Northern Kentucky University’s Haile College of Business announced Wednesday it had received a $1 million endowment from longtime Economics Department Chair and Professor Gary E. Clayton and his wife, Jonna R. Clayton, to support study abroad programs and provide scholarships for economics students.
“NKU is deeply grateful to Gary and Jonna for their remarkable generosity and enduring commitment to our students’ success,” said NKU President Dr. Cady Short-Thompson in the announcement. “This investment will expand access to the global learning experiences we are able to provide students, while preparing our graduates to become leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.”
The money will be used to fund study abroad opportunities for economics majors. The university offers a variety of programs throughout the year.
Gary Clayton actually completed a study abroad program during his undergraduate studies, “which he considers the most rewarding academic experience of his life,” according to the university’s announcement.
Since then, the Claytons have traveled to more than 100 countries around the world and “hope to provide NKU economics majors with similar transformational experiences,” the announcement continues.
“This remarkable gift reflects [Gary Clayton’s] lifelong belief in the transformative power of global education and will have a lasting impact not only on our economics majors but on the entire Haile College of Business,” said Dean of the Haile College of Business Dr. Hassan R. HassabElnaby.
You can learn more about NKU’s undergraduate economics program here.