Dr. Harry L. Williams explores Kentucky State’s research leadership, land-grant mission, and contributions to the public HBCU community

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University welcomed Thurgood Marshall College Fund President and CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams to campus Thursday, Aug. 27, for a firsthand look at the University’s academic and research programs and its distinctive mission as Kentucky’s 1890 land-grant institution.

Dr. Williams was joined by Mr. Sean D. Burns, general counsel and vice president of government relations, and Mr. Victor Santos, associate vice president of government relations, both with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The delegation toured campus, visited with students, faculty, and staff, and had lunch with President Koffi C. Akakpo and members of the University’s leadership team. They also toured the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm and the University’s Aquatic Research Center.

“Dr. Williams is a tireless champion for public historically Black colleges and universities and the students we serve,” Dr. Akakpo said. “His visit gave us an important opportunity to share Kentucky State’s progress, demonstrate the impact of our distinctive land-grant mission, and discuss how we can continue strengthening our relationship with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.”

At Benson Farm, Dr. Avinash Tope spoke with Dr. Williams about Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky, or DARE-KY. The initiative is supported by a historic $7 million National Science Foundation award, the largest competitive stand-alone federal award in University history.

DARE-KY is advancing research, education, and workforce development related to soilless food systems, including hydroponics and aquaponics. The initiative is also developing a statewide innovation network connecting higher education, industry, community organizations, and public-sector partners. Dr. Tope is the initiative’s principal investigator and associate dean and associate professor of human nutrition and food safety in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources.

The delegation also learned about Kentucky State’s nationally recognized pawpaw research. Benson Farm is home to the University’s Clonal Germplasm Repository for pawpaw, which includes more than 2,000 trees representing plant material collected from 17 states.

While at Benson Farm, Dr. Williams enjoyed a Pawpaw Ale-8, a seasonal beverage developed through a partnership with Ale-8-One that draws upon decades of Kentucky State research into the native fruit. The beverage returned for an expanded second seasonal release in 2026.

At the Aquatic Research Center, Dr. Andrew J. Ray demonstrated how Kentucky State researchers are developing approaches to meet the nation’s increasing demand for seafood. The center, Kentucky’s only dedicated aquatic research complex, includes 33 research ponds and advanced laboratories supporting year-round research.

Dr. Ray explained that the University’s Aquatic Research Team is studying the controlled-environment production of shrimp, tilapia, flounder, barramundi, paddlefish, and bass. The work holds particular significance for shrimp, the nation’s most popular seafood, approximately 85 percent of which is imported. Dr. Ray is chair of the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science and associate professor.

Kentucky State is one of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s 57 member institutions. The organization represents publicly supported historically Black colleges and universities, historically Black community colleges, and predominantly Black institutions that collectively enroll approximately 80 percent of students attending HBCUs.

Through scholarships, leadership development, internships, research, capacity-building, and strategic partnerships, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund connects students and member institutions with educational and professional opportunities nationwide.

That support was evident at Kentucky State this past summer. From July 5–10, the University hosted the free SOAR program, which introduced high school juniors to HBCU campus life, academic majors, career pathways, leadership development, college admissions, and financial aid. Kentucky State was one of 16 institutions nationwide selected to host the 2026 program.

“We deeply value our relationship with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund,” Akakpo said. “Dr. Williams’ visit created new momentum for building upon that partnership and expanding opportunities for our students and University.”