Congratulations, Kentucky! After nearly a decade of advocacy and planning, the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is a reality. In this first year, Academy students represent 61 counties that span the Commonwealth in all directions. Thanks to the support of legislators, businesses, educators, and parents, the Gatton Academy now stands as a beacon of excellence for Kentucky and a testament to the infinite possibilities that lie ahead for some of the state's brightest young minds.
Gatton Academy Selects 62 Students from 44 Counties for Class of 2010
April 9, 2008
The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky at Western Kentucky University has selected 60 students for its Class of 2010.
The students span 44 counties from across the Commonwealth. This gifted group of high school sophomores brings with them to the Gatton Academy an average ACT score eight points higher than the statewide average for graduating seniors.
In all, 130 students applied and were judged based on ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, awards, responses to essay questions, and letters of recommendation. Then 100 were invited for interviews with Academy staff members and representatives from across the Commonwealth. In the end, 60 dynamic applicants emerged from the review process.
The selected students scored an average of 28.8 composite on the ACT and 29.2 on the math portion of the exam. The highest possible score is a 36. The 2007 statewide average ACT score for graduating Kentucky high school seniors was 20 on the math portion of the exam and 20.7 composite.
| “We are extremely excited to welcome this outstanding group of students to the Gatton Academy,” said Corey Alderdice, assistant director of admissions and public relations for the Gatton Academy. “These students bring with them numerous talents and abilities. Most of all, they bring a passion for learning and a readiness to bring the state of Kentucky fully into the economy of the 21st century.”
The incoming class includes students from the following counties: Adair, Boone, Bourbon, Boyd, Bullitt, Butler, Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Daviess, Fayette, Franklin, Grant, Graves, Greenup, Hardin, Harlan, Henderson, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, LaRue, Laurel, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, McCracken, McCreary, McLean, Mercer, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Owen, Pendleton, Pike, Rowan, Simpson, Spencer, Trigg, Warren and Woodford.
The goals of the Gatton Academy are to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in Kentucky. Moreover, the Gatton Academy will prepare Kentucky to compete in a knowledge-based economy by increasing the number of scientists and engineers who live and work in the state. The students will finish their junior and senior years living in the renovated Schneider Hall and taking courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, they will be high school graduates and will have earned at least 60 college credit hours.
Tim Gott, director of the Academy, looks for these students to continue the level of engagement and success of the program’s inaugural group of students. “Our inaugural group of students has set a very high standard in the classroom, research labs and across the WKU campus,” Gott said. “These incoming students will build upon these experiences and to push the bar higher.”
The Academy provides a rich living/learning environment designed specifically for academically talented adolescent students that features research, clubs, organizations and community service.
The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s only state-supported, residential program for high school students with interests in science and math careers and the 14th such program in the nation. More information about the Gatton Academy is available online at http://www.wku.edu/academy/
For information, contact Corey Alderdice at (270) 745-6565.
Students May Still Apply for the Gatton Academy
Updated April 9, 2008
Though the initial deadline for review has passed for applying to the Gatton Academy, interested students are still able to submit applications for admission. Late applicants will be added to the pool of wait-listed students and will be interviewed as space and opportunities allow. Students who were not selected in the intial group of students should contact the Gatton Academy should they received updated ACT/SAT scores, transcript of grades, or other information that would be useful in addressing students on the waiting list fo admission. For information on admission to the Gatton Academy, please telephone Corey Alderdice at 270.745.2971.
Gatton Academy Receives AT&T Dynamic Leadership Series Grant
February 11, 2008
Representatives of AT&T Kentucky, the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, and legislators gathered on February 1 , 2008, for the announcement of the AT&T Dynamic Leadership Series grant.
“The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science is an exciting step forward for education in Kentucky,” said Joan Coleman, president of AT&T Kentucky. “AT&T recognizes the importance of developing leadership skills to prepare students to be our future scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. We are very pleased to be a part of this inaugural class.”
The creation of the AT&T Dynamic Leadership Series will provide opportunities for students at the Gatton Academy to hone leadership skills and to enhance their understanding of leadership concepts. This grant of $35,000 will make possible consultants, materials and other resources to nurture leaders, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Dr. Julia Roberts, Executive Director of the Gatton Academy, highlighted the importance of the AT&T Dynamic Leadership Series for “building leaders who are entrepreneurs.”
The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science opened in the fall of 2007. With its opening, Kentucky becomes the 14th state to have a residential school for advanced high school students with a focus on mathematics and science that is supported by the state legislature. The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics was the first school, established in 1980.
One of the major goals of the Gatton Academy is to develop leadership in the STEM disciplines. The economy of a state depends on innovation that often comes from these disciplines.
“Leadership is a fundamental purpose of the Gatton Academy,” said Tim Gott, Director of the Gatton Academy. “The AT&T grant will enable us to provide substantial training for students as they develop as young leaders. With these opportunities, Academy students will explore key components of leadership, reflect on their individual gifts and abilities, interact with established leaders, and become involved in leadership roles across in the disciplines and beyond. The impact of the AT&T gift will be felt for years to come.”
Gatton Academy Featured in Kentucky Living Magazine, Louisville's WFPL
January 28, 2008
The Gatton Academy receives some state-wide attention in the February 2008 issue of Kentucky Living magazine. The article spotlight's the first year of the program at WKU.
Louisville radio station WFPL 89.3 FM recently visited Schneider Hall to speak with students about their perspective on the program. Kentucky Speaker of House Jody Richards also weighs in on the program importance in the story.
February 15, 2008 Postmark Deadline for Admission Quickly Approaching
January 28, 2008
Students interested in applying for the Gatton Academy's Class of 2010 (current high school sophomores) should note the postmark date for admissions materials is February 15, 2008. To receive full consideration for the program, all materials must meet this deadline.
Students who have only recently heard of the program may still apply. Students who have yet to take the SAT or ACT must submit copies of PLAN test scores from their sophomore year; however, these scores do not replace the ACT or SAT requirement and are used for reference purposes only. Students are encouraged to stand-by test for the February ACT or register for the March ACT. Students without an available ACT or SAT score on the February 15, 2008, deadline will have their applications reviewed on a provisional basis.
The Gatton Academy will continue to accept applications throughout the Spring. Review will be on a case-by-case basis for qualified applicants.
Other questions about admissions may be directed to Corey Alderdice, Assistant Director, Admissions and Public Relations at 270.745.2971.
Final Gatton Academy Preview Weekend Scheduled for February 2, 2008
January 3, 2008
The Gatton Academy will host its final Preview Weekend of the current admissions cycle on Saturday, February, 2, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Events will take place at Schneider Hall on the WKU campus.
Families will register in the Schendier Hall student lobby beginning at 9:30 a.m. Sessions will begin at 10 a.m. at the fourth floor common area. Activities for the day will also include campus and hall tours as well as parents and students question-and-answer panels.
Preview Weekends are a wonderful opportunity for prospective applicants and their families to meet with current Academy students and their parents, visit Schneider Hall, and gain a better understanding of student life at the Gatton Academy.
Parking will be available in the lot behind Schneider Hall, which is accessible from College Heights Blvd. For a WKU campus map, click here.
Please RSVP by telephoning 270.745.6565 no later than Thursday, January 31, 2008.
Gatton Academy Accepting Applications for Assistant Director, Academic Services
December 13, 2007
Western Kentucky University, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Director, Academic Services. The Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is a newly-formed residential school, established and funded by the Kentucky legislature, on the campus of Western Kentucky University. Students will earn dual-credit, completing both their last two years of high school and the earning at least 60 hours of college credit. This is a 12-month position, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2008. The position reports to the Director of the Academy.
Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter describing qualifications and experience, a current resume, copies of transcripts, along with names, addresses, daytime phone numbers and
e-mail addresses for three professional references using the online application process. Please forward transcripts to: Human Resources Department, Western Kentucky University, Search Committee: Assistant Director, Academic Services, Wetherby Administration Building, Room G25, 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11003, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1003 or email glenda.wahl@wku.edu. Please refer to the following website to apply: http://asaweb.wku.edu/wkujobs or call (270) 745-5934 for assistance. Reference requisition number S1767. To ensure full consideration please submit application materials by February 15, 2008. Position will remain open until filled.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply including women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and disabled veterans.
Western Kentucky University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.Check-Out and Check-In Notes for end of Fall Term, Beginning of Winter Term
December 3, 2007
Students should check-out for the end of Fall Term after completing their last final exam. All students should be checked out no later than 7 p.m. on Friday, December 14, 2007.
Students will need to return to campus for Winter Term classes beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2008. All students must return to later than curfew that evening. Winter Term classes begin on Wednesday, January 2, 2008.
Students participating in the Italian Experience study abroad will meet academy representatives at their designated airport on Friday, January 4, 2008.
Gatton Academy in the News
November 19, 2007
As the current admissions cycle moves along, several newspapers have published feature articles about the Gatton Academy. The Henderson Gleaner profiled students from that area of the state. The Bowling Green Daily News covered this past weekend's Preview Day.
Bowling Green Daily News
Academy welcomes prospective students
Henderson Gleaner
Beyond their years: High school students advance to college life in Western program
Please forward links to any additional stories to academy@wku.edu.
Gatton Academy Featured on WKYU-FM Public Radio
November 16, 2007
Gatton Academy Executive Director Julia Roberts as well as current students Jennifer Robinson and Christopher Allpress recently recently spoke with WKYU-FM's Kevin Willis. The interview provides a perspective on daily life at the Gatton Academy as well as a report of the program's first semester. To listen to the interview, please visit the link below.
WKYU-FM Feature on the Gatton Academy
Gatton Academy Preview Video
Reposted on November 7, 2007
Gatton Academy Featured on Morehead Public Radio
October 29, 2007
Gatton Academy Director Tim Gott recently appeared on Morehead State University Public Radio's The Front Page. The interview provides a comprehensive overview of the Gatton Academy as well as commentary on the program's first year. To listen to the interview, please visit the link below.
Preview Weekend to be Held Saturday, November 17
October 24, 2007
The Gatton Academy will host its second Preview Day on Saturday, October 13, 2007, at Schneider Hall on the WKU campus.
Registration and arrival is scheduled between 9:30-10:00 a.m (CDT). Parking will be available in the lot behind Schneider Hall. Additional parking is available in Parking Structure 1, located down the hill from Schneider. The Preview Day session lasts from 10:00 a.m.-1 p.m.
Interested students and their families to RSVP for Preview Day no later than the Thursday prior to the event. You may RSVP by telephoning the Gatton Academy office at 270.745.6565 or by email to academy@wku.edu.
Preview Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to speak with Gatton Academy staff members regarding student life, academic services, and counseling services provided to Gatton Academy students. Families will also tour Scneider Hall and the WKU campus. The day concludes with a question and answer panel featuring current Gatton Academy students and parents.
An additional Preview Day is slated for February 2, 2008.
2007 Community Information Session Dates Annouced
October 3, 2007
The Gatton Academy will conduct close to thirty Community Information Sessions throughout the Commonwealth during Fall 2007. Information sessions allow prospective Gatton Academy students, their parents, and educators the opportunity to speak with Academy representatives without having to travel to Bowling Green. Twenty sessions have been scheduled and are available on the Calendar page of the Gatton Academy website. As additional sessions are confirmed, they will be added to the website. To view a full listing of sessions, please click the link below.
2007 Community Information Sessions
Spring 2008 Closed Weekends Announced
September 19, 2007
Dates for the Spring 2008 semester's closed weekends are now available. In addition to the closed weekends listed below, students may designate two weekends as "Travel Weekends" as needed.
Depart Friday, January 18, 2008; Return Monday, January 21, 2008
Depart Friday, February 15, 2008; Return Sunday, February 17, 2008
Depart Friday, March 7, 2008; Return Sunday, March 16, 2008
Depart Friday, April 11, 2008; Return Sunday, April 13, 2008
Photo Gallery from Gatton Academy Dedication Online
August 24, 2007
Photos from yesterday's dedication of the new Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky are now available online. Special guests attending the ceremony included: WKU President Gary Ransdell, Mr. C.M. "Bill" Gatton, Kentucky Speaker of the House Jody Richards, Education Secretary Laura Owens, and several legislators, educators, and guests from across Kentucky.
View the Gatton Academy Dedication Slideshow
Gatton Academy In the News Across Kentucky
August 24, 2007
With the dedication of the Gatton Academy came several news articles throughout the Commonwealth about the program. Visit the links below for stories from various outlets.
Courier-Journal
Gifted Ky. students get their own school
Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
Academy reflects vision of progress
Opportunity thrills students
Lexington Herald-Leader
GIFTED-STUDENT ACADEMY NAMED
Calibre
Academy reflects vision of progress: Institute named for C.M. Gatton
Kentucky Post
Top teens get jump-start at academy
Daily News
Philanthropist gives $4M gift
WBKO-TV
College Academy Opens For High School Students
WKYU-FM
WKU announces $4 million gift for new academy
Academy Dedicated, Named for Educational Philanthropist C.M. "Bill" Gatton
August 23, 2007
As 120 of
The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky opened at WKU earlier this month to 120 of the state’s most gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. According to WKU President Gary Ransdell, “This residential program selects the state’s brightest students, who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering. The goal of the
Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools students will live in the renovated Schneider Hall and take courses offered by WKU. At the end of two years, they will be high school graduates and will have earned at least 60 college credit hours from WKU.
Through a substantial leadership gift, Mr. Gatton, a businessman from
The $4 million gift from Mr. Gatton, according to
“Mr. Gatton’s gift will provide funding for student research, service projects, visiting scholar opportunities, and other substantial educational programming,” he explained. “These experiences will broaden the educational scope for the Gatton Academy’s students, which will impact them in a deep and meaningful way.
Tom Hiles, WKU’s vice president for Institutional Advancement said that, along with his business success, Mr. Gatton is known for his support of education in the Commonwealth and beyond. “He is a role model and has inspired countless other donors to support higher education,” he said. “We are so grateful for his support and his willingness to lend his name to this innovative, statewide Academy.”
Mr. Gatton’s business interests include banking, real estate and automobile dealerships. A
Mr. Gott said WKU is extremely appreciative of this leadership support. “Mere words cannot express our gratitude for this gift,” he said. “With this opportunity, we stand to be on the forefront of education in the nation. Mr. Gatton’s generosity will pay dividends in the lives of students for years to come.”
The inaugural class of the Academy of
Student Mailing Address for Schneider Hall
August 22, 2007
Parents, friends, or family members wishing to send mail to Academy students should note the residential mailing address for Schneider Hall:
Student Name
Florence Schneider Hall Room (xxx)
1509 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Inaugural class of 120 moves into WKU dorm
from The Daily News (Bowling Green), by Natalie Jordan, August 22, 2007
Mounds of clothing, containers, microwaves, fans and other items used to deck out a dorm room were moved into Western Kentucky University's Florence Schneider Hall today as the inaugural class of Academy of Mathematics and Science at WKU checked in.
The class has 120 students from 62 counties across the state.
“This is the fun day for us,” said Deborah Guffy, assistant director of student life for the academy. Guffy has worked at four different academies elsewhere. “This place doesn't become a school until we get everybody moved in. The students waited so long to be here. This is the final step.”
The class visited Western in May for orientation and to register for the upcoming year. Now, with renovations to the hall nearly complete, students and WKU faculty were anticipating the move in.
Academy Director Tim Gott said looking forward to this day is an understatement. He said it's a culmination of so much, and being a part of it gives him joy.
“For many people who've worked with the academy, this is a decade of work coming to fruition,” said Corey Alderdice, assistant director admissions and public relations for the academy. “There's a lot of excitement. We have some extremely talented students. They bring passion, enthusiasm and a sense of pride to what they can accomplish here.”
Read the full story by clicking here.
Academy on the Air
Academy Planning Coordinator Corey Alderdice recently appeared on WKMS-FM's (Murray) program Meridian. You can listen to a MP3 of the interview about the Academy by visiting the link below.
Benefits of the Academy for Kentucky, its Students, and Schools
How will the state benefit?
The economy of a state is closely tied to the educational opportunities that are provided within it. North Carolina was the first state to have a state residential school, and the North Carolina School of Mathematics and Science is twenty-six years old. Members of the legislature recognize the impact the graduates of the North Carolina School have on the state economy, so they provide scholarships to all graduates of NCSSM to attend a university in the North Carolina system. Kentucky also will find a connection between the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky and our state economy. Currently Kentucky ranks 47th in the number of scientists and engineers. Of course, this statistic is appalling in light of the fact that innovation is linked to professionals with these interests and abilities, and innovation is a key factor in fueling the economy of a state. The Gatton Academy should impact that statistic by providing challenging learning opportunities for young people who are ready for advanced study.
How will young Kentuckians benefit?
One hundred and twenty young people will participate in this residential program for high school juniors and seniors with a focus on math and science. They will engage in classes and research to further their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. They will earn 60 college credits while also obtaining a high school diploma. They will learn with peers who are share their interests.
How will the home high schools benefit?
Educators in the district and school will have the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky as an educational option for their most advanced students. The home high school will include the scores of the Gatton Academy student(s) in their school’s scores, so no one will lose when a young Kentuckian is selected to attend the Gatton Academy. Honors earned by the student also return to the home high school, so everyone wins. Both the school and the high school student are honored when the selection to attend the Gatton Academy is made.
Indeed, it is a time of celebration as the Commonwealth opens the Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. Remember the Academy isn’t about The Center for Gifted Studies. We simply stewarded it, advocated for it, explained the need. The Academy isn’t about Western Kentucky University. Western, realizing the great need Kentucky has for such a residential school, dedicated space, instructors, and an optimal learning environment. The Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is all about Kentucky and Kentucky’s young people. Our Commonwealth must nurture and develop these precious resources. We must ready ourselves and prepare our people to compete in a global economy and a “flattened” world.
Kentucky educators are engaged in a major effort to enhance opportunities for all of our high school students. An integral component of our work is the new Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, a special residential learning opportunity for selected gifted juniors and seniors. No longer will these youngsters be limited by the lack of opportunity to pursue their gifts and dreams.Gene Wilhoit
Executive Director
Council of Chief State School Officers
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