Dear Thorobred Family,

Progress is most meaningful when it creates opportunity, strengthens relationships, and inspires a community to take pride in what it can accomplish. Across Kentucky State University, we are seeing that progress reflected in new partnerships, national engagement, and the achievements of our students.

We were recently honored to welcome Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, to our campus. Dr. Williams met with students, faculty, staff, and University leaders and toured the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm and our Aquatic Research Center, Kentucky’s only dedicated aquatic research complex, with 33 research ponds and advanced laboratories supporting year-round research. His visit reinforced our important place within the nation’s public HBCU community and provided an opportunity to share the distinctive contributions of our 1890 land-grant mission.

We also celebrated a new KSU Edge partnership with Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. that creates a supported pathway for eligible Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. alumni to pursue a Master of Business Administration at Kentucky State. The three-year agreement, which includes a 10 percent tuition reduction and guidance throughout the enrollment process, marks Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.’s first educational partnership with an HBCU.

As a member of the Divine Nine, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. shares Kentucky State’s commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service. Its connection to the University extends back more than four decades through the Alpha Omicron Chapter, chartered on our campus in 1981. This partnership builds upon that history and opens new opportunities for alumni to advance their education and careers.

That same spirit of preparation and purpose was evident on the football field as the Thorobreds opened the season with a decisive 41-14 victory over Central State University. After scoring 34 unanswered points, Kentucky State climbed four places to No. 2 in the BOXTOROW Division II Coaches Poll. We congratulate our scholar-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff on an outstanding start and look forward to supporting them throughout the season.

These developments unfolded in different settings, but together they tell a shared story. Kentucky State is strengthening relationships, expanding opportunity, and demonstrating what is possible when preparation and purpose are matched by action.

Let us continue building upon this momentum and showing, in every part of our University, what partnership and Thorobred pride can accomplish.

Together, Onward and Upward,

Koffi C. Akakpo, Ph.D.
President
Kentucky State University