BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Western Kentucky University has named Dr. Derick Strode as the next director of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, with his appointment taking effect July 13.

The announcement was made Thursday by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Bud Fischer, who praised Strode’s experience with the nationally recognized residential program for gifted and talented high school students.

“Few individuals understand The Gatton Academy as thoroughly as Derek,” Fischer wrote in a message to faculty and staff.

Strode previously served at The Gatton Academy from 2008 to 2021, helping build many of the programs that have become central to the academy’s mission. During that time, he played a key role in expanding research, internship and scholarship opportunities for students.

Alongside his leadership of The Gatton Academy, Strode most recently served as the administrator overseeing WKU’s regional campuses, including WKU Glasgow.

According to the university, he helped drive enrollment growth, expand access to higher education throughout the region and strengthen dual-credit and early college initiatives.

Fischer also highlighted Strode’s work in global engagement, student belonging and experiential education, saying his leadership has focused on creating opportunities for academically talented students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

“As The Gatton Academy continues its tradition as one of the nation’s premier residential programs for gifted and talented high school students, I am confident that Dr. Strode’s experience, vision, and dedication will position the Academy for continued excellence and innovation for its next twenty years,” Fischer wrote.

Strode succeeds the academy’s previous leadership following a national search. Fischer thanked members of the search committee for recruiting and evaluating candidates before recommending Strode for the position.

The Gatton Academy is a two-year residential program at WKU that allows gifted Kentucky high school juniors and seniors to complete college coursework while living on campus.