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The Kentucky State University Board of Regents announced today that Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo will serve as the 19th President of Kentucky State University. 

“Today is undoubtedly an exciting time in Kentucky State’s history, and we are confident that the foundation laid by this extensive presidential search process—involving input and deliberation from a wide range of constituents and stakeholders, including both internal and external campus community members—allowed us to choose the best leader for Kentucky State and its future,” Kentucky State University Board of Regents Chair Tammi Dukes said.

Following a national search, the Board selected Dr. Akakpo from a diverse and impressive pool of candidates. He is expected to assume his duties as President as soon as July 01, 2023. Terms of his contract are expected to be finalized soon. 

“Kentucky State University is poised for a great future. Thanks to the leadership and support of Governor Andy Beshear, the General Assembly, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, the Kentucky State University Board of Regents, the KSU campus community, alumni, donors, and supporters,” said Regent Dukes. “Under Dr. Akakpo’s leadership, the University can advance in many areas, and we are pleased to hand the baton to him at such a critical time in the institution’s journey. We are confident he will bring the vision and execution required to help Kentucky State University continue to advance and succeed in its critical mission of enhancing society and impacting individuals by preparing future generations of engaged citizens and effective leaders.” 

University officials noted that President Akakpo quickly rose to the top of an esteemed candidate application pool, and his life’s work, 16 years in leadership roles in higher education with a proven record of success in strong fiscal accountability, student-first philosophy, and strategic planning, has positioned him to take the helm. He comes to Kentucky State University from Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC), central Kentucky’s largest comprehensive public two-year college, serving over 15,000 college credit students annually across multiple campuses and via online classes.  

During his four-year tenure, BCTC has expanded programs, adding Computer Engineering Technology, Integrated Engineering Technology (in partnership with the University of Kentucky), Orthotic & Prosthetic Technology, Health Science Technology, and Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic; has received a Center of Academic Excellence for Cybersecurity Education designation from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security; and has increased the number of credentials by 26 percent and the number of individuals who earned credentials up by 22 percent despite the pandemic. In addition to increases in enrollment, the college had an overall increase in graduation rates from 24 percent to 35 percent, including graduation rates for African Americans rose to 24 percent from 12 percent and 20 percent for Hispanic students.

“My work focuses on championing postsecondary institutions, tackling the uncertainty they face, and securing their current and future prosperity, particularly through bold thinking, transformational problem-solving, and strategic partnership building,” President Akakpo said. He believes that the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the entire KSU community must unite and do all in their shared power to convert problems into opportunities through intentional, data-informed decisions and bold, futuristic planning. 

He holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, Ohio, a Master of Business Administration from Ashland University, Ohio, and a Master of Science from Universite du Benin, Lome, Togo.

The Kentucky State University Board of Regents would like to thank Myers McRae Executive Search for assisting the nine-member presidential search committee throughout this process.