Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II received Frankfort/Franklin County NAACP President's Award

Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II received Frankfort/Franklin County NAACP President's Award

Posted on July 3, 2019

Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II and alumni received top awards at the Frankfort/Franklin County NAACP Freedom Fund Scholarship Banquet.

Brown was awarded the President’s Award by the NAACP branch for his efforts in championing educational access and opportunities for students on the postsecondary level.

Cathy L. Thomas, class of 1976, was named the organization’s woman of the year. Thomas retired in 2004 from the state government after a career in information technology.

“I was honored to be recognized,” Thomas said.

Damon L. Greene, class of 1993, was named the organization’s man of the year. Greene teaches middle school choir and vocal music at Elkhorn Middle School.

“I was very, very shocked and so honored I was selected,” Green said.

The money raised from the banquet is used to support youth scholarships and community programming. Scholarship winners from Frankfort and Franklin County were announced during the banquet.

Kentucky State University Regent Ron Banks is a longtime supporter of the Frankfort/Franklin County NAACP.

“It’s no surprise to me to see so many people affiliated with Kentucky State University, a University that I love, being recognized by the Frankfort/Franklin County NAACP, an organization that I love,” Banks said. “It brings me great pride to see these two noble institutions connected.”

President Brown, Thomas and Greene joined a select group of individuals and organizations recognized by the NAACP branch over the last 14 years for community service.

The award marks the second major honor President Brown has received over the last six months. In December, President Brown received the Project One Inc. Man of the Year award for his dedication and commitment in providing higher education leadership in preparing students for workforce development and summer employment.

President Brown is also a finalist for the HBCU Digest 2019 HBCU Awards for best male president for his efforts in revitalizing the University. President Brown has increased enrollment, improved the University brand and reputation, promoted access and affordability and advocated for support on the state and federal level since his tenure began two years ago.

Kentucky State University is a finalist for HBCU of the year. The University has seen marked improvement on many levels during the last two years. In June, the University reduced non-resident tuition and announced it will distribute laptops to the incoming fall freshman class.