Funding Pillars
Pillar 1 - Scholarships and Student Success
The Scholarships and Student Success pillar supports undergraduate scholarships, undergraduate research experiences, leadership development and other initiatives that promote student success within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
Programs supported through this pillar prioritize access, affordability, experiential learning and leadership development. Administration is coordinated through established College and University student success structures and aligns with academic-calendar-based timelines.
Certain scholarship and award programs supported by The Bill Gatton Foundation are administered in coordination with specific academic units, consistent with the terms of the applicable gift agreement.
Annual reporting highlights award distribution, student participation and outcomes aligned with program objectives.
Pillar 2 - Companion Animal Program
The Companion Animal Program advances teaching, research, extension and partnerships focused on the human–animal bond. Named in honor of Mr. Gatton’s companion animals, Higgins and Neyland, the program seeks to establish national leadership in companion animal science and its applications to human and animal well‑being.
Activities supported may include research initiatives, curriculum and certificate development, extension programming, community and clinical partnerships, and program leadership.
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, including partnerships with health‑related colleges, Extension and external organizations.
Pillar 3 - Capital Projects and New Initiatives
The Capital Projects and New Initiatives pillar supports strategic infrastructure investments and emerging initiatives that advance the College’s mission and priorities. This may include planning, design and execution of capital projects, as well as launch support for new initiatives with long‑term significance.
Oversight for this pillar is provided directly by the Dean, with appropriate administrative and financial support.
Pillar 4 - Faculty Research and Innovation
The Faculty Research and Innovation pillar strengthens the College’s research enterprise through endowed chairs, professorships, Grand Challenges and innovation funding. These programs support faculty excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of competitive, externally funded research programs.
Funding under this pillar is designed to build research capacity rather than supplement base salaries and emphasizes outcomes such as knowledge generation, external funding leverage and societal impact.
