Job Description:

The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky, located on the Western Kentucky University campus, is a nationally recognized program dedicated to advancing the Commonwealth's future through the education of exceptional high school juniors and seniors from across Kentucky with strong interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As a fully residential academy embedded within a comprehensive university environment, the Gatton Academy provides a transformative educational experience that blends rigorous academic preparation, research engagement, and personal development. High school sophomores are invited to apply, and admitted students spend their junior and senior years fulfilling both high school and Gatton curriculum requirements while living within Gatton's residential community.

The Gatton Academy challenges its nearly 200 students to excel at the highest levels, while drawing connections between the classroom and real-world research options. In addition to their coursework, Gatton students have one-on-one mentorship with University faculty through research projects conducted completely outside of the classroom and one-on-one mentorship with Gatton Academy staff to support their personal growth and development. One hundred percent of Gatton students have matriculated to a 4-year college or university.  In addition, 266 Gatton students have been recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. In their first year at Gatton, the Class of 2026 gave 45 presentations at research conferences nationally or internationally, 80% participated in research or STEM+ Global Studies, and 84% studied abroad with Gatton.

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky seeks a qualified candidate to serve as Director. The Director serves as the chief academic and administrative leader of the Academy, responsible for strategic vision, program excellence, student success, and external partnerships across the Commonwealth and beyond. Committed to continuous improvement, the Gatton Academy is looking for a leader who will promote, nurture, and shape its future while building on its strong foundation. The Director will provide vision and leadership to elevate the program, communicate effectively, and foster interdisciplinary, cross-institutional collaboration. This role begins July 1, 2026.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs. The Director reports to the Provost and the responsibilities fall into these main categories:

Visionary Leadership

• Provides leadership in establishing a common mission and vision for Gatton and provides support, encouragement, and direction for reaching and expanding the mission and vision.

Purposeful Collaboration

• Works directly with deans, department heads, and faculty members of WKU to provide a rich and appropriately challenging academic environment for Gatton students.
• Develops constructive external relationships with the Kentucky General Assembly, Kentucky Department of Education, all Kentucky school districts and their high schools, private educational programs, businesses, industries, and interested individuals.
• Supports and participates in fundraising activities. Works closely with Gatton's Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach to build relationships with potential donors and legislators.

Effective Communication

• Promotes and celebrates Gatton throughout the Commonwealth and beyond especially among the stakeholders mentioned above.
• Assists Gatton's Assistant Director of Admissions and Public Relations with recruitment efforts, including conducting information sessions at conferences, school visits, and Gatton recruitment events.
• Builds positive relationships throughout the Gatton Community, including families, students, and alumni.
• Coordinates and teaches the Academy Seminar program, including teaching ACMS 175 for juniors and ensuring ACMS 175 aligns with curriculum guides and meets student needs.

Efficient Administration

• Oversees and supports all units of Gatton, including admissions and public relations, residential life, academic services, counseling, and alumni relations and outreach.
• Supervises, makes work assignments, and conducts performance appraisals. The Director is responsible for 22 staff members and 15 student workers.
• Manages the Gatton budget, ensuring efficient and authorized use of financial resources.
• Establishes, maintains and enforces appropriate policies to ensure student safety and discipline.

A qualified candidate will have demonstrated a skill set that includes the following:

• Initiative, self-discipline, and confidence to lead, encourage, and challenge a school team to expand the mission and vision.
• STEM content knowledge.
• Knowledge of school leadership, effective pedagogy, and the needs of high ability students.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively interact with prospective students and families, current students and families, faculty, staff, University administration, legislators, business partners, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to perform under pressure and willingness to work extended hours, including: Preview Days, Interview Day, Orientation Day, Gat Camp, student retreats, ACMS 175, WKU Student Scholar Showcase and Graduation Day. Business travel is also expected and includes travel to conferences, the Kentucky General Assembly, recruitment events, school visits, alumni dinners, and study abroad programs within the staff rotation.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decisiveness to perform in a leadership capacity with impact.

Performance Expectations - The duties and responsibilities of this position must be performed in a competent manner following the highest standards for leadership, professionalism, integrity, accountability, responsibility, and cooperation.

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through WKU's electronic talent management system: 

• Cover Letter
• Resume

You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in educational leadership or an appropriate field.
• Significant familiarity with high ability high school students and a residential program.
• Prior experience in school administration.

About The Gatton Academy of Math & Science

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Housed on the campus of Western Kentucky University, students take college classes, engage in faculty-led research, and have the ability to study abroad. The Gatton Academy also seeks to provide its students with the companionship of peers; to encourage students to develop the creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-discipline that lead to independent thought and action; and to aid students in developing integrity that will enable them to benefit society. The goal is 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 the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Connections working at The Gatton Academy of Math & Science