Courtesy of Kentucky State University
Kentucky’s only public historically black university is getting a legislative lifeline.
Senate Bill 185 would create a partnership between Kentucky State University, the Kentucky General Assembly and the Council on Postsecondary Education to support the school financially and educationally. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Christian McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, said Kentucky State University is more than $20 million in debt.
“Now was not the time to explore the closure of Kentucky State but rather to be a partner in the redefinition of this institution and what it can mean for the commonwealth,” McDaniel said.
Changes ahead for KSU
KSU President Dr. Koffi Akakpo said the name and mission of the university will not change, but admission requirements, infrastructure and the curriculum will change. The university will include polytechnic and workforce-led programs to align with the changing workforce in the commonwealth.
“We need to have very very tight controls on the people who owe Kentucky State money to make sure that they’re being appropriately reimbursed,” McDaniel said.
Aaron Thompson, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education, said the changes could benefit the state’s economy.
“This can be an important driver in getting us to that economic development place with the highly educated workforce that KSU can provide,” Thompson said.
Students hope for continued access
KSU junior Cameren Stepter said the continued sense of community will keep the university moving forward regardless of changes to programs and admission requirements.
“For us the importance of keeping our university intact is just the history and culture of our university,” Stepter said. “It’s important for us to be here for our African American and minority students.”
