LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment marked a major milestone with the ribbon cutting of the Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance student success and prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

The $60 million, 66,000-square-foot facility represents the college’s first new campus building in decades, serving as a central hub for teaching, advising and student engagement. 

Designed for students, the building features 18 classrooms, dedicated study and collaboration spaces, and a range of student-focused services, including the Center for Student Success. Academic programs housed in the facility include: 

Agricultural & Medical Biotechnology 

Department of Community and Leadership Development 

Higgins-Neyland Companion Animal Program 

Natural Resources and Environmental Science 

Pre-Veterinary Mentoring 

UK Ag Equine Programs 

The building also includes informal gathering areas and a café to foster connection and community among students. 

“As a student, it’s exciting to see this kind of investment in our future,” said Tyren Harris, a freshman majoring in agricultural education. “This building creates a place where we can come together, get our work done and support each other. That makes a big difference in your experience as a student.” 

By bringing advising, academics and student spaces together under one roof, the facility creates a more connected and supportive experience, helping students navigate their academic journey. 

“Today, we are honored to commemorate another important milestone in the history of our Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. This building, and those who will work in it, will help advance our enduring and precious promise to the state we were created to serve,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. 

The facility was made possible in part through the generosity of The Bill Gatton Foundation, whose historic gift is reshaping the college’s teaching, research and outreach mission. 

“Bill Gatton believed that investing in people creates opportunities that change people’s lives today and for generations,” said Danny L. Dunn, Trustee for The Bill Gatton Foundation. “This building reflects his commitment to students, faculty, the administration and to the future of agriculture. It is exciting to know that the experiences, connections and ideas that begin here will shape leaders who will serve Kentucky, people and communities not only in the Commonwealth but far beyond it.”

The Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building is part of a larger transformation across the college, with more than $450 million in capital investments supporting modern teaching, research and Extension facilities.