Gatton Legacy
Gatton Legacy

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The Bill Gatton Foundation Gift

A Transformative Investment in Kentucky’s Future

The Bill Gatton Foundation Gift represents a historic $100 million investment in the Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky. This landmark philanthropic commitment supports students, faculty, research, infrastructure and innovation that advance agriculture, food systems, environmental stewardship and human well‑being across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Grounded in donor intent and guided by strong governance and stewardship, The Bill Gatton Foundation Gift enables the College to build long‑term capacity, pursue world‑class excellence and deliver meaningful, measurable impact through its land‑grant mission of teaching, research and service.

The Four Pillars of Impact

Graduates hug at commencement

Scholarships & Student Success

Expanding access, affordability, leadership development and experiential learning opportunities for students.

A student sits under a tree with a dog

Companion Animal Program

Advancing research, teaching, extension and partnerships focused on the human–animal bond.

Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building rendering

Capital Projects & New Initiatives

Supporting strategic infrastructure and emerging initiatives aligned with college priorities.

Members of Dr. Monte Salmeron's lab harvest soybean samples from research plots on Spindletop Farm

Faculty Research & Innovation

Strengthening research capacity through faculty appointments, interdisciplinary teams and innovation funding.

Stewardship & Accountability

All programs supported by The Bill Gatton Foundation Gift are administered in alignment with donor intent, University of Kentucky policies and applicable state and federal requirements. Funding decisions follow a structured, transparent review process, and all supported activities are subject to defined reporting and oversight expectations.

Contact Information

Leslie B. Burk, JD
Director of Strategic Initiatives

S103 Ag Science North 1100 South Limestone Lexington, KY 40546

859-257-9388

leslie.burk@uky.edu