Last Fall, the Gatton College sponsored a financial and valuation modeling seminar delivered by corporate partner, Wall Street Prep. Since 2004, Wall Street Prep—the industry leader—has trained thousands of financial analysts at investment banks, private equity firms, investment funds, and Fortune 1000 companies.

Laura Boison, Market President of Truist (formerly BB&T) & Chair of the UK Gatton College Finance Advisory Board, along with Keith Carlson, CEO of Roebling Capital Partners, Managing Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at VonLehman & Company & co-Chair of the Finance Advisory Board Student Outcomes Committee, have committed financial support for the Wall Street Prep experience, enabling UK students to benefit from the training at an affordable price for the next few years.

“Truist is committed to our communities supporting resources that strengthen career pathways and provide economic mobility for all. Wall Street Prep exposes UK students to relevant, competitive skills differentiating them in the remarkably competitive job market and positioning them for long term career success. We are truly grateful to the college, and Dr. Wendy Liu, Senior Lecturer in Finance and Director of the Wall Street Scholars program for their initiative to provide this experience as part the curriculum.” Laura Boison said.

“The Wall Street Prep seminar is comprised of a critical curriculum for students who desire to pursue careers in investment banking, private equity, or asset management. Because the concepts covered in the Wall Street Prep seminar are not covered in depth within classroom settings at most schools, future Gatton alumni that obtain the experience from the seminar will be uniquely qualified relative to their peers from other schools that are seeking similar positions. As a Gatton College alumnus eager to create a more robust M&A and private equity climate in the region, cultivating talent in Kentucky is very important to me,” Keith Carlson said.

"We are extremely delighted to have wonderful finance advisory members like Laura and Keith who are so committed to helping Gatton students position themselves for success. Partnerships like this strengthen the opportunities our students receive." said Dean Simon Sheather. 

This intensive weekend seminar is led by former investment bankers with expertise and experience in modeling large business transactions such as mergers or buyouts. Their unique and time-tested approach bridges the gap between the classroom and the real world, equipping students with the skills that they will need to excel during the recruiting process, their internships, and ultimately, their permanent positions.  The November seminar was led by Mr. Tuck Northrup, who has over six years of teaching experience and worked on Wall Street as an investment banking analyst.

“Last fall, I taught a financial statement modeling seminar to University of Kentucky students over Zoom and got a sense for their talent, dedication, and drive. This year, I had the pleasure of traveling to UK to train undergrads and MSF students at the Gatton College building, which was absolutely beautiful,” said Tuck Northrup. “My favorite part of working for Wall Street Prep is traveling to colleges like UK to teach financial modeling to the next generation of investment bankers, equity research analysts, and investors. I get to work with excited business students as they survey future opportunities and build up the skills necessary to succeed on the desk.”

The seminar attracted 50 students from a variety of majors across the campus, all interested in preparing themselves for employment in a highly competitive industry.  "Mr. Northrop and the Wall Street Prep course provided an excellent introduction to the expectations and techniques of utilizing Excel software in the investment banking environment, in addition to providing a useful explanation of the rationale and principles of the industry," states Kevin Sanders, a double major in Finance and Mining Engineering.  

“It’s been a pleasure working with Dr. Liu and the finance faculty at the University of Kentucky over the past seven years to host our Wall Street Prep on-campus training seminars. It’s been a successful partnership, and we look forward to continuing our relationship and helping to prepare UK students for success in their internships and finance careers,” said Matthew Blair, Director of University Relations, Wall Street Prep.

The Wall Street Prep seminars are scheduled to be return for Fall 2022 and Fall 2023.