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Frankfort, KY - Kentucky State University marked a significant milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the recently renovated Hunter Hall. This celebration, held today, commemorates the transformation of the former residence hall into a cutting-edge facility for research, academics, and Extension.

Thanks to a $2.3 million facilities grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kentucky State has revitalized Hunter Hall, creating a space dedicated to advancing technology in the agriculture industry. Dr. Kirk Pomper, Director of Land Grant Programs and Dean of the College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences, expressed gratitude for the grant, emphasizing its role in making Hunter Hall a truly functional and innovative space.

The newly renovated Hunter Hall boasts a state-of-the-art lab for geospatial information systems (GIS), a drone workshop area, a conference room, and offices for faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Pomper highlighted the facility's importance, stated, “It's a great opportunity for us to have our students involved and to lead research into the future.”

Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State University, shared his enthusiasm for the project, stated, “This is a great addition to what we do at KSU. It's adding technology to agriculture… This is what is going to help us position Kentucky as one of the best in the nation and in the world.”

The celebration included distinguished guests such as Dr. Aaron Thompson, President of the Kentucky Council on Post-secondary Education; County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller; Representative Derrick Graham; Senator Gex Williams, and members of the Thorobred community.

Dr. Thompson praised Kentucky State’s commitment to innovation, said, “This is truly, I think, an indicator of exactly where KSU as a whole is going in its innovation and its way of thinking about incorporating the technology of today and tomorrow.”

As part of the festivities, Kentucky State also unveiled a new Precision Agriculture Trailer, showcasing the university's dedication to engaging with farmers and producers across Kentucky through drone demonstrations.

Looking ahead, additional renovations are planned for the top two floors of Hunter Hall, further expanding its capacity to serve students and stakeholders.

For more information about Kentucky State's certificate and minor in Geospatial Technology Application, please contact Dr. Buddhi Gyawali at buddhi.gyawali@kysu.edu. For details regarding drone demonstrations and usage for Extension stakeholders, please contact Jeremy Sandifer at jeremy.sandifer@kysu.edu.