LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 8, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics is celebrating the appointment of distinguished alumna and longtime supporter Ruth Cecelia Day to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees as the alumni representative.
Appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear, Day will serve on the university's governing board, bringing decades of leadership experience in public service, technology and finance to one of UK's highest leadership roles.
A 1985 graduate of the University of Kentucky and a 2012 inductee into the Gatton College Alumni Hall of Fame, Day has remained deeply engaged with Gatton College throughout her career. She currently serves on the Gatton Dean's Advisory Council and has long championed opportunities that help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Day retired from state government after serving as chief information officer for the Commonwealth Office of Technology, where she led technology initiatives and advised Kentucky's executive leadership. Prior to her public service career, she spent more than 30 years as a certified public accountant and held executive leadership positions in the private sector.
Her commitment to Gatton extends beyond service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Day helped establish scholarship support for students facing unexpected financial hardship, ensuring they could continue pursuing their education during a time of unprecedented uncertainty. She has also been an active mentor to Gatton students, sharing her experience with students as they prepare for careers in business and leadership.
Throughout her career, Day has emphasized the importance of resilience, encouraging students to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Her appointment to the Board of Trustees reflects a lifetime of service and dedication to the University of Kentucky. As the alumni representative, she will help shape the university's future while continuing a longstanding commitment to supporting students, advancing higher education and strengthening the Commonwealth.
The University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics congratulates Ruth Cecelia Day on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to her continued leadership in service to the university and its students.
