$10 million gift to university from Jerry and Judy Kent to strengthen school’s leadership and advance its growing focus on health-care innovation

Jerry and Judy Kent, two of Washington University’s most devoted supporters, have committed $10 million to Olin Business School, the school’s largest gift in a decade.

Their donation will both strengthen Olin’s leadership and advance its growing focus on health-care innovation.

Half of the gift will establish the Judy and Jerry Kent Deanship, creating a permanent endowment that gives Olin’s leaders the resources to recruit talent, respond quickly to emerging opportunities, and sustain long-term strategic growth.

The other half will launch the Judy and Jerry Kent Business of Health Catalyst Fund, designed to accelerate Olin’s Business of Health initiative, which aims to position the school as a national leader in health-care management and innovation.

The Kents’ connection to Olin runs deep. Jerry Kent, a noted entrepreneur who co-founded Charter Communications and now leads Cequel III and TierPoint, has served on Olin’s national council for more than 25 years and is currently its chair.

Judy Kent is a philanthropist and Tony Award–winning theater producer, active on cultural and nonprofit boards throughout St. Louis.

Together, the couple also created the Kent Scholars Program, which has provided full scholarships to nearly 100 undergraduate business students.

University leaders praised the Kents not only for their generosity but also for their vision. “Jerry and Judy have shaped the trajectory of Olin through their decades of partnership and support,” Chancellor Andrew D. Martin said.

“This gift empowers Olin to take bold action and solidifies its future as a leader in business education.”

For the Kents, giving back is both a personal and purposeful endeavor.

“When you are as fortunate as we have been, you have a duty to support institutions that are foundational to your community,” Judy Kent said.

“We’ve been involved with Olin for so long that it feels like part of our family.”