---

FRANKFORT – Dr. M. Christopher Brown II has been elected to serve as Kentucky State University’s 18th President, announced Dr. Karen Bearden, Chair of the University’s Board of Regents.

Dr. Brown has a Ph.D. in Higher Education from The Pennsylvania State University, a M.S. in Education from the University of Kentucky, and a B.S. in Elementary Education from South Carolina State University. Dr. Brown is currently the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at Southern University and A&M System.

Prior to accepting the KSU presidency, Dr. Brown served as President and Institutional Executive Officer at Alcorn State University. He has served in other executive and academic roles at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Alcorn State University, Fisk University, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, and the United Negro College Fund.

“The Board of Regents agreed that Dr. Brown has the experience, credentials, and vision to build upon our strong foundation and lead Kentucky State University and our students to even greater achievement and academic excellence,” said Karen Bearden, Chair of the KSU Board of Regents. “His selection comes at the conclusion of a spirited national search that included input from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community supporters. Dr. Brown is the right leader to bring all of these groups together and set KSU on a path toward continued greatness.”

“Dr. Brown’s extensive work at those institutions, combined with his ideas for growing Kentucky State University’s academic capacity and student enrollment, make him an excellent choice to lead us into the future,” said Board of Regents Vice Chair Ekumene Lysonge.

Dr. Brown will replace Dr. Aaron Thompson, who has served as KSU’s interim president since May 2016.

“I am profoundly honored to be named president of Kentucky State University, a revered and important higher education institution that has blazed trails in academia, equality, and higher learning since its founding in 1886,” said Dr. Brown. “KSU has a dedicated faculty, staff, and student body, and I know that we will forge deep, respectful relationships that will fuel great partnerships to benefit and promote this esteemed institution.”

Kentucky State University will host meetings and receptions with faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, civic and business leaders, and lawmakers to introduce Dr. Brown to stakeholders within the KSU community.

“This support and input is vital to KSU’s successful transition but it won’t be a one-time situation,” said Dr. Brown. “I believe an ongoing inclusive, collaborative approach fosters a healthy and robust atmosphere where the positive exchange of ideas reaps real results.”

ABOUT KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY

Kentucky State University, building on its legacy of achievement as a historically black, liberal arts, and 1890 Land Grant University affords access to and prepares a diverse population of traditional and non-traditional students through high-quality undergraduate and select graduate programs. Located in Kentucky, KSU offers associate (two-year) degrees in two disciplines, baccalaureate (four-year) degrees in 24 disciplines, master’s degrees in eight disciplines, and one advanced practice doctorate in Nursing. KSU has 129 full-time instructional faculty members and more than 2,000 students.