staff — who he called “approachable” and cared about students — were an integral part of his experience as a student.
“The dean of the college was Charles Haywood,” Skeen said. “He was highly respected and approachable from a student’s standpoint. We had some excellent professors who I recall to this day. I had many great professors who made a difference in my education. Prof. AJ Grimes taught a management theory class, and I recall many of those points to this day. Two of the ‘big bag of chips,’ as Dean Simon Sheather likes to say, were Dr. Jim Donnelly and Dr.
Fritz Skeen’s long, successful career involved recruiting many Gatton College students to work at IBM.
James Gibson. They were prolific authors and great teaching professors in marketing and management. You left a class with them knowing more, and they pushed you to do more. Dr. Bruce Walker was an excellent professor who took great interest in us and made a profound difference in my career.”
Skeen’s career at IBM began somewhat unexpectedly as a result of his UK experience.
“My professional experience was certainly shaped by my time at UK,” he said. “While completing my MBA, one of my marketing professors, Dr. Bruce Walker, suggested that I go for an interview at IBM, as they had called him looking to hire MBA candidates from UK. While they were not on my list of companies I saw myself working for, I went and as a result I had a long career at IBM, moving around the country and being an executive in the company. So you never know what door might open.”
Years later, he returned the favor. “When I had the opportunity to hire people for IBM, I purposefully came to Lexington from Chicago to interview and hire a number of students from Gatton,” Skeen said. “I felt that the people who were hired from UK were as qualified as any others from the so-called top business schools.”
RON ROBINSON ’89 SEES SUCCESS ON AND OFF THE FOOTBALL FIELD
Ronald “Ron” Robinson founded LCP Transportation (LCP) in 1998. An integrated solutions company in the logistics space, headquartered in Indianapolis, LCP provides nonemergency medical transportation management.
Working with managed-care organizations (MCOs) and strategic partners, LCP has grown from a small subcontracting business to a company partnering with MCOs and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) nationwide.
A 1989 Gatton graduate, Robinson played football all four years at the University of Kentucky while earning his B.S. in business administration. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts, but his NFL career was cut short by a knee injury, so he entered the business world.
Ron Robinson, owner and CEO of LCP Transportation, played for the Kentucky Wildcats and the Indianapolis Colts before starting his own successful business. He recently published a book about entrepreneurship.
Robinson worked for a data company processing medical claims, learned the ins and outs of Medicaid and then started his own transportation brokerage company for scheduling, dispatching and managing all aspects of managed-care transportation.
In October 2024, Robinson published “Life…It’s So Simple It’s Hard.” The book chronicles his entrepreneurial story as he shares life lessons and motivation.
Robinson is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at Gatton College.
Kim Shelton ’96 Thrives with “Firsts”
Who was team captain of the first women’s soccer team at UK? The same person to be CEO of the first professional soccer team in Lexington.
When women’s soccer debuted on campus in 1992, Kim Bucci was quickly named team captain, a title she held for five seasons. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing in 1996 and an MBA two years later.
Kim Bucci Shelton worked in sports marketing with Lexington-based Host Communications, which was acquired by IMG College and later merged with JMI Sports. She held executive positions at JMI Sports for 10 years.
During Gatton’s inaugural “Women Business Leaders” program in 2014-15, Shelton was one of 15 business mentors to the same number of undergraduate business students.
In January 2024, Shelton was named CEO of Lexington Sporting Club, the city’s professional soccer team. She returned to her JMI Sports roots in August 2025, becoming JMI’s first senior vice president of name, image and likeness (NIL) strategy and executive director of UK NIL.
NIL made headlines on June 21, 2021, when a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowed student-athletes to profit off their own name, image or likeness. Three days after the court’s decision, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order — the first governor to do so — allowing NIL compensation for collegiate student-athletes in Kentucky.
With UK NIL, Shelton serves as the key liaison between
UK Athletics, JMI Sports and third-party partners. Ever the team motivator and mentor.
Prior to stepping into her role at JMI, Kim Shelton served CEO of Lexington Sporting Club, Lexington’s first professional soccer team.
“NO ONE TEACHES AND MENTORS AS WELL AS THEY DO AT UK”
“No one teaches and mentors as well as they do at the University of Kentucky,” said economist Amitabh Chandra in a 2012 Transform article, the same year he was inducted into the Gatton College Alumni Hall of Fame.
Chandra came to the University of Kentucky from New Delhi, India, and enjoyed his undergraduate experience so much that he stayed at UK for all three of his degrees in economics: bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate.
His doctoral dissertation was “Labor Market Dropouts and the Racial Wage Gap, 1940-1990.”
“My friends from UK and my professors at UK made me who I am today — they taught me everything I know, from economics to history to (American) football,” he said.
Dr. Chandra joined the faculty of Harvard University in 2005.
THE JOHN MAZE STEWART DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS
The Gatton College of Business and Economics held a naming ceremony in April 2023 for the John Maze Stewart Department of Finance and Quantitative Methods to recognize the generous donation of $10 million from John Stewart, founding partner of MiddleGround Capital.
The naming ceremony was officiated by Provost Robert DiPaola, Gatton Dean Simon Sheather, Stewart and Scot Duncan, founding partner of MiddleGround Capital. The transformative gift will expand opportunities for Gatton College students.
Chandra earned three degrees from University of Kentucky and now works as a faculty member at Harvard Business School.
In a page from the Summer 2012 issue of the Kentucky Alumni magazine, Chandra is pictured at his Gatton College of Business and Economics Hall of Fame induction above, second from right.
He currently serves as director of health policy research and is a professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
At Harvard Business School, he is a professor of business administration and faculty chair of several programs. He continues to focus his research on innovation and health care.
Amitabh
Pictured from left are: John Stewart, Scot Duncan, Provost Robert S. DiPaola and Dean Sheather.
University of Kentucky Board of Trustees meeting minutes from 1908 discussing formation of a School of Commerce.
BOARDS AND COUNCILS
A Broad Panel of Leaders
Gatton’s boards, advisors and councils help shape education and leadership. For 100 years, Gatton College of Business and Economics has relied on its active councils and advisory boards to help it stay at the forefront on needs of both the students and the marketplace.
“The Dean’s Advisory Council plays a key role in giving the dean a perspective from business leaders who are passionate about UK and Gatton’s success,” said Sean Smith. “Key to that is improving the quality of the education, the rankings of the college and most importantly the ability for graduates to gain employment at the best opportunities not just within the state of Kentucky but worldwide.”
Central to each of the schools within Gatton are the individual advisory boards that serve those unique areas, like the Von Allmen School of Accountancy Advisory Board led by Steve Jennings, who has served since the 1980s.
Gatton
Boards and Councils
Accounting Advisory Board
Advances the mission of the Douglas J. Von Allmen School of Accountancy to prepare graduates for leadership roles within the accounting profession.
Dean’s Advisory Council
Provides counsel to the dean on college programming, community partnerships, philanthropic endeavors and other topics. Members are alumni and business executives.
Emerging Leaders Board
Develops initiatives that link students to alumni, foster a culture of giving, engagement and community and support the college’s goal of excellence in education.
Faculty Council
Provides a forum for feedback, discussion and communication among faculty members.
“We meet semi-annually with the Gatton College accounting faculty leadership and offer requested insights into the direction of the department and curriculum and provide perspective on what we are seeing in the profession and how that relates to the instruction the university is providing,” Jennings said. “The mission of the board is to facilitate the growth and development of the School of Accountancy at the University of Kentucky.”
These boards provide guidance on student attraction and retention, internship and job placements, fundraising and collaboration with the public.
“The Von Allmen Advisory Board is predominantly UK graduates, and it allows the accounting department to have a resource for industry relevance and what is happening outside the walls of the college, which helps the department continue to evolve,” Jennings explained.
Finance Advisory Board
Elevates the John Maze Stewart Department of Finance and Quantitative Methods to national prominence and works with the growing student population within the finance field.
MBA Advisory Council
Ensures the MBA program provides candidates with the necessary tools to excel in the workplace, including mentorships, networking and professional connections.
Staff Council
Advisory group to Gatton administration, providing communication of staff-related issues, policies and activities.
Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE) Board
Advises the dean and faculty on curriculum, entrepreneurial development and strategies for attracting top students and faculty. It also promotes the school and assists with fundraising.
Boards and Councils
Dean’s Advisory Council
Craig Andreen
Marketing ’89
NXT Capital — Retired
Gerald R. Benjamin
Accounting ’79
GreenSky, LLC; Atlanta Equity Investors
Michael W. Bowling
Electrical Engineering ’90
Global Altitudes LLC
Gregory L. Burns
Accounting ’77 | MAcc ’78
Burns Consulting Group
John Cain
Finance and Accounting ’86
Wiseway — Retired
David P. Calzi
Accounting ’83
St. Vincent de Paul Louisville
Craig J. Carlson
Management and Marketing ’06
Truist
Paul Chellgren
Accounting ’64
DHum ’14 (honorary)
Ashland Oil, Inc.
Ruth Cecelia Day
Accounting ’85
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Luther Deaton Jr.
Central Bank & Trust Co.
Jordan Denny
MBA ’14
Valvoline
James E. Geisler
Finance ’88
Cerberus
Troy Hammett
Accounting ’86
CommonSpirit Health
Cindy H. Harkins
Business Economics ’84
Texas Instruments Incorporated — Retired
Sam Hazen
Business Administration ’82
HCA Healthcare
Richard J. Huxley
Business Administration ’80
Richard J. Huxley, LLC
Catherine K. Jacobs
Jason A. Jacobson
Management ’07
Precari Capital
Thomas B. Kessinger III
Accounting ’93
Baird
Howard L. Lewis
Business Administration ’70
Family Heritage Life Insurance Company of America
Derrick Littlejohn
Marketing ’00
PNC Bank
Elizabeth Griffin McCoy
Accounting ’81
MBA ’83
Planters Bank
W. Rodney McMullen
Accounting ’81 | MAcc ’82
The Kroger Co. — Retired
Samuel J. Mitchell Jr.
Valvoline — Retired
Kelli Parsons Hill & Knowlton
Ronald L. Robinson
Business Administration/Marketing ’89 LCP Transportation LLC
John A. Williams Sr. Accounting & Economics ’62 Computer Services, Inc.
Allan Zachariah Accounting ’81 Pathstone, The Family Office
RISING LEADERS COMING TOGETHER FOR GOOD
Emerging leaders from Gatton College are taking their places in leadership positions across the globe. As alumni who come together, they are inspiring the next generation of business professionals.
Gatton College created the Emerging Leaders Board (ELB) in 2019, comprising 32 alumni ages 40 or younger. In a Transform magazine feature about ELB that same year, Nick Phelps ’08 said, “The Gatton Emerging Leaders Board is, to me, an opportunity not only to reconnect with the school but to connect with other strong business leaders who are growing their careers, and most importantly, a way to give back. There’s no question that the university as a whole, and the Gatton College is a launch pad.”
Phelps was a vice president with JPMorganChase at the time and joined Fifth Third Bank in late 2021, where he serves as managing director, head of private banking.
Another inaugural member of ELB, Xeenia Tariq MBA ’14, said, “It’s a huge responsibility, as
a board member, when we’re trying to define the direction that UK wants to take in the next few years. As a board member, I want to make sure we are creating new opportunities for developing mentor/mentee relationships with current students.”
Tariq was a consultant with Federal Advisory Partners in 2019. She joined Deloitte in Washington, D.C. as a senior consultant in 2022.
Chris Collins, MBA ’14 and ELB board member, was brand manager at Sazerac Company in 2019. “As a student at the university, I didn’t know of all the opportunities that were out there to connect me to alums and mentors, and I want to make that more visible for current students at UK,” he said. As of March 2025, Collins is senior brand manager for Four Roses Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.
The Emerging Leaders Board’s mission is to develop initiatives that link students to alumni, foster a culture of giving, engagement and community, and support the college’s goal of excellence in education.
Emerging Leaders Board
David Blanchett
Finance and Economics ’04
DC Solutions at QMA
Chris Collins
MBA ’14
1792 Whiskeys at Sazerac Company
Nick Cooper
Finance ’11
Twin Engine Capital
Danny Charles
Accounting ’09
MAcc ’10
U.S. Fertility
Alex Croft
Business Administration and Finance ’11
First Kentucky Trust
Kate Dunsmore
MBA ’20
Valvoline, Inc.
LaShawn Evans Jr.
Marketing and Management ’18
PepsiCo
Lauren (Fritz) Klee
MBA ’13
Corning Incorporated
Steven Jesse
Finance & Marketing ’08
Baird
Ashley Payne
Marketing ’06
Bristol Myers Squibb
Michael Peterson
Accounting ’13
Delta Flight Products
Hunter Porter Economics ’15
BC Wood Properties
Kezia Ramsey, Co-Chair
Accounting ’16
MBA ’17
The Monticello Banking Company
Courtney Rosenberger Gelman, Co-Chair
Finance and Economics ’14
Strategas Securities
Prab Sandhu
Accounting and Economics ’14
Hudson Advisors L.P.
Austin Schmitt
Accounting and Finance ’12
Churchill Downs Incorporated
Marc Schuler
Accounting and Economics ’14
EY
Blake Sims
BBA and Management ’19
Kirkland & Ellis
Katie Smothers
Finance ’10
Trio
Xeenia Tariq
MBA ’14
Deloitte
Rachael Waddell
Marketing ’09
The Coca-Cola Company
Blake Willoughby
Accounting and Economics ’11
MBA ’12
First Breckinridge Bancshares, Inc.
DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE
The new Gatton College of Business and Economics building is a colorful display of meaningful artwork, creating a space that is both functional and beautiful.
Top: “Humanity Roll” by Garry R. Bibbs was created in 2016.
Bottom: “Heart of the Machine” was created by Lennon Michalski in 2016.
Von Allmen School of Accountancy Advisory Board
Tom Aaron Accounting ’84 Community Health Systems — Retired
Sarah E. Sanders, Co-Chair Business Administration ’12 Native AI
David Von Allmen Von Allmen Capital
Douglas J. Von Allmen Accounting ’65 Von Allmen Capital — Retired
Serenity Wright UK Innovate
Boards and Councils
STEVE JENNINGS
Von Allmen School of Accountancy
Advisory Board member since the mid-90s
The Von Allmen School of Accountancy Advisory Board dates back to the 1980s and is composed of accounting professionals who are predominantly UK graduates working in various industries.
What does this board do?
We meet semi-annually with Gatton accounting faculty leadership and offer requested insights into the direction of the department and curriculum. We also provide perspective
Finance Advisory Board
Edward Barr Finance ’81
E.S. Barr & Company
Laura Boison Accounting ’77 | MBA ’83
LexPark
Keith Carlson Finance ’05
VonLehman & Company Inc.
Marsha Couch Accounting ’93
RD1 Spirits Key, Investment Solutions
Tony Cox Finance ’07
Sage Mountain Advisors
Janet Dietrich Finance ’88
Macquarie Group —Retired
James Frazier III Law ’79
McBrayer PLLC
Lain Garrett Management ’92 UK Gatton College
Todd Glickson Scotiabank
Mike Gray Business Administration ’80 | Accounting ’81 CAPTRUST Financial Advisors
Andrew Henson Finance ’08
Norges Bank Investment Management
Michael McMahon Finance ’82 Houlihan Lokey
Michael Orefice Marketing ’88 Fifth Third Bank
Frank Parker III Finance ’97
Quintus Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
on what we are seeing in the profession and how that relates to instruction the university is providing. The board’s mission is to facilitate the growth and development of the college, performing tasks like advising the director, providing advocacy roles and assisting in maintaining American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation. The board allows the accounting department to have a resource for industry relevance outside the walls of the college.
What are the board’s goals are for the future?
We aim to continue to execute the board’s mission, specifically focusing on enhancing outcomes of undergraduate and graduate students, advising and developing leads for the development office to seek major gifts and increasing engagement to enrich the experiences of students, alumni, faculty and other stakeholders.
Keisha Raspberry Accounting ’02
Teremana Tequila
John Stewart
MiddleGround Capital
Ryan Thompson Marketing ’03
J.P. Morgan Chase & Company
Joel Traut
Finance and Marketing ’02
KKR
MBA Advisory Council
Michelle Allen Accounting and Finance ’06 | MBA ’10
Valvoline Global Operations
Haley Bala
The Walt Disney Company
Justin Bovard
GE Appliances, a Haier company
James Butler Marketing ’01 Brinker International
Matia Carey MBA ’18
OMNY Health
Wesley Chitwood MBA ’19
Matrix Design Group
Josh Fenner Tempur Sealy International
J.J. Housley
MBA ’11
Health System Network
UK Healthcare
Kirk Jackson
MBA ’08 84.51˚
Vishnu Jayamohan MBA ’11
Nissan North America
Josh Mitchell
MBA ’02
Procter & Gamble
Scott Nielsen
MBA ’02
Alltech
Benjamin Osei
Accounting ’09 | MBA ’11
Brown-Forman
Ryan Pfeiffer
Finance and Marketing ’02 | MBA ’11
AeroCore
Andy Reynolds MBA ’10
Ballast, Inc.
Pooja Talauliker
MBA ’12
Healthcare Strategic Planning
Jordan Voss
MBA ’11
Finance & Supply Chain leader
Liz Wright
UnitedHealth Group
GATTON COLLEGE AND THE WORLD
For 100 years, Gatton College of Business and Economics has impacted thousands of student — who then go on to make a difference in their own communities, families and places of work. The college began with ripples and now is making large waves.
is Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear with Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs students in the summer of 2025 at Gatton College.
Pictured
IMPACT
“A Rich and Storied History” in Lexington
In November 1925, students formed the Commerce Club. The group’s mission was to promote and advertise the brand new College of Commerce on campus.
By 1931, students had organized the Commerce Employment Association to promote themselves to prospective employers. The Chamber of Commerce for college students was founded on campus in 1947. Following in the
First, I want to congratulate the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics for 100 years of preparing students to enter the business world. Since its beginning, UK students have learned key business strategies from both market-leading executives and world-renowned faculty.
Although Commerce Lexington got its start in 1881 when its board of directors first met in the president’s room of the First National Bank, the origins of the chamber of commerce in Lexington have been traced back to 1797, when John Postlethwaite convened a meeting of the Lexington Society for the Promotion
of Emigration. Like circumstances today, the main issue back then had to do with having enough workers and specifically, trained workers for the community. I’d have to think that when the College of Commerce was created in 1925, part of the reasoning for it would have been to strengthen our workforce by educating students in business acumen.
For most of those 100 years, the College of Commerce and the Board of Commerce, as it was known then, have been deeply connected. Our board meeting minutes from 1927 reflect that there was an annual joint banquet between the two entities, for which the board of directors and Board of Commerce members were encouraged to bring College of Commerce students to the banquet as their guests. During one of the banquets, the featured speaker was world economist Sir George Paish from Britain.
Also in the late 1920s, a Board of Commerce committee worked on a plan presented by the University of Kentucky Extension Department to provide scholarships to local commerce students.
steps of the locally and nationally known chambers of commerce, the student organization acquainted members with civic organizations and fostered leadership development. They also promoted student-faculty relationships in the College of Commerce. Commerce Lexington President and CEO Bob Quick offered his reflection on the impact that Gatton College of Business and Economics has had on the region.
Over the years, UK Gatton College faculty members have been an integral part of our economic development efforts, as we work with clients and businesses looking to relocate or expand here. Site visits almost always include participation from University of Kentucky leaders, whether the client needs economic data, research connections, startup support or access to students who will fill our future workforce.
For a time, Gatton College faculty like Dr. Ken Troske periodically met with Commerce Lexington leadership to explore collaborative opportunities, while others have presented information to our board of directors and key business leaders about trends in our local, state and national economies. In 2023, Commerce Lexington coordinated with Dean Simon Sheather, Dr. Michael Clark and Brad Patrick to host our inaugural CEO event for global companies with headquarters in Lexington.
Dr. Clark has also been part of the Economic Development Day Session for Leadership Lexington by giving an
overview of Lexington’s economy to those individuals participating in the 10-month leadership development program. During our Federal Policy Forum in 2020, Dr. Clark provided an update on how the pandemic impacted our regional economy.
Finally, Commerce Lexington has been a cosponsor of UK’s Economic Outlook Conference for more than 25 years. This important event provides an opportunity to learn more about the factors that will shape Kentucky’s economy over the coming year for state and local business, government and community leaders. At 100 years old, the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics has a rich and storied history. Commerce Lexington is proud to be a long-time partner of the college and is excited for its next 100 years.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Quick, IOM, CCE President & CEO, Commerce Lexington
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton
“Lexington is proud to be home to the Gatton College of Business and Economics. Every day, we work to create opportunities by attracting new employers to our city and to help our businesses grow new jobs. Our highly educated work force helps us attract new employers to Lexington.
With Gatton in town, our businesses have the opportunity to hire some of the best young minds in the country.
This year, the city of Lexington is celebrating its 250th anniversary. For 100 of those years, the Gatton College of Business and Economics has been a cornerstone of our community, an essential component of our strong economy.”
KENTUCKY GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR
“Kentucky is on an economic winning streak, and the success we’re seeing is thanks to the great partners like the Gatton College of Business and Economics. Congratulations to President Capilouto, Dean Sheather, and everyone at the Gatton College of Business and Economics for 100 years of helping make Kentucky the choice for higher education, business and technology.”
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Anthony Aloise, a 2001 graduate from Gatton, serves as the executive director of sourcing for refrigeration, air and water at GE Appliances in Louisville. He spoke about the impact of Gatton graduates on the business world in Kentucky and beyond.
“Gatton College graduates have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of GE Appliances, a Haier Company, a major player in the home appliance industry,” he said. “These alumni bring innovative thinking, analytical skills and business acumen to GE, helping the company navigate the complexities of the modern market. Their contributions can be seen in various areas such as supply chain management, marketing strategies, financial planning and operations management. With a solid foundation in business principles and a focus on practical, real-world applications, Gatton graduates are equipped to drive efficiency and foster innovation within the company.”
FACULTY IMPACT: DR. DANIEL J. BRASS AND THE LINKS CENTER
Dr. Daniel “Dan” Brass was the Henning Hilliard Chair in Innovation. He supported that title with a plethora of research in the field of organizations and management over the course of his 25 years at UK. His research focused on social networks within organizations. His many articles earned almost 40,000 citations, along with research awards.
His work was featured in Academy of Management Journal, Journal of Applied Psychology and Strategic Management Journal, among other prestigious publications. For 12 years, he served as associate editor of Administrative Science Quarterly. In 2023, he was awarded the Distinguished Research Award from the Academy of Management.
In 2006, Dr. Brass’ idea for a center came to fruition. LINKS, the International Center
The practical skills combine with an emphasis on leadership and teamwork, a Gatton hallmark, ensuring graduates are “not only skilled in their respective fields, but also capable of leading diverse teams towards achieving strategic goals,” Aloise reflected. “This has been instrumental in GE Appliances’ efforts to maintain its competitive edge and adapt to changing consumer demands and technological advancements.”
Aloise shared the ways that GE Appliances — a major global corporation — and Gatton College have meaningfully come together for mutually beneficial, collaborative projects, guest lectures, workshops, advisory roles, internship and employment opportunities and more direct involvement.
“Overall, the impact of UK Gatton College graduates on GE Appliances underscores the value of a strong educational background combined with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation,” Aloise said. “Through these efforts, GE Appliances not only gives back to UK Gatton College, but also invests in the future of the industry by supporting the education and development of the next generation of business leaders.”
for the Study of Social Networks in Business, built links between researchers and corporate America — academics studying social networks and the businesspeople facing daily situations in global organizations. Dr. Brass was the LINKS director from its inception until his passing on Jan. 4, 2025.
“We want to work with companies to help translate this research into practice,” he said in a 2007 Transform magazine article, citing the efforts of the LINKS Center to bring together “faculty from across UK and around the world — from management, information systems, marketing, policy analysis and supply chain management, for example — to help create and disseminate knowledge on social networks.”
Dr. Brass was a faculty member of Pennsylvania State University before joining UK in 2000. He enjoyed several hobbies, including building topiaries and painting landscapes.
Anthony Aloise ’01
“A
Pipeline of Homegrown Talent”
Yum! Brands vice president and Gatton graduate, David Russell, reflects on the brand’s Kentucky connections
I had never considered a career as an academic until I had Dr. Donnelly’s MKT 300 class! I really discovered my calling, and it became my goal to get a doctorate
Russell is a 1990 Gatton College graduate. He majored in accounting and now serves as Yum!’s senior vice president of finance and corporate controller — a role he’s held since 2011. Yum! Brands, Inc. is the world’s largest restaurant company with over 60,000 locations in more than 150 countries.
“With such a global reach and world-famous brands, we pride ourselves on recruiting and developing the best people — those who are a fit for the company’s people-first culture of recognition and collaboration,” said Russell. “And the Gatton College’s commitment to promoting economic growth throughout Kentucky and around the world syncs perfectly with the mission of Yum! Brands, a company headquartered in Kentucky with global operations.”
He said the brand takes special pride in its Kentucky-based talent.
after I got experience in corporate America — the real world. I spent about 13 years in industry in both medical and advertising sales before I went back for my doctorate in 2015. I would email Dr. Donnelly years later, and he would always reply to my questions about working in higher education. It always impressed me that he would be willing to do that for me as I was one of thousands of students he had over the years. It’s funny how one individual can change your course entirely.
So now I keep this picture and his book in my office to remind myself to try to pay it forward with my own students as he did for me!
Assistant Professor of Management
Assistant Esports Coach Spalding University
“While we employ people from colleges and universities from around the world, as a Kentucky company, we take great pride in having a pipeline of homegrown talent which Gatton provides,” he said. “We know Gatton graduates have learned key business strategies from market-leading executives and world-renowned faculty, and they come equipped with real-world skills and the ability to think critically and creatively, which is a must in our operating environment.”
There are a variety of positions at Yum! Brands held by Gatton College alumni. These include finance roles like treasury, investor relations and accounting to non-finance roles in as human resources and public relations.
“These graduates are making a positive impact at Yum! Brands, have a great deal of pride in the university and are great ambassadors for Gatton College,” Russell said.
THE IMPACT OF GATTON FACULTY
Dr. Eric Street
Dave Russell ’90
WHERE STUDENTS THRIVE
For a century, the Gatton College of Business and Economics has been a place where students are supported and where they can thrive — now and in the years to come. The legacy of excellence continues.
THE STUDENTS
100 Years of Tradition and Innovation for Students
In 2025, being a student at Gatton College is an experience that blends rich history with cutting-edge innovation and a global focus. At the college’s 100th anniversary — a milestone that honors a century of academic excellence, collaboration, community impact and student success — students have much for which to be thankful.
“Every day is a new day for endless opportunities and possibilities,” said Sierra Rugggiero, a marketing and management graduate. “Things really are wildly possible here. This is a place to be groundbreaking and understand your true potential.”
Gatton has transformed in the last 100 years into a piv-
Wide-ranging opportunities for a limitless future
Undergraduate: A key experience for traditional first-year, transfer or international students who want to study in Lexington.
Graduate Programs: Master of Accountancy and Analytics, Master of Arts in Business Administration, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Marketing, Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management and Analytics, Master of Science in Supply Chain Management.
Ph.D.: For 95 years, Gatton College has been graduating high-achieving, ambitious individuals with doctorates in business administration and in economics. Graduates in 2025 can be found at universities, government agencies and business enterprises in more than 20 states and in several countries worldwide.
Online Programs: Undergraduate and graduate students can learn the skills they need on a schedule that works for them, from the same highly ranked faculty who teach Gatton’s in-residence programs.
International Students: Gatton College welcomes students from around the world. Whether an undergraduate first-year, transfer, master’s or doctoral student, there is a place at Gatton.
Executive Education: The Don and Cathy Jacobs Executive Center provides high quality executive, managerial, professional and organizational development programs that support the outreach initiatives of UK and Gatton College. Professional Certificates: Business certificate programs are designed to help students receive the needed education to enhance their career, refresh skills and stay competitive.
otal and necessary force in the business world, offering a broad spectrum of programs and attracting students from across the nation and around the world. The impact is felt among the students, Lexington and beyond.
“My biggest takeaway from being at Gatton is the opportunities,” said Kaelin Rivers, a marketing and management graduate. “There are so many different resources here, from the Graham Office of Career Management to professors, or even successful Gatton alums who will do everything in their power to help the next generation succeed!”
Gatton College of Business and Economics in 2025 offers students unique learning environments that combine technology, mentorship, traditional classroom experi-
Workforce and Leadership Preparation
Gatton also offers leadership programs for students as they prepare for the workforce. The ConnectFirst Mentoring program seeks to foster support for first-generation students and students with less access to education or economic opportunity during their first and second years.
Gatton Ambassadors can help make a lasting impact on the college, serving as the face of Gatton. They take leading roles in helping recruit students, meet with important guests and alumni, work with the administration, faculty and staff on policy issues, plan fun activities and engage in many fundraising and charity events. Being a Gatton Ambassador is a point of distinction and allows students to work closely with a small group of high-achieving peers dedicated to making Gatton a great place to learn and grow.
Gatton Global Leaders is dedicated to fostering business-driven cultural exchange and expanding students’ global mindset. Members explore international business trends, leadership development and networking opportunities across global markets.
As a UK 101 Peer Instructor, students can help ensure their peers are confident and ready to move into a new semester.
The holistic Women Business Leaders program invites Gatton undergraduates to engage with prominent female business leaders from the community and beyond. They can be paired with a mentor, attend retreats and discussions and other events. Each spring, Gatton selects a student, courtesy of The Morris Foundation, for the Presidential Fellows Program at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC).
ences and education abroad so they can engage deeply with their studies while preparing for a rapidly changing world. This commitment to innovation reflects the university’s ongoing effort to honor its past while embracing the future and maintaining a close-knit community.
Meet Today’s Student Leaders
In 2025, as Gatton College of Business and Economics marks a century of educating students, the college spoke with a few current students about their experiences and how their futures are shaped by the legacy of Gatton graduates who have gone before them.
JENNA UTTERBACK, Senior (above)
BBA, Marketing and BBA, Management Certificate in Distillation, Wine and Brewing Studies
Why Gatton? As a small-town Kentucky girl, UK had always been my dream school — but for a long time, it felt just that: a dream. Coming from a rural area and being a first-generation college student, I was looking for a place that felt like home but would also challenge me to grow beyond what I thought was possible. When I visited UK, I immediately knew it was where I belonged.
HELPING STUDENTS REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL
Honors Pathway: The Gatton College of Business and Economics provides Lewis Honors students with a unique opportunity to focus on innovative business practices rooted in international business, social responsibility and community through the Gatton Honors Pathway Programs. Students can reach their full potential by completing concentrated coursework and specialized programming while receiving an undergraduate degree.
Global Scholars Pathway: Students take their interest in business around the world and learn how to thrive in a global workforce, increase intercultural competence and apply business principles in different cultures. As part of this pathway, students will complete a minor in international business and complete an education abroad experience as well as many cocurricular opportunities to enhance global leadership potential.
Social Entrepreneurship Scholars Pathway: Explore innovative business solutions that also address social, cultural and environmental issues. This pathway develops entrepreneurial acumen and socially responsible leadership through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, community service and time with local entrepreneurs and corporations.
Scholars in Engineering and Management Pathway: Apply business concepts to real-world problems through this pathway, which is offered in partnership with the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. In addition to acquiring invaluable strategic decision-making skills, students also earn a True Lean Systems™ certificate to reflect their knowledge of waste reduction and increased productivity in the workplace.
Getting involved is the key!
Joining a student organization while at UK has been a hallmark of the Gatton College experience since its founding. In 2025 and beyond, students enjoy clubs like:
Accounting Club
Alpha Kappa Psi
American Marketing Association
Analytics Club
Beta Alpha Psi
ConnectFirst
Economics Society
Entrepreneurship Club
Excel Financial Modeling
Finance Society
Gatton Ambassadors
Gatton Global Leaders
Human Resource Management Club
Kentucky Women in Finance
Management Hub
Minority Business Professionals
Real Estate Club
Rho Epsilon Iota
Sales Club
Women Business Leaders
(Utterback, continued)
Future career: I see a future where business and social impact go hand-in-hand. I’m excited to work in spaces where my creativity and strong values are just as important as profit. How is your generation different? Our generation is redefining what success looks like. We’re not afraid to challenge traditional paths, prioritize values or embrace new technology. I think we’ll be much more entrepreneurial, globally minded and willing to carve out those paths generally not taken. We are constantly learning, adapting and striving for meaningful impact — not just personal gain. What inspires you about Gatton’s graduates over the last 100 years? It’s inspiring to know that for 100 years, Gatton graduates have been leaders and innovators across so many industries and communities. Their stories motivate me to dream bigger, push harder and recognize that I’m part of something larger than myself. I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from alumni who have built international careers, especially during my first education abroad experience. It showed me that my small-town background is a strength, not a limitation.
GATTON AMBASSADORS MAKE A LASTING IMPACT
DHEVIN PATEL, Senior BSA, Accounting; BBA, Finance; BBA, Management Certificate in Global Scholars
Why Gatton? I wanted a place where I could be more than just a number. I knew Gatton College would push me to be my best while giving me the support and resources to get there. Plus, the chance to pursue multiple majors across business fields made it a perfect fit for my ambitions.
Future career: For me, a career in business is the foundation for a future in corporate law. I imagine myself at the intersection of business strategy and legal insight, helping companies make smart, ethical decisions in a fastpaced world. I want to be the kind of lawyer who understands both the numbers and the people behind them. How is your generation different? Our generation is growing up in a time where change is the norm, and I think our
journey will be about adaptability. We won’t have the luxury of ‘one career for life’; instead, we’ll have to be willing to pivot, learn and reimagine what success looks like more than any generation before us.
What inspires you about Gatton’s graduates over the last 100 years? The way Gatton alumni have stepped into leadership roles across so many industries while staying
Below: The Gatton Ambassadors program is a big piece of the Gatton student experience. Pictured is a group of ambassadors during a “Donuts With Dave” event in 2014.
Dhevin Patel is pictured in the back row, fifth from left.
grounded in values is inspiring. It’s not just their accomplishments, it’s the perseverance, adaptability and commitment to excellence they show, no matter what the world throws their way. Knowing that I’m part of a legacy like that makes me want to live up to it every day. Who most inspires you? My parents have been my biggest source of inspiration. They immigrated to the U.S. with little more than hope and built a life full of opportunities for me. Watching their work ethic, their ability to stay resilient through challenges and their belief in the value of education has shaped how I approach every goal I set.
RYAN SULLIVAN, Senior BBA, Finance and BSA, Accounting
Why Gatton? I saw a place that had all the resources I could ever need. I believed Gatton was truly a place I could stand out as a student, as well as prepare to be a standout in my career! Future career: When I imagine my career ahead, I see an opportunity to excel in the accounting field. I know the skills I have learned at Gatton will prepare me well for the start of my career and that in good time, I will be able to excel in the corporate world.
How is your generation different? Technology is as prominent and as skilled as ever before, so staying valuable in whatever career field one is pursuing is harder now than ever. We have entered an era where technical skills are not as valuable as they were in the past, but those soft skills have become even more valuable. I feel that Gatton has done an amazing job preparing me in both aspects!
What inspires you about Gatton’s graduates over the last 100 years? I am inspired by the fact that Gatton is a community not only for current students, but for the generations of alumni before. Gatton is a home to so many, and that is evident by how many are willing to give back. Who most inspires you? I have drawn so much inspiration from the professors who truly dedicate themselves to their students, especially Professor Jane Wells, who is an amazing teacher and gives back to her students in any way possible. Her dedication is inspiring!
ANDREW KARP, Senior BBA, Finance and Economics
Gatton Ambassador and Alpha Kappa Psi Warden
Why Gatton? I chose UK for its strong academic foundation and the sense of community, and Gatton stood out because of its commitment to leadership development. As a Gatton Ambassador, I’ve had the chance to represent a college that invests in student engagement and service.
Future career: I envision a globally connected, socially responsible career that blends finance with impact. After studying international markets firsthand in Paris and working on ESG strategies. I see the future of business as one where data-driven decisions must align with long-term sustainability and ethical leadership.
How is your generation different? We are entering the workforce during a time of global disruption and technological acceleration. We must constantly adapt, balancing innovation with accountability in the world of AI. I believe our journey
The Students
will be defined by a stronger focus on values like inclusivity, sustainability and cross-cultural collaboration. What inspires you about Gatton’s graduates over the last 100 years? I’m inspired by their resilience and commitment to excellence. Every time I lead a tour as a Gatton Ambassador, I’m reminded that we walk the same halls as alumni who have led companies, shaped industries and given back to their communities. That legacy motivates me to contribute to something greater. My education abroad experience in Paris also deeply inspired me. Learning from global finance leaders and analyzing policy during an Olympic-year transformation showed me the power of strategic vision and collaborative leadership on an international scale.
ANASTASIA PANARETOS, Senior BBA, Marketing and Management
Why Gatton? From the moment I heard the UK fight song as a small child at events with my mom, I felt an immediate connection to the Wildcat spirit. In 2022, I had the honor of attending the Honor, Integrity and Professionalism conference at the Gatton College of Business and Economics with my mom, who was presenting. That visit was pivotal as I had the opportunity to meet with a professor who shared insights into Gatton’s academic offerings and its supportive, student-centered environment. Choosing Gatton has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have made in my life.
Future career: I see a future filled with creativity, innovation and purpose. I envision myself working in a job that combines my three passions: marketing, design and sports. As a current marketing and photography intern with UK Athletics, I’ve seen firsthand how storytelling, brand strategy and fan engagement come together to shape powerful experiences. This experience has solidified my goal of pursuing a career in sports production, marketing or fan engagement within the NFL or MLB. What excites me most about this career path is the dynamic nature of the constantly evolving sports industry, driven by new technologies that enhance fan expectations and produce innovative content strategies. How is your generation different? We have grown up in an era marked by the rise of AI, social media and widespread access to technology. This has led us to emphasize digital literacy and adaptability. We are more likely to prioritize collaboration and seek careers that align with our values through virtual networking and access to job search opportunities.
Above: Ryan Sullivan is pictured, center. Right: Andrew Karp.
(Panaretos, continued)
Our generation at Gatton has had numerous opportunities to gain real-world and immersive learning experiences, built upon the foundation laid by those who came before us. This unique difference in our journey is a testament to the impact of technological advancements on our learning experience at Gatton. I believe each generation at Gatton has its own specific focus, but all have been based on a foundation of community and excellence.
What inspires you about Gatton’s graduates over the last 100 years? What inspires me about the thousands of graduates from Gatton is their remarkable achievements and the impact they have made in the business world. Their success stories fill me with pride and inspire me to follow in their footsteps, contributing to the Gatton legacy of excellence. The Gatton community is a strong and supportive network that connects past, current and future students. This network has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and I feel deeply connected to the Gatton community.
MEGAN DIRR, Graduate Student MBA; BBA, Marketing
Why Gatton? After 13 acceptances and more campus tours than I can count, I visited UK — and something just felt right. The kindness and warmth of the students, faculty and staff stood out immediately.
Future career: I hope to work in a creative marketing role where I can use my digital media and design skills. One thing I love about business is how dynamic and ever-changing it is — it keeps things exciting, even if the future can feel unpredictable.
How is your generation different? With greater access to technology and the rise of AI, we have unprecedented opportunities to learn, grow and build meaningful relationships — even virtually. As I prepare to enter the workforce and continue my path in the business world, I’m excited to see how these innovations continue to evolve and shape the way we work, connect and create.
What inspires you about Gatton’s graduates over the last 100 years? When I think about the thousands of graduates who have come through Gatton, I feel amazed, inspired and incredibly grateful. While applying for internships, I was struck by how often I came across Gatton alumni
at the companies I was interested in. It’s a testament to how deep and far-reaching the Gatton network truly is — and how generous its alumni are in supporting students from UK. Gatton has supported me in so many ways throughout my journey, and I can only imagine the impact it’s had on those who came before me.
Who most inspires you? I’m constantly motivated by my parents, whose dedication and success in their careers as accountants have set a powerful example for me. I’m inspired by my professors at Gatton, whose unique journeys and passion for teaching reflect a deep commitment to their fields. Most of all, I’m inspired by the students — both past and present — who have come through the Gatton College and gone on to become highly successful business professionals. Their achievements remind me of what’s possible and push me to keep striving toward my goals.
ALBERTO A. COCKE, Senior BBA, Marketing and Management
Why Gatton? Gatton gave me a sense of purpose, opened doors I never imagined and surrounded me with a community that constantly pushes me to grow and lead.
Future career: I see myself building something meaningful
Left: Anastasia Panaretos is second from left. Right: Megan Dirr is pictured in the back row, center. Opposite page, top: Alberto A. Cocke. Opposite page, bottom: Elizabeth King.
— something that creates opportunities for others, not just for myself. I envision owning a company one day, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion and global thinking. I want to create environments where people feel inspired to lead and empowered to dream bigger than they ever thought possible. How is your generation different? Our generation isn’t just chasing success — we’re chasing significance. We are more globally connected, socially aware and driven by values rather than just financial gain. I believe we’ll approach business with a sense of responsibility: to people, to the planet and to future generations. We’re building companies and careers that not only innovate but also give back and lead with purpose.
What inspires you about Gatton’s graduates over the last 100 years? Each graduate has carried forward the spirit of resilience, ambition and leadership that Gatton represents. They set the foundation that we now get to build on — showing us that success isn’t just personal, it’s communal. Their journeys remind me that I’m part of something bigger — a legacy that stretches beyond my own ambitions. My journey truly took off because of the people I met at Gatton. My roommates, my mentors and professors have inspired me and shaped who I am today.
ELIZABETH KING, Senior Music Performance, BBA, Finance Gatton Ambassador and Presidential Scholar
Why Gatton? As both a flute performance and a finance dual-degree student at UK, my story is unique because I was recruited to play flute at UK and chose to also give the business college a try. Touring Gatton for the first time provided clarity to my decision to attend UK.
Future career: Personally, I see myself starting my career in finance, likely wealth management, and then transitioning to more of an executive leadership role as my career progresses. UK graduates are trailblazers because UK students are trailblazers!
How is your generation different? It is filled with young people who aren’t afraid to forge their own path, even if it is nontraditional. In business, I see this playing out when I hear from young, distinguished UK Gatton Alumni who describe their experience; they didn’t have to pick only one job and work at it for 45 years straight. I find comfort that our generation seeks a career that works for their life’s stages.
What inspires you about Gatton’s graduates over the last 100 years? We might come from all over the world or across the Commonwealth of Kentucky to attend Gatton, but I am inspired by the common thread of all UK students and Big Blue Nation graduates and supporters. We all bleed blue and care deeply about excellence, achieving what is ‘Wildly Possible,’ together!
Who most inspires you? I have always looked up to Alex Francke, a Gatton College graduate and former Miss Kentucky. She leveraged transferable career skills learned at Gatton to forge community partnerships and sponsorships, leaving an incredible legacy for the program.
Clockwise from bottom right:
1. Business sophomore Elaina Musleh and first-year biology student Shaumia Turner at the Gatton Student Center, 2013.
2, 3, 4. Students enjoyed making friends during Welcome Weekend in 2024.
5. Students studying abroad with Professor Jack Kirn tried their skills at making pasta and homemade tomato sauce in May 2024 at Castello di Verrazzano.
6. Students, pictured in “The Kentuckian,” broke the Guinness World Record for largest water balloon fight in 2009 at an event sponsored by Christian Student Fellowship.
A wildcat appeared in “The Kentuckian” in 1925.
Above
Below:
Above left: Two students in a Kirwan-Blanding Complex room, circa 1975.
right: A student walks in front of the Main Building in winter, 1996.
Left: Bicycles parked around prehistoric Whitfield Stump in front of White Hall, circa 1982.
UK President Otis Singletary with four students in front of the Main Building cannon, 1970.
Above left: Robert Haun, professor of accounting, with commerce student John Long, circa 1941.
Above right: Students majoring in textiles had the option to take business courses, including sales promo, circa 1975.
Clockwise from above:
In June 2023, the Department of Management’s education abroad faculty Jack Kirn, Walter Ferrier and Rose Kim took students on a private chartered tour of London on a 1955 Route Master double-decker bus.
A student earns his doctorate from Gatton College on May 23, 2014.
Commerce student Kathleen Carter is pictured in 1950.
UK students participated in a watermelon feast on campus, circa 1965.
The 2014-15 Women in Business Summit took its annual student retreat.
Executive MBA graduation dinner and reception at Kroger Field in 2019.
Left: Gail Hoyt taught an economics class on the Social Stairs in 2019.
Above: An undated photo shows Elizabeth Diane Thompson, a UK senior majoring in business, was recipient of the Achievement Award for Outstanding Business Policy. The award was given by Professor W. F. Starr on behalf of Central Kentucky Management Conference and its president, Mrs. Alelia C. Dipper.
Left: A group of students and guests listened to a presentation on campus, circa 2001.
Above: Gatton students heard a presentation on honesty, integrity and professionalism in 2022.
CONCLUSION
The Story Has Come Full Circle
A hundred years ago, the foundation was laid for something bigger than just a business school. The Gatton College of Business and Economics at UK would go on to shape leaders, launch careers and create community. But perhaps its most lasting impact can be found in the stories that stretch across generations — families who passed down values, dreams and a deep-rooted connection to campus.
Looking back on a century of Gatton College, no ending could be more fitting than celebrating the people who made it a family tradition. The Bruce and Cain families each hold three generations of graduates, and their stories remind us that what happens here doesn’t just prepare someone for a job. It lays the groundwork for a legacy.
A Scholar’s Path, a Family’s Pride
Allen Rondal Bruce walked the halls of Gatton College decades ago, in a time when business was done on adding machines and an MBA class only had five students. He earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from UK, and while his professional path led him through firms like KitchenAid and RJR, and even being named a Kentucky Colonel, his heart remained close to Lexington. Eventually, he followed his dream of becoming an entrepreneur, opening his own business later in life — a move that fulfilled a lifelong desire to build something of his own.
Allen never pushed his children to follow in his footsteps. But his quiet pride in UK and his strong connection to the school spoke volumes to his children. His daughter, Diane Bruce, saw it clearly. She remembers her father’s love for the university, the way he talked about his experience and how the campus remained a point of joy and connection for their family long after he graduated.
Diane eventually followed that pull back to Kentucky. After earning her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Miami University in Ohio, she spent some time work-
ing in Louisville. It was during that time that she taught a class as an adjunct instructor, and the experience reminded her of what she truly wanted: a career in teaching and academia.
Her father had once been approached about earning a doctorate and teaching at UK but passed up the opportunity to pursue stable work in order to provide for his family. Diane says he later wondered what could have been. When she mentioned her own desire to pursue a doctorate, Allen encouraged her to go for it. Diane applied to the doctoral program at Gatton — and was accepted.
She found her stride at UK, crediting mentors like Dr. Frank Scott, Dr. Gail Hoyt and Dr. Bob Gillette with helping her become a skilled teacher and leader. Her graduate school experience was rich with camaraderie, mentorship, and even football tailgates hosted by her parents.
Allen Rondal Bruce with his grandson, baby Alec Anstine.
Her father loved those tailgates, chatting with students and telling stories about his days at UK — some from as far back as the 1950s, when the business school looked quite different.
Today, Diane is dean of the Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine University, a role that allows her to influence the next generation of business leaders just like her professors once did for her. Now, her son Alec is continuing the family legacy as the third generation to attend Gatton.
Alec Anstine earned his bachelor’s from Gatton and is currently pursuing his master’s, making him the third member of the Bruce family to hold two degrees from the college. As a student, Alec dove into campus life, co-chairing Greek Sing and participating in DanceBlue, one of UK’s most cherished traditions. While Diane didn’t pressure him to attend UK, she encouraged him to choose a place where he felt connected. He found that connection at Gatton — and even added a minor in economics, perhaps influenced just a bit by his economist mom.
Diane smiles at the full-circle nature of it all: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the foundation that the faculty and curriculum provided for me,” she said. “I hope my son finds his place as well.”
For her, and for her father before her, Gatton wasn’t just a college. It was a home. And now, it’s part of her family’s story — past, present and future.
Business Built at Gatton and Passed Down with Pride
If you ask the Cain family about their relationship with the Gatton College of Business and Economics, they’ll probably tell you it’s all about entrepreneurship, leadership and building something that lasts.
Rodney “Biz” Cain graduated from the College of Commerce (as it was known then) in 1963 with a degree in business administration. He made the most of it. In 1972, he founded Wiseway Plumbing and Electrical Supply, a business that would grow into a major regional distribu-
tor. He also helped start The Bank of Kentucky in 1990 and served as a Cabinet Secretary under Governor Paul Patton. Biz met his wife Jackie, also a UK graduate, during his time on campus. Together, they built a family and a legacy that kept the college close to their hearts.
Their two sons, John and Charlie Cain, both followed in their father’s footsteps to Gatton in the 1980s. John graduated in 1986 with a degree in finance, accounting and German, and later earned a law degree. During his time at UK, he was elected student body president and served as a student trustee on the Board of Trustees. After graduation, he went on to lead Wiseway Supply as president and CEO, served in national and regional leadership roles and remained deeply involved with UK, including service on the Dean’s Advisory Council and the UK Alumni Association Board. In 2025, he was inducted into Gatton’s Hall of Fame — one more milestone in a life marked by leadership and service.
Charlie also earned his degree from Gatton in 1989, majoring in finance and accounting. He started his career
on Wall Street while earning an MBA in international business at NYU, then returned home to work alongside John at Wiseway before founding his own successful ventures in the food manufacturing industry. Today, Charlie is a co-founder of Trillium Foods, a company that supplies major brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s. Throughout it all, he credits Gatton for giving him the tools to succeed. “The curriculum and professors inspired and equipped me,” he says. He remembers Dr. Bill Ecton making auditing interesting — no small feat! Charlie also built lifelong friendships through his fraternity and the Student Activities Board.
The Cain legacy didn’t stop with John and Charlie. In fact, it’s still growing. Charlie and his wife, Angie, have five children, and three of them — Ryan, Jack and Aly — are current or recent Gatton students. Together, they repre-
sent the third generation of Cains to walk the halls of Gatton College.
Jack, a finance major with minors in international business and economics, is vice president of the UK Mock Trial Team and a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He studied abroad in New Zealand and has his sights set on a future in private equity or banking. “Gatton has provided me with a robust network of driven individuals,” he says. “My dad and grandfather’s legacies are one of success and excellence, and I’m proud to follow that path.”
His sister Aly, a marketing major and Alpha Delta Pi member, also speaks passionately about the value of a Gatton education — even as she prepares for a career in health care. “Even in nursing, having a business background is incredibly valuable,” she said. “Gatton gives students a strong foundation, not just in business but in life.” Like her brother, Aly is inspired by the generations that came before her.
“I feel a sense of pride and purpose knowing that I’m walking the same halls they once did,” she said.
Ryan, the eldest of the three siblings currently at Gatton, rounds out this new generation — each of them honoring the past while forging their own futures.
A Legacy of Leadership, a Future Built on Tradition
The stories of the Bruce and Cain families capture the spirit of what makes Gatton special. Yes, it’s a place of learning, filled with professors and life-changing opportunities. But more than that, it’s a place where generations find belonging, where dreams are encouraged and where values are passed down like heirlooms.
For both families, the Gatton College is a part of who they are. It’s where careers began, where friendships formed, where lives changed. And as their children and grandchildren continue to follow the same path, one thing becomes clear: Legacies aren’t just something you leave behind. Sometimes, they walk beside you. Right into the future.
Above: Ryan, Aly, Charlie and Jack Cain. Opposite page: Dr. Diane Bruce with her son, Alec Anstine.
With Gratitude
Countless hands were involved with making this 100th anniversary book.
Gatton College of Business and Economics would like to thank all who generously contributed to the creation of this book, including the University of Kentucky Libraries and Gatton staff, faculty, alumni, donors and friends. Here’s to the next 100.
Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics. See Gatton College of Business and Economics Carpenter, Cecil C., 14, 18, 19, 58, 66, 68–69, 77, 79, 83, 122, 154–155 Carpenter, Marshall, 68–69 Carpenter, Maurice, 68–69 Carroll, Julian, 68 Carter, Kathleen, 192 Cartier, Nicole, 136, 146–149, 152 Centennial Founders Day Celebration, 88
Center for Business and Economic Research, 126 Center for Entrepreneurship and E-Commerce, 24 Center for Labor Education and Research, 15 Center for Sports Marketing, 107 Chandra, Amitabh, 167 Charles, Danny, 173 Charlesworth, Harold K., 84 Chavez, Carol, 128 Chellgren, Paul, 28, 153, 171 Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, 28
Chinese New Year, 115 Chitwood, Wesley, 175 Chopra, Andy, 174
Chris T. Sullivan Foundation, 33 Christian, Virgil, 160 “Chromodynamics” (Dickes), 121 Clark, Marilyn, 54 Clark, Michael, 178 Clayton, Kensey, 160 Cobb, Shannon, 93 Cocke, Alberto A., 188–189 College Business Management Institute, 82
College of Business and Economics, 72, 74, 79, 83 courses, 84–85, 97 degrees, 97 divisions of, 97 new building, 89, 92, 100–101, 116 see also Gatton College of Business and Economics; College of Commerce College of Commerce, 64, 66, 69, 71, 72, 77, 168, 178 departments, 84 new building, 78–79, 80, 116
see also Gatton College of Business and Economics; College of Business and Economics Collins, Chris, 172, 173 Collins, Martha Layne Hall, 82 Commerce Club, 178 Commerce Employment Association, 58, 178
Department of Accounting, 86 Department of Business Administration, 80 Department of Economics, 107, 117, 118
Department of Management, 80, 117, 118, 129, 192 Department of Marketing and Supply Chain, 117, 118 departments, 117, 118 digital and data-driven tools, 117 history (1925–1950), 58–72 history (1950–1975), 73–90 history (1975–2000), 91–108 history (2000–2025), 109–132 interesting facts, 12 majors and minors, 12, 127, 128, 136, 184
MBA program, 12, 18, 19, 112, 117–118, 119, 124, 127, 135 Mission Statement, 138 new building additions and expansion, 90, 116–117, 119, 120–121, 132–133, 135–138, 148, 153, 173 next 100 years, 133–144 online classes, 12, 19, 108, 117, 127, 184 remote learning, 12, 19, 108, 117, 127, 184 renaming of, 90, 106 study abroad programs, 134–135, 140–143, 184, 192 timeline, 14–17
White Hall Classroom Building, 58, 59, 62, 63, 66, 78, 88, 89, 191 Woodward Hall, 116 see also College of Business and Economics; College of Commerce; University of Kentucky “Gatton from Anywhere,” 127
Gatton Global Experience: Rome, 143 Gatton Global Initiatives, 141 Gatton Global Leaders, 184, 185 Gatton Global Week, 123 Gatton Student Center, 190 Geary, Ronald G., 152 Geisler, James E., 171 Gelman, Courtney Rosenberger, 173 Gentner, Bryce, 128 Gibson, James “Jim” Lawrence, 80, 165 Gibson, Norma Jean, 97 Gillette, Bob, 195 Glickson, Todd, 175 Global Scholars Program, 127, 113, 129, 158, 185 Gluck, Maxwell, 93 Gluck Equine Research Center, 93 Goodwine, Pamela R., 39 Gordon, Joel C., 158, 160 Gorton, Linda, 179 Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs, 123 Graham Office of Career Management, 12, 114, 116, 134, 138, 140, 141, 184 Gray, Mike, 175 Green, Jada, 51 Grehan, Enoch, 64 Grimes, AJ, 164 H Hackbart, Merlin “Merl” Maynard, 85 Hale, Katherine, 141 Hammett, Troy, 171 Harkins, Cindy H., 171 Harris, Mary Ann, 155 Haun, Robert D., 159, 191 Haywood, Charles “Chuck” Foster, 15, 18, 19, 76–77, 80, 86, 97, 121, 150, 152, 164 Haywood, Judith “Judy” Milburn, 76–77 Hazen, Samuel “Sam” N., 30, 171 “Heart of the Machine” (Michalski), 173 Hemmings, Terry, 38, 174 Henson, Andrew, 175 Hettmansperger, Tom, 124 Hillenmeyer, Louis, 64 Housley, J. J., 175 Hoyt, Gail, 193, 195 “Humanity Roll” (Bibbs), 173 Hunter, Lamont, 159 Hutchins, Imar, 55 Hutchinson, Jerome, 84 Huxley, Richard J., 171
I Information Technology (IT) Department, 115, 138 Institute for the Study of Free Enterprise, 126
Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States, 71 Isaac, Earl, 74 Isham, Eric, 174 J Jackson, Kirk, 175 Jacobs, Catherine K., 23, 116, 148, 171 Jacobs, Don, 116, 148 Jacobson, Jason A., 171 James W. Stuckert Career Center, 27 Jayamohan, Vishnu, 175 Jennings, Stephen “Steve”, 170, 174, 175 Jennings, Walter W., 56 Jensen, Richard, 31 Jesse, Steven, 173 Joe Craft Center, 29 Joe Craft Football Training Facilities, 29 John Maze Stewart Department of Finance and Quantitative Methods, 117, 118, 166, 170
Johnson, Lyman T., 50, 55
Jordan, Brad, 94
Joynt, Kevin, 174
Judith Milburn Haywood Staff Award, 77
K
Karp, Andrew, 187
Kelly, Anthony “Champ,” 47
Kennedy’s Book Store, 104 Kentuckian magazine, 104–105, 191
Kentucky Council of Economic Advisors, 15
Kentucky Research Data Center, 126 Kentucky Scholars program, 16 Kentucky Women in Finance, 185
Kessinger, Thomas B. III, 171
Kim, Rose, 192
Kincaid, Garvice, 122
Kincaid, Jane, 122
Kincaid, Joan D., 122
Kincaid, Nelle, 122
Kincaid Auditorium, 116, 122
King, Elizabeth, 189
King, Margaret I., 13
King, Martin Luther Jr., 42
Kirn, John “Jack”, 134, 190, 192
Kirwan, Albert D., 15
Kirwan-Blanding Complex, 191
Klee, Lauren (Fritz), 173
Knoblett, James, 32 Kroger Field, 192
L Lane, J. Elan, 162
LeDoux, Max, 158
Lewis, Howard L., 148, 171
Lewis, Jan, 129
Lewis, Lauren, 158
Lewis, Thomas W., 106, 116, 129
Lewis Honors College, 106, 129, 162, 185 LINKS Center, 127, 180 Littlejohn, Derrick, 171
London, Katherine Elizabeth, 162
Long, John, 191
Lyman T. Johnson Awards, 50–55
Lynskey, Regis, 37 M
Madden, Don, 103 Management Center/Hub, 15, 185
Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, 85, 107 Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, 107, 153 Mathews Building, 137 MBA Advisory Council, 170, 175 McCowan, Will, 159 McCoy, Elizabeth Griffin, 171 McDonner, Kristin, 174 McGaw, John Jr., 174 McGee, L. Randolph, 81 McGray, Brandon, 148 McIntyre, Robson Duncan, 57, 69, 161 McMahon, Michael, 175 McMullen, W. Rodney, 171 McNair, Lauryn, 51 McVey, Frank Lerond, 14, 60–61, 64 McVey, Marjorie, 61 McVey, Sidney, 61 Meek, Sydney, 141–142 Melcher, Columbus R., 61 Memorial Hall, 98, 137 Michalski, Lennon, 173 Mickelsen, Lance, 83 Middleton, Jane Earle, 63 Miles, Erica Y., 53 Miller Hall, 70 Miloszewski, Jennifer, 174 Milward, Emmet, 69
Mullineaux, Donald, 84 Musgrave, Story, 74 Musleh, Elaina, 190 N
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 74 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), 71 Ni, Pin, 31 Nielsen, Scott, 175 Nunn, Louie, 164 O
O’Connor, Nancy Zink, 158, 163 Odhiambo, Shem, 128 Omicron Delta Epsilon, 83 Orefice, Michael, 175 Osei, Benjamin, 175 Oswald, John “Jack” W., 15, 76, 80, 84 P
Paish, George, 178 Panaretos, Anastasia, 187–188 Parker, Frank C. III, 54, 175 Parsons, Kelli, 171 Patel, Ameet, 174 Patel, Dhevin, 186–187 Patrick, Brad, 178 Patterson, James K., 64 Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, 78 Patton, Paul, 85, 196 Paxton, Nancy, 32 Payne, Ashley, 173 Payne, Tina, 101 Peterson, Frank D., 59, 78, 82 Peterson, Michael, 173 Pfeiffer, Ryan, 175 Phelps, Nick, 172 Pigman, Karen and Stanley, 106 Plummer, Mark J., 162 Plummer, Niel, 61 Pomeroy, Claire, 40 Porter, Hunter, 173 Postlethwaite, John, 178 Power, Dave, 155 Presidential Fellows Program, 184 Puckett, Ann, 174 Purvis, Chris, 174 Q Quick, Robert L., 178 R
Ramsey, Frank Vernon Jr., 13 Ramsey, Kezia, 173 Raspberry, Keisha, 47, 53, 175 Reinhart, John, 174 Reitano, Alicia, 46 Rexroat, Mark, 174 Reynolds, Andy, 175 Rho Epsilon Iota, 185 Richard W. and Janis H. Furst Endowed Chair in Finance, 94 Ridgel, Gus, 84 Rigsby, Krista, 152 Rivers, Kaelin, 184 Robinson, Ronald L., 165, 171 Roe, Raymond, 152 Roeth, Scott, 150–151 Rogers, James “Jim” E. Jr., 44 Rogers, Larry E., 162 Roosevelt, Franklin D., 68 Roosevelt, Theodore, 71 Rose, James III, 174
Roselle, David P., 16
Rosenberg, J. David, 106 Rosenberger, Geoffrey, 171
Rosenthal, Betty, 45
Rosenthal, Warren W., 45, 162
Ross, Edgar, 174
Rottmann, Edward, 174
Rouse, Cassidy, 174
Roy, Larry, 174
Ruggiero, Sierra, 184
Rupp, Adolph, 71, 164
Ruschell, Bonnie, 159
Ruschell, George, 159
Russell, David E., 171, 181
Russell, Victoria, 53 S
Salmon, Margaret Dorothy, 71
Sanders, Sarah E., 49, 174
Sandhu, Prab, 173
Savoree, Andie, 152
Schalk, Karen, 86 Schar, Gretchen, 35
Schar Endowed Fund, 35
Schlotman, J. Michael, 160, 174
Schmitt, Austin, 173
Schnellenberger, Howard, 13 Scholars in Engineering and Management, 129, 185 scholarships, 158–163
Cecil C. Carpenter Scholarship Fund, 101
Don and Marla Moore Scholarship, 160
Gary and Anne Smith Scholarship, 161
Gatton Business and Economics scholarship, 162
Gatton College Dream Scholarship, 162
Gatton College Scholarship, 162
Gatton College Scholarship for Emerging Leaders, 161
Society for the Advancement of Management, 26, 83 Solomon, Marty, 25 Sonsteby, Charles M. “Chuck,” 148, 171
Sports Marketing Academy, 107 Staff Council, 170
Stallard, Gerald L., 13 Starr, W. F., 193 Steward family, 161 Stewart, John Maze, 117, 118, 166, 170, 175 Stoll, R. C., 64 Storm, Donald II, 174 Street, Eric C., 83, 181 Stuckert, Diane, 27 Stuckert, James W. “Jim,” 27, 171 Student Union Building, 69 Sudharshan, Devanathan “D.,” 17, 19, 112, 113 Sudharshan, NaLini, 112 Sullivan, Bill and Mary, 33 Sullivan, Chris T., 33 Sullivan, Don, 33 Sullivan, Ryan, 103, 163, 187 “Summer Startup” program, 123 Supply Chain Forum, 123 T Talauliker, Pooja, 175 Tariq, Xeenia, 172, 173 Tate, David, 174
Taylor, Joshua, 140, 141–142 Thomas, Neal, 174 Thomas, Ruth, 70 Thompson, Elizabeth Diane, 193 Thompson, Julie, 174 Thompson, Ryan, 175 Thomson, Sherry, 152 Thurston, David, 36–37 Thurston, Rosemarie A., 36–37, 171 Tibbens, Rexford “Rex,” 41 Tobin, Myra, 150 Todd, Lee T. Jr., 16, 27, 45, 95, 112 Toll, Robert, 65 Transform magazine, 19, 22, 112, 148, 153, 172, 180 Traut, Joel, 46, 175 Troske, Ken, 178 Truman, Harry S., 63 Truman, Lee C. Jr., 63 Turk, C. J., 61 Turner, Shaumia, 190 U UK 101 Peer Instructors, 184 UK Center for Poverty Research, 126 University of Kentucky 100th anniversary, 72 Board of Trustees, 75 Chandler Hospital, 148 College of Agriculture, Food and
Environment, 107, 153
College of Engineering, 106, 129 College of Fine Arts, 121 College of Law, 106 commencement, 81, 93, 108, 192 Computing Center, 111 Ezra Gillis Building, 116 K Book, 85
Launch Blue accelerator program, 153 Main Building, 116, 191
Margaret I. King Library, 89, 97, 113 School of Art and Visual Studies, 121 students, 75, 83, 88, 89, 91, 96, 98, 102, 111, 113, 134, 156–157, 182–183, 192, 193
Sullivan Medallion, 153 tailgates, 156–157 tuition and fees, 66
Undergraduate Resource Center, 115, 116, 138
William T. Young Library, 27 see also Gatton College of Business and Economics; Lewis Honors College Utterback, Jenna, 185–186
V Van Horn, Brian, 174 Varga, Paul C., 34 Venture Studio Bootcamp, 108 Vincent, Leslie, 135 Von Allmen, Douglas J., 16, 24, 94, 108, 171
Von Allmen, Linda, 16, 24, 108 Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE), 94, 95, 108, 126 Board, 170, 174
Von Allmen School of Accountancy. See Douglas J. Von Allmen School of Accountancy Voss, Jordan, 175 W Waddell, Rachael, 173 Walker, Bruce, 165 Walker, Emma Jane Stevens, 13 Walker, Nick, 174 Wall Street Scholars program, 158, 161, 162 Wallace, Edgar, 84 Wambua, Eric, 128 Wells, Jane Brown, 103 Wethington, Charles T. Jr., 16, 24, 45, 100
Thank you for sharing this 100-year journey with us. Longevity always comes down to people, and Gatton College is no exception. Since day one, year after year and class after class, it’s the people who make decisions and believe in the programs and progress that provide the underpinnings of Gatton College of Business and Economics. You are one of those people.
