Induction ceremony honors scholarship, promise, and legacy

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University honored student achievement in the sciences on Monday, April 14, as 16 students were inducted into Beta Kappa Chi (BKX), a national scientific honor society with a long and meaningful history at the University.

Founded in 1923 at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, BKX was the first African American STEM honor society. Today, it includes more than 67 chapters and 66,000 members nationwide, with deep roots at historically Black colleges and universities.

That history is closely connected to Kentucky State. The University is home to the historic Omega chapter of BKX, established during the Kentucky State College era by Dr. Gertrude C. Ridgel of the Department of Biology. Ridgel later served as national president of Beta Kappa Chi from 1975 to 1977, reinforcing Kentucky State’s place in the organization’s broader national story.

“We are excited about the growth and success of our newest cohort of emerging pure and applied science professionals,” said Dr. Tierra Freeman Taylor, faculty advisor for Beta Kappa Chi at Kentucky State University.

Current student leaders conducted the induction: President Jensine Crowder, Vice President Armour Akanmu, Secretary Timiyah Roberson, and Historian Zion Lewis.

New inductees are DaiDreone Barbour, Jamar Daugherty, Salematou Diaby, Chyia Foster, HaKeem Green, Zhakeya Hawkins, Kaliyah Johnson, Jade McCargo, Jaiya McCargo, Dayna Peters, Errionna Porter, Sydney Rivers, Sienna Stewart, Christopher Towns, Isabella Wilder, and Jyni Woodson.

For Kentucky State, the ceremony marked more than an academic honor. It reflected a continuing tradition of excellence in science and a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of scholars, researchers, and professionals in the field.