In 2008, the then Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. / US Bank Foundation gifted Northern Kentucky University College of Business with a $15 million endowment. This was the largest gift in the 40-year history of NKU, and matched the largest single-source gift to a public university in the history of Kentucky. The gift established endowed chairs for faculty and support for faculty recruitment, retention, and development, as well as providing scholarships for business students. The college was named The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./US Bank Foundation College of Business to reflect this generosity.
In 2021, the college rebranded as simply the Haile College of Business to follow suit with the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation having shortened its name by
dropping the “U.S. Bank” from its name. The decision was made to avoid confusion and to clarify the two brands.
The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation's gift to the College of Business continues to provide sustainable revenue for the continuation and growth of innovative programs, the development of new and relevant educational support activities, and the improved brand awareness of the college’s dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and service for the betterment of our students and the business community we serve.