University Profile

Kentucky State University, founded in 1886, is the only historically black university and 1890 land-grant institution in the Commonwealth. KSU is also the most diverse university in the Kentucky System of higher education in regard to both students and faculty. With 2,254 students and 128 full-time faculty, KSU is the state’s smallest public university with the lowest student-faculty ratio in the state system.  Kentucky State University’s geographic region is statewide for its liberal studies mission, its land-grant functions, and its service to state government. Its mission focuses on liberal studies programming that promotes the values and methods of interdisciplinary, multicultural, and global education. All students complete a required core of liberal studies courses that serves as the foundation for major fields of study. KSU emphasizes teaching and scholarship. Meeting students’ needs is paramount, especially the needs of African Americans and other under-served populations. 

Strategic Planning Process

The University implemented its planning process through a 56-member Planning Process Council (PPC), comprised of representatives of faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni, Cabinet, Board of Regents, and state/local community leaders. The Strategic Plan is the result of the collaborative efforts of the PPC and the Cabinet.  Faculty and staff within each organizational unit at KSU will play a role in carrying out the Strategic Plan. They will be evaluated on the degree that they help achieve the objectives of the plan and on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the programs and services of their respective units.

Strategic Scan

As part of the Strategic Planning process, the Planning Process Council conducted a SWOT analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats faced by the University. The PPC also considered the Council on PostsecondaryEducations requirements and those of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. These considerations and the University’s new “Vision” and revised Mission Statement are the foundations on which the Strategic Plan is predicated.