WKU News

It’s not every day that high school students get a chance to hear from and speak with their governor in person, but on Thursday, March 9^th, Gatton Academy students welcomed Governor Andy Beshear to Florence Schneider Hall at Western Kentucky University. Although this was Governor Beshear’s third visit to The Gatton Academy, it was his first as Governor of the Commonwealth. The last visitor from the Governor’s office was Lt. Governor Jenean Hampton during the Bevin administration.

“We are grateful for the state’s investment in The Gatton Academy. It’s important for members of our state government to meet Gatton Academy students to see and hear about the real impact their decisions have on the lives of our students,” said Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Director of The Gatton Academy.

During his visit, Governor Beshear shared with students all that the state has been through the last few years and answered a wide range of questions posed by Gatton Academy students. Students had the opportunity to engage in conversations about disaster response, new business developments, legislative policies, and even how Governor Beshear balances being the Governor and a father. 

In reflection of the response of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Beshear thanked students:

“I’m always going to be really grateful for your leadership. And watching you through that taught me a lesson. I used to use this phrase, ‘young leaders,’ and I never will again. You’re just leaders. You’ve already saved lives, and I believe that while it came with a lot of challenges, what you’ve lived through is going to make you one of the most purpose-filled generations.”

Gatton Academy Senior Addie Hoskins of Harrison County shared following the visit,

“Having an acting governor visit Gatton shows that Kentucky’s leaders care about our education. It’s nice to know that we are supported in our aspirations.”

This visit follows Congressman Brett Guthrie’s visit to The Gatton Academy the week prior. The Gatton Academy looks forward to welcoming more sitting government officials to Florence Schneider Hall.

About The Gatton Academy: Established in 2007, The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. The Gatton Academy’s students enroll as juniors and are full-time WKU students pursuing their interests in advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Gatton Academy is a recipient of the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from Insight Into Diversity Magazine and the Innovation Partnership Award from the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools.