Gatton Academy, AT&T Announce Gift for WKU Speaker Series on Innovation

Students at The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at WKU already enjoy unique opportunities for advanced study in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  Thanks to a gift from AT&T Kentucky, these emerging leaders within STEM fields will have the chance to learn from today’s leaders.

The AT&T Innovation and Leadership Speakers Series at the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science will provide Gatton Academy students the opportunity to interact with innovative leaders in both the public and private sectors who have experienced success in their chosen field.  These leaders will share their experience and wealth of knowledge with Gatton Academy students to offer insights and words of encouragement about the challenges and opportunities that they will face after graduation as future leaders of industry and government.

AT&T’s gift of $20,000 to endow the speaker series was announced on Tuesday in an event attended by Gatton Academy and WKU administrators, faculty and students.

Dr. Julia Roberts, executive director of The Gatton Academy, thanked AT&T Kentucky for its generous and continued support of the program.

“The Gatton Academy has a wonderful relationship with AT&T Kentucky,” Dr. Roberts said. “Friends are so important, and all of that is critical to the success of The Gatton Academy.”

The AT&T Innovation and Leadership Speakers Series will allow for long-term planning for bringing outstanding leaders to address the Gatton Academy students twice a year.  Understanding the value of innovation to our present economy and to our future and being inspired by outstanding leaders will motivate young people and help them set their sights at very high levels.

The anticipated outcome of the project is that Gatton Academy students develop a greater appreciation for innovation and leadership that enhances their rigorous academic experience, which is focused primarily in the STEM disciplines.

Dave Weller, AT&T Kentucky regional director, external affairs, noted the decision to support the Academy through the gift is because the program has the potential to help young Kentuckians be exceptional.

“It’s not good enough to be smart.  It’s not enough to be fast.  You have to be ready to take it to the next level when the opportunity comes,” Weller explained before the group of 40 supporters gathered for the event.  “The Gatton Academy has the potential to mold these students and take them to the next level.”

One of the Gatton Academy’s primary goals is to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment that offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

“The Academy experience helps students begin to think of themselves as something more,” explained Corey Alderdice, Gatton Academy assistant director for admissions and public relations.  “To become an emerging leader, a student must begin to see themselves as a leader.  We look forward to sharing some outstanding examples of thought, business, and educational leadership in action through this new series.”

Contact: Corey Alderdice: (270) 745-2971.