For 100 years, the Gatton College of Business and Economics has prepared principled leaders, advanced business knowledge and strengthened communities in Kentucky and around the world.
As we celebrate a century of excellence, we invite you to explore Gatton’s story, shaped by innovation, generosity and the countless students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends who have made this college what it is today.
From our founding in 1925 to the state-of-the-art Gatton College building that stands today, this milestone honors our past and looks forward to the bright future ahead.
The Carol Martin 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.
In recognition of his transformative generosity.
"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."
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.
Our alumni have made an impact on the world, and have been recognized for their efforts.
To learn more about what our alumni have done and continue to do, visit our alumni award pages:
Hall of Fame
Distinguished Young Alumni
Lyman T. Johnson Awards
6 undergraduate majors
4 undergraduate minors
6 master’s programs
4 undergraduate certificate programs
4 graduate certificate programs
Gatton College of Business & Economics prepares students to work in global business environments, with graduates securing roles at Fortune-ranked, multinational companies and operating in international markets across Asia, Europe, and South America. This global perspective is reinforced through a robust network of international academic partnerships that expand students’ academic and professional opportunities worldwide.
31 international agreements with 28 institutions in 17 countries 8 international exchange partner universities.
To commemorate our 100th anniversary, Gatton has published 100 Years of Distinction: The Gatton College of Business and Economics, a special-edition coffee table book highlighting the college’s history.
The book details Gatton’s evolution across each decade, from its earliest classrooms to the modern state-of-the-art business hub it has become, with stories of alumni, faculty and incredible donors whose leadership has shaped our legacy.
Friday, April 17, 20266-10 p.m.Gatton College of Business and Economics
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Here at the Gatton College, we remain committed to preparing students to lead, innovate, and create positive change in Kentucky and beyond.
As Gatton enters its second century, our students, faculty and programs are growing faster than our physical footprint. Expanding our facilities will ensure we continue to deliver world-class education, innovation, and impact for generations to come.
Your investment today helps shape the future of Gatton.
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