FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. have established a KSU Edge educational partnership that creates a new pathway for eligible fraternity alumni to pursue a Master of Business Administration at Kentucky State.

KSU Edge connects eligible participants from partner organizations with educational opportunities at the University. Through this agreement, eligible Iota Phi Theta, Inc. alumni receive a 10 percent tuition reduction and added guidance through admissions, registration, financial aid, and scholarship review, making the journey from initial interest to enrollment more manageable.

Kentucky State and Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. leaders celebrated the partnership during a ceremonial signing Monday, Aug. 31, at Hume Hall. The three-year agreement took effect that day and marks the fraternity’s first educational partnership with a historically Black college or university.

Sen. Gerald A. Neal, Kentucky Senate Minority Floor Leader, Kentucky State alumnus, and longtime University advocate, joined University and fraternity leaders for the ceremony.

“This partnership brings together two institutions with a shared commitment to education, leadership, and service,” said Kentucky State University President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo. “By creating a more accessible route to graduate education, we are helping professionals strengthen their knowledge, advance their careers, and expand the difference they make in their organizations and communities.”

Founded Sept. 19, 1963, at Morgan State College, now Morgan State University, Iota Phi Theta, Inc. promotes scholarship, leadership, citizenship, fidelity, and brotherhood. The international fraternity has chapters across the United States and abroad. Its longstanding connection to Kentucky State includes the Alpha Omicron Chapter, chartered on campus March 31, 1981.

“Kentucky State shares our commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service, and we look forward to helping our alumni take advantage of this opportunity to prepare for the next stage of their careers,” said Orlando O. Grant, international grand polaris of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

The University welcomed fraternity leaders to campus for a tour before the ceremonial signing. The delegation also met with Kentucky State students during lunch in the Carl M. Hill Student Center.

“KSU Edge connects educational opportunity with professional advancement,” said Dr. Michael D. Dailey, provost and vice president for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs. “This agreement gives eligible Iota Phi Theta, Inc. alumni a clearer, more supported route to an MBA that can strengthen their leadership capacity and open new possibilities in their careers.”

To participate, eligible alumni must identify their Iota Phi Theta, Inc. affiliation when applying to Kentucky State and provide a membership qualification letter or other documentation confirming eligibility. Admission is not guaranteed. All applicants must meet University and MBA program requirements.

More information about the program and application process is available on the KSU Edge webpage.