Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky

Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director
Phone:  (270) 745-6565; Fax:  (270) 745-2987
Email:  academy@wku.edu
Website:  http://www.wku.edu/academy

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is a residential program on the campus of Western Kentucky University for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interests in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students enhance their creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-discipline through the companionship of peers, university courses, faculty-led research, and study abroad, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Gatton Academy strives to be a global leader in education, preparing Kentucky students for tomorrow’s STEM careers and infinite possibilities.

Gatton’s five tenets guide our decision-making and how we interact with one another, our communities, and beyond.

  • Integrity is foundational to all interactions and the ability to make ethical decisions in difficult situations.
  • Compassion allows us to demonstrate concern for others, value their feelings, and provide an atmosphere safe and nurturing for everyone.           
  • Respect communicates the rights and dignity of all people are valued.
  • Equality demands individuals be valued for their strengths and potentials.
  • Diversity strengthens our community by embracing the differences in all people and the perspectives we each contribute.

Each year, The Gatton Academy admits Kentucky students who apply during their high school sophomore year and are awarded admission based on standardized test scores, grades, responses to essay questions, recommendations, and personal interviews. Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students enroll in Gatton and live in a uniquely dedicated Gatton Academy residence hall, taking courses offered by WKU. Their classmates are fellow Gatton students and WKU undergraduate students.  At the end of two years, Gatton students will have earned a minimum of 60 college credit hours in addition to completing state high school graduation requirements.