When Michael Wheeler arrived at the University of Kentucky, he planned to study finance through the Wall Street Scholars Program. Four years later, he leaves the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics as a triple major, national fellowship participant, student government leader and one of the university’s highest student honorees.
This spring, Wheeler was named one of two recipients of the Otis A. Singletary Outstanding Senior Award, recognizing sustained leadership and service to the University of Kentucky. He also recently represented UK and Gatton College in Washington, D.C., as a 2025-26 Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) Presidential Fellow, presenting original research on economic development policy and leadership.
For Wheeler, the experience reflected years of growth shaped by leadership and relationships formed throughout his time at Gatton College.
“My experience at Gatton has been transformational, both personally and professionally,” Wheeler said. “Beyond the classroom, Gatton gave me opportunities to grow through leadership, study abroad, campus involvement and meaningful relationships with faculty and peers.”
Originally from Kentucky, Wheeler said he has always felt a strong connection to both the state and the university. That connection became part of what motivated him to pursue the CSPC Presidential Fellowship, a bipartisan leadership and public policy program that brings together students from universities across the country.
“What drew me to apply was the opportunity to represent both the University of Kentucky and the Gatton College of Business and Economics on a national stage,” Wheeler said. “As someone who has lived in Kentucky my entire life, I take tremendous pride in both this state and this university.”
At the fellowship’s leadership conference in Washington, Wheeler presented a research paper titled “Betting on the Right Horse: Evaluating Kentucky’s Business Incentives and Lessons for Presidential Economic Leadership at America’s 250th Anniversary.”
The project examined how states use incentives such as tax breaks and economic development packages to attract businesses and investment — and how governments can better evaluate whether those investments ultimately benefit taxpayers.
“My research focused on Kentucky’s use of business incentives to attract economic development and what national leaders could learn from those efforts,” Wheeler said.
The title itself carried a Kentucky connection.
“In Kentucky, horse racing is deeply tied to our identity and culture, and I used that metaphor to describe how governments are effectively placing bets on private businesses with public funds,” Wheeler said.
Within the fellowship, Wheeler’s project stood out because it approached policy through an economic and business lens rather than a purely political science perspective. He credits his experience at Gatton College with helping him approach leadership and policy questions differently.
“My coursework at Gatton gave me the analytical and strategic foundation to better understand the intersection of business, economics and public policy,” Wheeler said.
That interdisciplinary perspective developed over time. Wheeler entered UK as a finance major through the Wall Street Scholars Program before adding management and eventually economics after a study abroad experience.
“The turning point came after studying abroad with Professor Darshak Patel following my sophomore year,” Wheeler said. “That experience sparked a deep interest in economics and how economic systems shape industries, communities and everyday life.”
Wheeler said experiences both inside and outside the classroom helped shape his understanding of leadership. Along with his academic work, he served as chief of staff for the UK Student Government Association, balancing campus leadership with a demanding academic schedule.
“As Chief of Staff for Student Government, my responsibilities included helping turn ideas into action while supporting the Student Body President, Vice President and our broader leadership team,” Wheeler said. “That experience taught me how to delegate, solve problems efficiently and lead even when every answer is not immediately clear.”
The CSPC Fellowship further expanded his perspective by exposing him to students and leaders from across the country and around the world. During the conference, fellows heard from policymakers, professors and national leaders, including former U.S. Senator and West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin.
“One of the biggest lessons Senator Joe Manchin emphasized was the importance of bipartisanship and putting your constituents ahead of political parties,” Wheeler said.
For Wheeler, the experience reinforced the importance of collaboration and communication in leadership.
“It showed me that leadership is not simply about having strong ideas,” he said. “It is about bringing people together, working through disagreements and focusing on solutions that create a long-term positive impact.”
Faculty mentorship also played a major role in Wheeler’s development during his time at Gatton College. He specifically pointed to Patel, Quint Tatro, John Kirn and John Saliling as influential mentors, along with the opportunities provided through the Wall Street Scholars Program.
“Whether presenting research in Washington, D.C., or discussing economic issues with experienced professionals, Gatton gave me the confidence and professionalism to succeed in those environments,” Wheeler said.
After graduation, Wheeler will move to New York City to join Rilla, a fast-growing technology startup, where he will work in sales and growth.
While the move represents a major transition, Wheeler said his time at UK taught him the importance of stepping into unfamiliar environments.
“One philosophy I have tried to embrace is being ‘brave enough to fail,’” Wheeler said. “I believe growth often comes from stepping into unfamiliar environments and taking meaningful risks.”
Even as he begins the next chapter of his career, Wheeler said Kentucky remains central to how he thinks about leadership and long-term impact.
“Long term, I would love to continue finding ways to contribute to Kentucky’s future, whether through business, economic development or public service,” Wheeler said. “I have always had a strong passion for helping communities grow and creating opportunities for others. Kentucky will always be my home no matter where I am.”
As the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics continues preparing students for careers in finance, economics, entrepreneurship and leadership, Wheeler believes the value of the experience extends well beyond academics.
“Gatton will help you grow not only academically, but also personally by challenging you through new experiences, new perspectives and opportunities that shape who you become long after graduation,” Wheeler said.
