Tell us about you. Your major, year in school, hometown, anything special about where you grew up.
Hi, I’m Deborah Burden, a senior pursuing a dual degree in accounting and finance with a minor in business analytics. I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, but I spent most of my life in Rochester, New York. One of my favorite things about Rochester and Upstate New York is the nature. In every season, it’s absolutely beautiful. Growing up there meant very snowy winters, but also pretty scenic parks and trails to explore during the summer.
How did you end up coming to UK, particularly to Gatton.
Growing up in New York, I had honestly never heard of the University of Kentucky. During COVID, my parents relocated to Kentucky for work and encouraged me to apply to UK since it was closer to home, and, of course, known for its basketball program.UK was the first school I toured, and from that moment on, it remained my number one choice. I was immediately drawn to the beauty of campus and the welcoming environment. I loved the energy that came with a large student population and the endless opportunities to get involved and explore different paths. Gatton specifically stood out to me because of its strong sense of community.
Tell us about your role in student organizations. How did you get so involved and who has helped you along the way here at Gatton?
During my four years at Gatton, involvement has truly shaped my college experience. As a freshman, I joined the Business Enterprise Living Learning Program, which introduced me to Gatton resources, leadership development and the importance of building community early on. That experience opened my eyes to the many opportunities Gatton had to offer.
From there, I leaned into opportunities aligned with my passion for impact. I joined ConnectFirst, an organization focused on helping underrepresented and underclassmen students transition into college and the business world through mentorship and programming. For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of investing in students’ personal and professional growth, which has been incredibly meaningful and fulfilling.
I also serve as the Program Assistant for Student Leadership Initiatives and Organizations within Gatton, where I support college-wide initiatives and 20 student organizations administratively by advising on policies, programing and leadership development. This role has given me valuable experience in program management and professional development while allowing me to support student leaders behind the scenes.
During my junior year, I wanted to expand my impact even further, which led me to join Gatton Ambassadors. In 2025, I had the honor of serving as president and lead ambassador of the group. In that role, I worked closely with the Dean’s Office, alumni, faculty and staff to create effective programming, strengthen community engagement and advocate for student needs.
Looking back, joining the living learning program was the spark that set everything in motion. These experiences have confirmed that I love leading, advocating for others, and creating spaces where people feel supported and represented.
How have you seen Gatton alums show up to help enrich your undergrad experience?
One of the things I love about Gatton is its strong and engaged alumni network. There are Gatton alumni everywhere who are ready to invest their time, knowledge and resources into supporting students and strengthening the college experience.
I had the opportunity to present at the Dean’s Advisory Council in 2025, which includes distinguished professionals and UK alumni who remain deeply invested in Gatton’s growth and student success. That experience truly showed me how eager alumni are to give back, hear about current student experiences and help shape us into impactful leaders.
Gatton alumni consistently show up, whether it's by speaking at events, mentoring students, hosting competitions, offering internships, or simply making time to connect. That support extends far beyond campus as well. During my internship at PwC, I met several UK alumni, and there was an immediate sense of connection and willingness to support.
How have you used your unique experience and perspective to get the most from your time here at Gatton?
For me, making an impact has always been the goal. I care deeply about representation and about using my experiences to uplift others. You never truly know who is watching you or who may see themselves reflected in your journey.
Throughout my time at Gatton, I’ve been intentional about showing up authentically and advocating for inclusivity in leadership spaces. I’ve had the privilege of serving on committees and councils and being present in spaces that not every student has access to. I take that responsibility seriously because I understand the power of representation and advocacy. I strive to use my voice to speak on behalf of others and ensure that different perspectives are heard.
