Kentucky State University highway signs signifying HBCU status installed on I-64
Two Kentucky State University highway signs denoting the 135-year-old institution's federal designation as one of the nation’s Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) were set for installation Friday, Oct. 22.
According to the Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the signs will be installed facing both directions of Interstate Highway 64 near Exits 53B and Exit 58, respectively.
“While Kentucky State University directional signage has been present on I-64, the new signage will identify the institution as a HBCU,” according to a release from Beshear’s office.
The signage for Kentucky State and for Simmons College of Kentucky were celebrated by a historical event at Simmons Oct. 20. Speakers and platform guests included Beshear, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education President Dr. Aaron Thompson and Kentucky State University Board of Regents Chairperson Dr. Elaine Farris.
“It's way past time to celebrate these universities and make sure that everybody who drives through Kentucky knows how much we value them,” Beshear said. “The support for these two institutions has not always been there and often the lack of support has been for all the wrong reasons. While we wish a wrong never happened, it does give us an opportunity to do right.”
Farris said the signage proudly proclaims the significance of Kentucky’s HBCUs.
“It boasts our value, our presence in Kentucky and it showcases the significance of Kentucky’s Black colleges and all of the Black colleges across the United States,” Farris said. “For 135 years, Kentucky State has been a destination for generations of African Americans, low income and first-generation students.”
Thompson joined in celebrating the rich history of Kentucky’s HBCUs.
“These HBCUs are the colleges of choice for many students because of their unique missions and distinctive roles in creating culturally competent graduates and a more vibrant workforce,” Thompson said. “This designation is well-deserved, and all of us in the higher education community look forward to their continued success.”
Click here to view mock ups of the Kentucky State University signage.
Click here to read the Governor’s news release regarding the signage.