Furst
The Late Dick Furst
Lexington, KY - Richard W. Furst, former dean of the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, died on Saturday at the age of 73.
Furst began as dean at the Gatton College in 1981 and served in that role through June 2000. He remained with the college as Garvice D. Kincaid Professor of Finance until 2003. Prior to his leadership at Gatton College, Furst served on the faculty of the University of South Carolina from 1969-1981.
While under Furst’s direction, the college received a $14 million gift from Muhlenberg County native C.M. “Bill” Gatton, which represented the largest single private donation in the history of the University of Kentucky. The college also received funding for nine endowed chairs and numerous endowed professorships while Furst served as dean. Furst is also credited with greatly expanding the college’s international scope during his tenure.
Furst is survived by his wife, Janis. A private memorial service for his family is scheduled for Friday, May 25. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Richard W. & Janis H. Furst Scholarship Fund, C/O UK Office of Development, Sturgill Development Building, Lexington, KY, 40506-0015.