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Good morning and welcome back to our students, faculty, and staff. I hope you had a restful and very enjoyable spring break. While I am excited to welcome you back to campus, I do so with a heavy heart. Early Sunday morning, a tragic shooting took the life of a 20-year old University of Louisville student. Ms. Savannah Walker died from a gunshot wound at 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s office. Ms. Walker attended Ballard High School in Louisville. Many of you attended school with or knew her.

At this time, I ask that you keep her family in prayer as they deal with this senseless loss. In the famous words of Maya Angelou, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”  For those of you who knew Ms. Walker, I am so very sorry for your loss. Let her death not be in vain, support her family and oppose the violence that is raging so rampantly in our communities.  Let Ms. Walker’s death shine a light on the senseless killings in our society so brightly that we all finally take a stand and say ENOUGH.

For those of you who may need grief counseling, Kentucky State University offers counseling support through Student Health Services. You may call them at (502) 597-6969.  Also, my door is always open.

Sincerely,

Aaron Thompson, Ph.D.

Interim President