University of Kentucky opens Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building

The University of Kentucky’s new Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building is officially open. The building will benefit students in the university’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment with several new academic classrooms, study spaces, and the Center for Student Success. The new building cost $60 million and is part of a larger university effort to modernize facilities and the student experience.

According to an article on the University of Kentucky’s website, UK President Eli Capilouto was quoted as saying, “Today, we are honored to commemorate another important milestone in the history of our Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. This building, and those who will work in it, will help advance our enduring and precious promise to the state we were created to serve. By creating a space where students, faculty and programs come together under one roof, we are strengthening our ability to prepare the next generation of leaders who will advance agriculture and improve lives across all 120 counties in our Commonwealth. And as Kentucky’s land-grant institution, we remain committed to our mission — 160 years strong — and are deeply grateful for the generosity that makes today possible.” 

The Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building will house several academic programs, including Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, the Department of Community and Leadership Development, Higgins-Neyland Companion Animal Program, Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Pre-Veterinary Mentoring, and UK Ag Equine Programs. The new building houses 18 classrooms, a cafe, study areas, collaboration spaces, and the Center for Student Success.

Tyren Harris, a freshman who is majoring in agricultural education, said of the new space, “As a student, it’s exciting to see this kind of investment in our future. This building creates a place where we can come together, get our work done and support each other. That makes a big difference in your experience as a student.”

Made possible in part from a gift from the The Bill Gatton Foundation, the Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building features a photograph of the Gatton family farm to honor the parents of the late Bill Gatton, Edith Martin and Harry W. Gatton Sr.

Laura Stephenson, Ph.D., who serves as the vice president for land-grant engagement and the dean of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, said, “The story of the Gatton family is deeply connected to the story of agriculture in Kentucky. Their legacy reminds us that education creates opportunity, and that investing in students today will shape the future of agriculture for generations to come.”

Danny L. Dunn, a trustee for The Bill Gatton Foundation, said, “Bill Gatton believed that investing in people creates opportunities that change people’s lives today and for generations. This building reflects his commitment to students, faculty, the administration and to the future of agriculture. It is exciting to know that the experiences, connections and ideas that begin here will shape leaders who will serve Kentucky, people and communities not only in the Commonwealth but far beyond it.”

For more information about the University of Kentucky, visit the school’s website.