Call for Nominations: College of Business and Economics Interim Dean and Advisory Committee

Dear Colleagues,

Dean Simon Sheather of the UK Gatton College of Business and Economics has announced his decision to retire effective June 30, 2026. Therefore, it is necessary to appoint an interim dean to lead the Gatton College of Business and Economics until a permanent dean is hired. Dr. Sheather has served as dean since July 2018, and we thank him for his years of service in this key leadership role for the University of Kentucky.  

Advisory Committee Nominations
 
I will be forming an advisory committee of faculty, staff and students from the Gatton College of Business and Economics and meet with them to solicit their recommended names of interim dean candidates. If you would like to nominate an individual(s) or yourself to serve on the advisory committee, please click here.

Interim Dean Nominations

In addition, anyone in the Gatton College of Business and Economics community is welcome to suggest names of candidates to serve as interim dean. Please click here to submit your recommendation for an interim dean, including a brief justification. Self-nominations are acceptable. All recommendations and justifications are treated confidentially. 

To ensure full consideration for both advisory committee membership and interim dean recommendations, please submit your nominations no later than noon on Monday, April 13. 
 
Based on the recommendations of the advisory committee and Gatton College of Business and Economics community, I will consider the names suggested and engage in conversations with candidates of interest. With this critical input, I will select an interim dean and announce the appointment soon thereafter.
 
Thank you very much for your assistance in this important matter.
 
Robert S. DiPaola  
Provost