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Kentucky State University has named Dr. Michael Dailey as the interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, succeeding Dr. Leroy Hamilton, effective January 6.  

Dailey’s selection as interim provost will allow for a smooth transition of academic leadership within the Division of Academic Affairs. He is a recognized expert in online learning and instructional design. His educational experience spans more than 30 years and includes 13 years at the Kentucky Department of Education. In addition, Dailey is a former field faculty member for the University of Kentucky in the College of Education.  

In making the announcement today, Interim President Ronald A. Johnson praised Dailey for his efforts to enhance the student experience, advance student success, increase faculty support, and strengthen the Online platform since joining Kentucky State University in 2019. 

“Michael is a solid example of transferable leadership, a successful scholar and educator,” President Johnson said. “His tenure at Kentucky State has allowed him to guide multiple areas of campus through leadership transitions while maintaining quality contributions to his primary role as the director of Online Learning and Instructional Design. We are fortunate to be able to call on him once again during this time of administrative transition.” 

Dailey’s engagement of stakeholders has led to the fostering of new online learning programs and established ongoing professional development through local and national entities. He launched two KSU online teaching credentials and a national online teaching credential through the Association of College and University Educators. 

In addition to his academic appointments, Dailey provides leadership through several committees on campus, including the Campuswide Policy Committee, the Kentucky State University Board of Regents Student Engagement and Campus Life Committee, and serves as a Title III activity director to develop online graduate programs in STEM.  

“Every member of our campus community plays a significant role in advancing KSU and will continue to do so,” Dailey said. “Together, we will work to build greater trust within the Division of Academic Affairs, affirm transparency and advance our shared mission and strategic initiatives. I look forward to collaborating with faculty as we continue to work in service to our students.” 

Dailey is a proud graduate of Kentucky State University, the Ohio State University and earned a Doctorate from Capella University specializing in Instructional Design for Online Learning. Dailey is married to Tanya C. Dailey. They are the blessed parents of two daughters, Dawn Walker and Danielle Turnley, and one beautiful granddaughter, Zuri. 

Dr. Scott Wicker was announced as the interim associate provost, effective January 9.

Wicker is an associate professor of chemistry and former interim chair of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (SoSTEM) at Kentucky State University. He is a recognized expert in inorganic chemistry and science policy and an innovative facilitator for leading highly productive teams.

Wicker's professional development and leadership performance portfolios include an at-large board member for the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS), Center for the Advancement of STEM Leadership (CASL) Fellow, National Academy of Science (NAS) Jefferson Science Fellow, consultant for the U.S. Department of State, former president of the Kentucky Chapter of the American Physiological Society, current regional vice president of Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society, and a committee member on the Envisioning the Future of NSF EPSCoR. In addition, he works collaboratively with stakeholders to advance broadening STEM participation and opportunities for African Americans, especially males, by promoting STEM literacy, STEM education, and STEM identity in research, career readiness, and entrepreneurship opportunities in our scientific enterprise. 

A native of Zachary, Louisiana, Wicker earned honors distinction with his Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology from Grambling State University, a doctorate in environmental toxicology, and a post-doctoral researcher in environmental chemistry from Southern University and A & M College. He currently facilitates general and inorganic chemistry courses at Kentucky State. Wicker’s teaching effectiveness philosophy focuses on providing a psychologically safe learning environment for students to demonstrate their post-secondary-level competencies. In addition, his research philosophy includes an interest in low-temperature synthesis methods for metal oxides used in energy storage devices, global policy impact on e-cycling solar panels, and developing opportunities for student hands-on training. Wicker has also published two book chapters and nine peer-reviewed journal articles and contributed to two congressional reports.