Kentucky State President: Despite our challenges, we keep moving forward.
Kentucky State University maintains two federal designations: as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1890 institution. In Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress officially defined an HBCU as “a school of higher learning that was accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission was the education of African Americans.” The Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1890 indicated that states utilizing federal land-grant funds were required to either make their schools accessible to Blacks or give money for segregated Black colleges to function.
Founded in 1886 as a normal school for the training of African American educators to teach in the segregated Black schools in Kentucky, Kentucky State University has been the cornerstone of educational access and opportunities for generations of Kentuckians. American higher education cannot deny the significance of HBCUs like Kentucky State University to foster economic prosperity for its graduates and the communities they serve.
Like any institution across the nation, Kentucky State has had challenges throughout its history. The financial assessment of Kentucky State has come to a close and been shared publicly and we wait for the legislature’s decision on our budget request in the upcoming session. The assessment includes a total budget request to cover the fiscal year 2022 projected cash shortfall of $23 million and $1 million each year for the 2022-2024 Biennium Strategic Initiatives.
Kentucky State has implemented several of the financial assessment recommendations, including KSU Board meeting reports on cash position, accounts payable, and student receivables; enforcement of payment policies for students before registration; an enhancement plan to resolve accounting data quality issues; and the internal auditor will provide the Board with quarterly reports of the president’s expenses.
Academic Affairs is collaborating with CPE to determine how to best leverage and reposition the unit to pursue academic excellence, advancement in research, and innovation in the classroom and beyond. In addition, Kentucky State understands the workforce needs in the commonwealth and will work with CPE to develop programs that will attract nontraditional students, providing credentials, certifications, and online education to improve the human condition in the commonwealth and close the workforce gaps.
Additionally, the institution will continue discussions with CPE about educating the next generation of thinkers to solve the most significant problems society faces today and for careers yet to exist in the future. The KSU Board of Regents will participate in the Association of Governing Boards and the Gardner Institute’s Equity in Student Success Academy.
A thank you is in order for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) and its president, Dr. Aaron Thompson. We thank CPE for the comprehensive and in-depth overview, and we welcome continuous guidance and support. We trust the thoroughness and accuracy of the financial picture CPE has provided. Kentucky State has worked tirelessly and in transparency with CPE since July 20 to begin the process of righting the ship.
We now know where the University stands financially and what it will take to right the ship. While our cards are on the table and everything is out in the open, we have not waited around to continue thriving. While we worked diligently through this process, the University and its community continued to thrive, much as it has done for the last 135 years. Here are just a few of the recent highlights:
▪ Kentucky State University’s Small-Scale Farm Grant Program, which provides assistance to small and limited-resource farmers in Kentucky, was recently reapproved with an additional $990,000 in funding.
▪ Construction is underway for the University’s next 400-bed residence hall, a public-private partnership estimated to cost between $49.5 million and $51.8 million to be ready in Dec 2022.
▪ The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced the selection of a two-time Kentucky State University alumna Heather Gate as the chair for its Communications Equity and Diversity Council (CEDC).
▪ Students in the Kentucky State University Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN) recently earned a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and have already been offered or accepted employment.
▪ Recent alumnus Kirk L. Miller was hired by Wells Fargo and was recently featured in Bloomberg News.
▪ Alumnus Darren E. Bryant became the youngest Black mayor in Illinois history with his recent electoral victory in the village of Robbins.
Kentucky State is forever grateful for those individuals who are standing up for its students and significance. Former professor Shambra Mulder wrote an editorial in the Lexington Herald-Leader highlighting the strengths of Kentucky State and how favorably it compares in regards to diversity with other institutions across the commonwealth. Together Frankfort and alumna Karen Armstrong-Cummings continue to advocate for and promote the great happenings at Kentucky State. Franklin County Sheriff Chris Quire wrote a kind letter to the editor thanking Kentucky State for a smooth Homecoming weekend. The Frankfort community showed its support and embraced Kentucky State by flocking to the annual Homecoming events and activities.
Despite its challenges, Kentucky State continues to close the financial gap for first-generation, low-income and underrepresented student populations. Enrollment remains steady. This year’s incoming freshman class has an average GPA of more than 3.1, and 82 percent are Pell grant eligible, which means the students depend on federal financial aid to support their education. Kentucky State remains an educational option for Kentucky residents, with this class representing 57 percent of the student population.
Kentucky State also continues to produce educators for upcoming Black and minority students who, research has proven, will do better in school with teachers who look like them. In addition, Kentucky State continues to provide education and assistance through its agricultural programs and is also home to one of the top aquaculture programs in the nation.
Access to a quality college education is also critical in meeting the Kentucky workforce and economy requirements. The current fall-to-fall retention rate is 70 percent. The next cohort graduation rate is expected to reach an all-time high of 37 percent. The graduation rate reflects the number of first-time, full-time bachelor, degree-seeking students who complete their program within six years.
With more than 54 percent of Kentucky State graduates employed in Kentucky within three years after graduation and an economic impact of more than $131 million, Kentucky State is vital to the commonwealth’s success. While Kentucky State is providing hope for the future for many, that hope and good work begins in present day. Great things are happening at Kentucky State University every day and we invite you to join us for our annual Anna Mac Clarke Veterans Day Assembly Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. in David H. Bradford Hall. Lt. Col. La’Shawna Waller, a Kentucky State alumna and operations officer for the Army National Guard G-9, Installations and Directorate, is the featured speaker. The public is invited to attend this event virtually by going to www.kysu.edu.
Join us Nov. 9 virtually or visit the hallowed grounds of Kentucky Staet and see why it was recently named a best college for veterans among regional colleges in the South by U.S. News and World Report. Kentucky State rose to fourth in the category, up from 12th in the 2021 rankings. In addition, Kentucky State is hosting the upcoming Small, Limited-Resource, Minority Farmers Conference Nov. 16-18. The conference is one component of Kentucky State’s dedication to the commonwealth’s vital small, limited-resource, and minority farmers.
Finally, a special thank you to all of you loyal Kentucky State University Thorobreds. We are so proud of each of you—students, employees, and alumni—for your unwavering support and encouragement during these challenging times. We could not do the work we do without your commitment and assistance.
During this time, we have remained transparent and have worked tirelessly to operate a university while also conducting a dense and comprehensive financial review. We will continue to do so during the search for our next permanent president. Our cards are on the table. It is now time to move onward to ensure the legacy of Kentucky’s only public HBCU, Kentucky State University, continues to provide deserving Kentuckians access to a high-quality education.
Clara Ross Stamps is the acting president of Kentucky State University.