Kentucky State University administrator selected as a member of the 2021 Millennium Leadership Initiative

Kentucky State University administrator selected as a member of the 2021 Millennium Leadership Initiative


A Kentucky State University administrator was recently selected as a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2021 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI). 

Dr. Tymon M. Graham, Kentucky State University Chief of Staff, joined the 32-member MLI class of 2021. 

According to an AASCU news release, “MLI provides individuals traditionally underrepresented in the highest ranks of postsecondary education with the opportunity to develop skills, gain a philosophical overview, and build the network and knowledge needed to advance to the presidency.”

“Since MLI’s inception 22 years ago, 662 protégés have graduated from the program,” according to the release. “One-fifth of MLI graduates have become a president or chancellor, and more than one-third have advanced significantly to other leadership positions within higher education, including at the state level.” 

In 2020, the program was restructured in response to the pandemic. 

According to the AASCU release, the 2021 institute will also feature virtual programming and a tentative, in-person meeting in the fall. 

“Protégés will also have a yearlong mentorship with an experienced president or chancellor and four months of professional coaching from a retired president or chancellor,” according to the release.

The program’s director is Dr. Mary Evans Sias, former president of Kentucky State. 

“During the past year, it has become more evident how important diversity, equity, and inclusion are,” Sias said in the release. “With the selection of this class, we are hoping to reflect the diversity of this nation and the institutions that our protégés serve. We are proud to welcome our next class and are grateful to them for joining with us to secure the higher education leadership pipeline.”