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Kentucky State University Community,

I am pleased to announce the immediate appointment of Dr. Marcus Bernard as the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health Sciences, and Natural Resources, and Director of Land Grant Programs. Dr. Bernard’s extensive experience, dedication, and passion for agriculture and education make him an exemplary leader for our campus.

Dr. Bernard embodies our mission at Kentucky State University to be a student-ready and student-first institution. He is a dedicated servant leader, and I am thankful for his acceptance of this new role. His background is deeply rooted in agriculture, having grown up on a family produce farm in Southeastern North Carolina. Dr. Bernard earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Agricultural Economics from North Carolina A&T State University, followed by a Ph.D. in Rural and Medical Sociology from the University of Kentucky. His professional journey includes eight years at the University of Kentucky, and he has proudly called Kentucky home for the past 13 years. He is also the immediate past national president of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS).

Under Dr. Bernard’s leadership, our College of Agriculture, Health Sciences, and Natural Resources, alongside its Land Grant Programs, will continue striving to impact all 120 counties of the Commonwealth. With extension agents living in 18 counties, our programs provide vital support to rural, small, and minority farmers. These agents travel across the state daily, offering hands-on assistance and training to bolster agriculture throughout Kentucky.

Kentucky State University is proud to be the third-largest recipient of research dollars among public universities in Kentucky. Our students come from 62 Kentucky counties, 39 states, and 19 countries, to receive our transformative educational experiences that prepare our graduates to make meaningful contributions to society.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Marcus Bernard to his new role and support him as we work together to make a lasting impact on our students, our university, and the Commonwealth.

Thank you for your continued dedication to Kentucky State University.

Warm regards,

Koffi

Koffi C. Akakpo, PhD

President