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Kentucky State University has released a new book detailing its illustrious 135-year history. 

Dr. John A. Hardin has written “The Pursuit of Excellence: Kentucky State University, 1886-2020” as part of Kentucky State’s celebration of its 135th anniversary. 

Hardin’s book examines the University’s history from its early days when it was an idea to the high-water marks and present-day achievements that propel the institution forward. The book carries readers through each name change of the institution, from the first days as the State Normal School for Colored Persons with three teachers and 55 students to today’s Kentucky State University with 160 faculty and 2,300 students. 

Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II provided an eloquent foreword, walking readers through the University’s history; managing Kentucky State through the COVID-19 pandemic; how Kentucky State fits in the higher education and HBCU landscape; and how the University is moving forward. 

“The Pursuit of Excellence” also includes historical lists of prominent alumni, Miss and Mister Kentucky State University recipients and honorable members of the University’s past, including the Kentucky State University Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. This comprehensive history is a limited release. Alumni and community members are encouraged to get their copies early.

A donation of $886 or more to the Together Thorobreds campaign includes a signed copy of the book. 

Author Hardin will be available to sign books after the “Our History: Kentucky State University at 135” event on May 18 at 2 p.m. at David H. Bradford Hall in Carl H. Smith Auditorium. A reception will immediately follow the event. Limited seating will be available for the event and COVID-19 precautions will be in place to ensure the health and safety of University guests.   

The event will also feature a panel of members of the University community who have been witness to Kentucky State’s history, including former presidents Dr. Mary Evans Sias, Raymond M. Burse, Hardin and more special guests. Former interim presidents Dr. William Turner and Dr. Aaron Thompson will also participate in the program. Alumni on the agenda include Representative Derrick Graham, District 57, Kentucky State University Foundation Executive Secretary Donald W. Lyons and Kentucky State University National Alumni President Richard Graves. Kentucky State University Board of Regents Chairperson Dr. Elaine Farris will provide the welcome.  

Renee Shaw, director of public affairs and moderator of KET’s public affairs programming and content, will moderate the panel discussion. This conversation will feature members sharing firsthand perspectives of the institution’s growth and challenges, with a particular focus on the school’s increasing academic preeminence, the development of the campus, and growth in campus diversity, athletics and more. 

All students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are invited to attend the panel event, which will be featured online at Facebook Live (@KyStateU) and via Zoom (meeting ID: 980 1850 3350 and passcode: 391226).

Media planning to attend the event are encouraged to notify news@kysu.edu to submit technical requests and reserve space.