Dean Simon Sheather to retire after transformative tenure at UK Gatton College of Business and Economics

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 24, 2026) — After more than three decades in higher education — and nearly eight years of transformative leadership at the University of Kentucky — Simon Sheather, Ph.D., will retire as dean of the Gatton College of Business and Economics, effective June 26.

Since joining UK on July 1, 2018, as the eighth dean of Gatton College, Sheather has led a period of remarkable growth and innovation — expanding enrollment, strengthening academic programs, elevating the college’s national reputation and positioning it for long-term success.

“Serving as dean of Gatton College has been the pinnacle of my leadership career and one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Sheather said. “Over the past several years, I’ve been proud to work alongside an exceptional community of faculty, staff, students and alumni who care deeply about this college and its mission.”

A strong advocate for the college’s mission to prepare principled leaders for the global economy, produce influential research and support economic growth in Kentucky and beyond, Sheather championed initiatives that expanded access to business education and embraced emerging technologies.

Soon after arriving at UK, he announced a real-time online MBA option and launched a business analytics minor that quickly became one of the college’s most popular academic offerings.

Under his leadership, the Gatton College expanded opportunities for both recent graduates and working professionals through new graduate programs and certificates in high-demand fields, including supply chain management, strategic human resource management and analytics, marketing, and business analytics.

During Sheather’s tenure, total enrollment increased from 3,809 students in fall 2018 to 5,943 students in Fall 2025 — growth of more than 50%. The college’s freshman class also experienced significant growth, increasing from approximately 650 students in 2017 to more than 1,500 students in 2025.

During that time, the college expanded its academic portfolio with more than a dozen new degree programs and certificates in areas aligned with workforce needs — helping ensure graduates are prepared to thrive in an increasingly data-driven and globally connected economy.

Under his leadership, the Gatton College’s national standing reached new heights. The college’s MBA program climbed from No. 86 in U.S. News & World Report rankings when Sheather arrived to No. 53 overall and No. 27 among public institutions in 2026 — the highest rankings in the program’s history.

Beyond enrollment growth and rankings, Sheather focused on strengthening faculty excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and external partnerships.

Notable initiatives included the establishment of the college’s first endowed Truist Chair in Data Analytics in 2021 and the creation of the Gatton Emerging Leaders Board, which expanded alumni engagement and deepened connections with industry partners. These efforts created new opportunities for mentorship, experiential learning and professional development for students.

“Together, we have strengthened Gatton’s culture, expanded opportunities for our students, increased enrollment and positioned the college for an exciting future,” Sheather said. “I am deeply grateful for the relationships and accomplishments that have defined my time at Gatton.”

UK President Eli Capilouto praised Sheather’s leadership and lasting contributions to the university.

“Dr. Sheather’s impact on UK is both profound and far-reaching. He has been a dedicated teacher and thoughtful academic leader who helped our university community grow in so many ways. As dean of the Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dr. Sheather has championed student success and elevated graduate education in Kentucky — strengthening programs and expanding opportunities for all business scholars, including multiple programs geared toward recent graduates and working professionals,” he said. “Just as important, however, is the personal legacy he leaves behind: the mentorship, the steady leadership and the deep care for this community that so many of his colleagues and students have experienced firsthand. I am deeply grateful not only for what he has accomplished for our university, but for the enduring example he has set for all of us as we continue our work to advance our Commonwealth and our communities.”

“For the last eight years, Dr. Sheather has demonstrated exactly what it means to put students first at UK,” UK Provost Robert DiPaola, M.D., said. “He has expanded access to a world-class business education and helped create different pathways to success with new and innovative programs. I am proud and deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside him as he led the Gatton College of Business and Economics to new heights in preparing our students to lead not only Kentucky but communities around the world.” 

In addition to his administrative accomplishments, Sheather is an internationally recognized scholar whose research has influenced the fields of statistics, analytics and data science. In 2021, he was named among the top 2% of researchers worldwide based on citation impact. His scholarly publications have been cited more than 18,000 times — reflecting decades of influential contributions to research and education.

A native of Australia, Sheather’s academic career includes professorships at the University of New South Wales and Texas A&M University, as well as visiting appointments at Pennsylvania State University and New York University’s Stern School of Business. He is a fellow of the American Statistical Association and has received multiple awards recognizing excellence in both teaching and research. Throughout his career, he has also worked extensively with industry and government partners across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States, helping organizations develop predictive models and data-driven solutions.

In reflecting on his time at the university, Sheather expressed gratitude for the broader UK community and its commitment to excellence.

“I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary opportunities and professional experiences I have had during my time at UK,” he said. “The university’s commitment to excellence, public service and student success is something I have long admired, and it has been a privilege to contribute to that mission.”

Following his retirement, Sheather will return to Melbourne, Australia, to be closer to family and loved ones.