Leadership Team
Kentucky State University
Leadership Team
Land Grant Programs
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
Dr. Marcus Bernard serves as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, Director of the Land Grant Program, and Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. He earned his Ph.D. in Rural Sociology from the University of Kentucky, focusing his research on community resilience, food security, and the economic development of socially disadvantaged agricultural communities. Dr. Bernard previously served as Director for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, where he led national outreach and training initiatives. In his dual role at Kentucky State University, he integrates this extensive field experience with rigorous scholarship to lead academic and extension programs that advance agricultural equity and strengthen rural economies.
Cooperative Extension Building, Suite 231C
Contact: 502.597.5758 | Marcus.Bernard@kysu.edu
Dr. Avinash Tope serves as Associate Dean for Academics and Associate Professor of Human Nutrition and Food Safety, and also recently served as the Interim Director for Land Grant Programs. He holds a Ph.D. from Osmania University, India, and has served on the Kentucky State University faculty since 2012. Dr. Tope’s research integrates food science, environmental health, and human nutrition to address public health challenges. As principal investigator on a historic $7 million National Science Foundation grant, he leads a statewide initiative to advance soilless agriculture technology, food safety, and STEM workforce development. He also spearheads community-focused programs, including KSU’s mobile health units, directly supporting the University's Land Grant mission by enhancing the health and well-being of Kentuckians.
Cooperative Extension Building, Room 214
Contact: 502.597.6012 | Avinash.Tope@kysu.edu
Dr. Tyrell Kahan serves as Associate Extension Administrator, bringing a unique combination of veterinary medicine expertise and international development experience. He earned his DVM from the University of Florida and a master's degree in development practice from Emory University. Dr. Kahan's broad career spans clinical veterinary practice to the management of international livestock research programs with USAID. In his current role, he oversees Cooperative Extension programs that connect University research with community needs, particularly in animal health and agricultural development. His work strengthens partnerships between the university and farming communities while advancing practical applications of agricultural science throughout Kentucky and beyond.
Cooperative Extension Building, Room 216
Contact: 502.597.6012 | Tyrell.Kahan@kysu.edu
Dr. Siddhartha Dasgupta serves as Associate Research Director for the Land Grant Program and Professor of Aquaculture. He earned his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and is an expert in aquaculture science and agricultural economics. He previously served as Associate Extension Administrator and Professor at Central State University. Dr. Dasgupta’s research focuses on sustainable production systems and creating profitable market opportunities for Kentucky’s small and limited-resource farmers by connecting them with new consumer groups. As a principal investigator on major federal grants, he leads programs that provide military veterans and beginner farmers with commercial vegetable production and sales skills, business skills needed for success, and farm risk management knowledge. He also provides scientists and farmers with knowledge about production economics and marketing of various aquaculture products.
Atwood Research Facility, Room 212
Contact: 502.597.5036 | Siddhartha.Dasgupta1@kysu.edu
Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin serves as Chair of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Associate Professor of Soil Science. He earned his Ph.D. in plant and soil science from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, focusing his research on soil conservation, carbon dynamics in forests, and sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Gebremedhin develops innovative measures that improve soil quality and productivity for farmers while leading academic programs that prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals. His work bridges environmental science and practical farming applications, supporting Kentucky's agricultural community through research, education, and extension services.
Atwood Research Facility, Room 201A
Contact: 502.597.6830 | Maheteme.Gebremedhin@kysu.edu
Dr. Mary Ellen Broaddus serves as the Nursing Program Administrator for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and Associate Professor of Nursing. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Bellarmine University, where her doctoral work focused on developing interventions for public health crises affecting youth in the Commonwealth. Dr. Broaddus provides strategic leadership for the school’s comprehensive, ACEN-accredited nursing pathways, which span the associate, bachelor’s, and doctoral levels. Her leadership is instrumental in creating innovative community partnerships, including a scholarship-to-employment pipeline with regional providers, to prepare clinically expert nurses and address Kentucky’s critical healthcare workforce needs.
William Exum Center, Suite 264
Contact: 502.597.6958 | Maryellen.Broaddus@kysu.edu
Dr. Andrew Ray serves as Chair of the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science and is an internationally recognized researcher in sustainable aquaculture systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Coastal Sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi and specializes in developing innovative technologies such as biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems. Dr. Ray and his team have enabled the production of fresh marine seafood in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a high value crop for farmers and an exceptionally healthy food for our constituents. Through collaborations with institutions worldwide, he has elevated the University's Aquatic Science Program to international prominence while advancing both research excellence and practical applications. Dr. Ray continues to expand sustainable aquaculture practices and mentor the next generation of aquatic scientists.
Aquaculture Research Facility
Contact: 502.597.6958 | Andrew.Ray@kysu.edu
Dr. Michael Strysick serves as Associate Dean of Strategic Communications, bringing more than two decades of experience as both a faculty member and higher education administrator. He holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature and began his career as an English professor before transitioning into college relations, branding, and strategic messaging. Dr. Strysick has provided communications expertise for major fundraising campaigns and institutional advancement initiatives at multiple universities. His leadership has successfully enhanced institutional profiles and supported significant development efforts. At Kentucky State University, he applies this extensive background to shape institutional narrative and strengthen strategic communications for the Land Grant Program across all platforms.
Cooperative Extension Building, Room 210
Contact: 502.597.6818 | Michael.Strysick@kysu.edu