Jonathan Kellogg, alum of the University of Kentucky's Engineering/MBA dual degree program between the Gatton College of Business and Economics and the College of Engineering, now serves as special assistant to Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, or as it’s more commonly known, the governor’s “body man.” Jonathan briefs the governor on news and events, monitors travel plans and much more. Jonathan has found his engineer’s endurance, along with the business education in his MBA, to be invaluable in his current role. 

“Whether you are coming from an engineering or another academic background, an MBA really equips you well for the day and age which we live in the business environment. It was a good decision and gave me that extra measure of confidence." Jonathan remembers. 

He’s had a variety of surreal experiences, from meeting Israeli diplomats to attending multiple meetings and speeches inside the White House. Once, when he accompanied the governor to a speaking event in D.C., he had the opportunity to shake Vice President Mike Pence’s hand.

“It’s been a wild ride. God has opened a lot of amazing doors,” says Jonathan.

Jonathan worked for a Lexington transportation design firm where he’d interned as an undergraduate student. Working for the governor couldn’t have been less on his radar, until one night in late July, he got a phone call from a friend who was serving as the governor’s special assistant but would soon transition out of the job. He thought Jonathan would be an excellent replacement. 

After fulfilling the one to two-year commitment of his current job, Jonathan may pursue political connections and become involved with transportation at the national level. However, he originally sought a civil engineering degree because he wanted to work in overseas missions. A four-month construction project in Uganda during his senior year only increased this desire, so he is considering the possibility of working abroad again. He also may reenter the professional engineering world.