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Kentucky State University will host its 2019 Spring Commencement Convocation Friday at 9 a.m. in the William Exum Center gymnasium.

Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., will deliver the keynote address.

Boyd is an engineer and is described as a dynamic and relevant leader, a prolific motivational speaker, a powerful preacher and an advocate of STEM education.

Chrisette Michele, a Grammy award-winning, multi-genre recording artist, is the musical guest. Michele has collaborated, recorded or performed with John Legend, Jay Z, Patty LaBelle and many others in her career.

John Bradley, valedictorian, retired as a state trooper and enrolled at Kentucky State to earn a biology degree.

“I am grateful for the opportunities Kentucky State has afforded me,” Bradley said. “I am living proof that everyone is welcome here, even if they don’t fit the traditional student model and can excel here with the support that is available.”

Cierra Couch, the current Miss Kentucky State University, recalled some of her favorite memories.

Couch said her favorite memories include her coronation, gaining friends for life and visiting schools in Atlanta with her peers and Kentucky State University First Lady Adrienne Allen-Brown, Kentucky State University Board of Regents Chairperson Dr. Elaine Farris and Kentucky State University Senior Vice President Clara Ross Stamps.

Overflow seating is available in both auditoriums in David H. Bradford Hall.

Graduation rehearsal is scheduled for May 8 at 4 p.m. in the William Exum Center gymnasium. Cap and gown pick-up are available at rehearsal. Commemorative photos are also available for graduates.

Graduates will reflect on their academic journey Thursday, May 9 during the 2019 Baccalaureate Assembly.

Dr. W. Franklin Evans, the ninth president of Voorhees College, will deliver the keynote address.

Kentucky State worked with state and city officials to devise a new parking plan for commencement this year.

The Exum Center lot is reserved for accessible and platform guest parking. The lot behind the Cooperative Extension building is reserved for faculty and staff working commencement. Special guests parking is located in the Julian M. Carroll Academic Services Building (ASB) parking lot. The ASB lot and all other campus lots, excluding Exum and Cooperative Extension, are general parking.  The general public in encouraged to utilize the parking lots at Alumni Stadium, New Whitney Young Hall and Old Whitney Young Hall.

Shuttle drop off and pick up will occur in front of the Exum Center. Continuous shuttle service will be provided.

The ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will salute Rev. Dr. Boyd at a luncheon immediately following commencement in the Carl M. Hill Student Center ballroom.

Upon the conclusion of commencement, all traffic leaving campus from the main entrance will be released straight down Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. No left or right turn will be available at that time.