Thorobreds Leading for Impact
Kentucky State University enters the 2025-2026 academic year with key leadership updates in Academic Affairs.
Academic Affairs
Dr. Nyrée McDonald, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs
Dr. Nyrée McDonald currently serves as the Vice Provost of Academic Affairs at Kentucky
State University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from
Tuskegee University, a Master of Science in Environmental Quality Engineering from
the University of Alaska, and both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy
in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to joining Kentucky
State, she served as the Associate Dean for Graduate Enrollment Management at the
University of Notre Dame, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the graduate
admissions process and enhancing the experiences of the graduate student body. Her
active engagement with multiple national organizations and her extensive work in academic
administration reflect her deep commitment to advancing higher education and promoting
student success.
Dr. Philip Clay, Jr., Interim Director of Graduate Studies
Dr. Phillip H. Clay, Jr. currently serves as Interim Director of Graduate Studies
and Associate Professor in the School of Education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts
in Business Management and Administration and Master of Arts in Special Education,
K-12, LBD from Kentucky State University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership-Principalship
and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a specialty in business from the University
of Cumberland’s. He has over 25 years of experience in the field of education, educating
students from grades kindergarten to college in both the regular and special education
setting. Dr. Clay has also held multiple positions at Kentucky State including Faculty
Senate President, Chair of the School of Education, Director and Coordinator of Disability
Services, and more. He is a devoted member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and
is the Polemarch (President) of the Frankfort Alumni Chapter and the Alpha Upsilon
Chapter Advisor.
College of Business, Engineering, and Technology
Dr. Jyotica Batra, Chair of the School of Engineering and Technology
Dr. Jyotica Batra is a trained biophysicist and specializes in solving three-dimensional
structures of macromolecules. She earned her Ph.D. in Physics from Florida State University
in 2009 and went on to work as a postdoctoral research scientist at the Mayo Clinic
and at the University of Kentucky. Since joining Kentucky State University, Dr. Batra
has been dedicated to teaching undergraduate physics courses and mentoring students
on projects funded by NSF in pursuing degrees in engineering and STEM fields. Presently,
Dr. Batra is serving as Chair of the School of Engineering & Technology at Kentucky
State University and is committed to enhancing engineering education at Kentucky State.
Under her leadership, the School of Engineering and Technology has focused on providing
a student-centered, hands-on approach to learning, ensuring that students develop
a firm foundation in STEM disciplines.
College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Frederick Williams, Chair of the School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations
Dr. Frederick Williams brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the
fields of criminal justice and government relations. He earned a bachelor's degree
in criminal justice from Tennessee State University and both a master's and doctorate
from the University of Louisville. A distinguished twenty-year veteran of the Kentucky
State Police, Dr. Williams rose through every permanent sworn rank, culminating in
the esteemed position of major on the command staff. Beyond active service, Dr. Williams
has dedicated 14 years to shaping the next generation of criminal justice professionals
as an adjunct instructor at various colleges and universities. Currently, Dr. Williams
leads as the Chairperson of the School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations
at Kentucky State University, overseeing both undergraduate and graduate programs
in criminal justice, and the undergraduate political science program.
Dr. Angela Williams, Chair of the School of Social Work
Dr. Angela Williams serves as the Chair and Program Director of the School of Social
Work at Kentucky State, in which she plays an active role in accreditation, curriculum
development, and building student-centered partnerships with community agencies. Dr.
Williams holds a Bachelors of Social Work, Master of Social Work, and Doctorate of
Social Work from the University of Kentucky and is a certified School Social Worker.
Guided by her teaching philosophy—“dreams don’t work unless you do”—Dr. Williams’
teaching approach emphasizes applied learning, reflective practice, and community
engagement, preparing future social workers to be ethical, compassionate, and effective
advocates for change. She is an active member of the Council on Social Work Education
(CSWE) and the Phi Alpha Honor Society, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority,
Inc., where she upholds the values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Dr. Shambra Mulder, Chair of the School of Psychology
Dr. Shambra Mulder is a licensed psychologist who is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), an effective evidence-based treatment for treating
youth with complex trauma. Her decades of experience spans from founder of a private
clinical practice and a nonprofit organization, Deputy Commissioner for the Department
for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities within Kentucky
Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 2023-2024 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health
Policy Fellow with the National Academy of Medicine, former board member for the Kentucky
Psychological Association, a U.S. Navy veteran, and much more. Dr. Mulder earned her
advanced certification for Director of Special Education, a Master of Science in Educational
Psychology, Educational Specialist degree in School Psychology, and Ph.D. in Educational
Psychology from the University of Kentucky as well as an advanced certificate in psychotherapy
from Bellarmine University. She returns to Kentucky State to serve as Chair of the
School of Psychology, having previously served as a professor from 2010-2015 in the
School of Education’s Master of Arts in Special Education program, where she taught
graduate courses in psychoeducational assessments, classroom behavioral management,
and teaching students with disabilities. She is a Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority,
Inc., one of the internationally Black Greek-lettered and service organizations of
fraternities and sororities.
Dr. Carole Cobb, Chair of the School of Education
Dr. Carole A. Cobb, Kentucky State University alumna, has returned to serve her Alma
Mater as Chair of the School of Education, Human Development, and Consumer Services
and holds the rank of Associate Professor/tenure track. She brings her extensive background
in education, faculty development, and professional coaching through experiences as
a secondary teacher in the Detroit Public Schools, an Assistant Principal in Saginaw
Community Township Schools (MI), District Program Coordinator, Los Angeles Unified,
an Associate Professor/Secondary Graduate Director of Teacher Education and an Adjunct
Professor of Theology at several institutions of higher learning. Dr. Cobb earned
her B.S. in Criminal Justice Education from Kentucky State University; both her M.Ed.
in Educational Leadership and Administration and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
from Wayne State University; and her D.Min. in Spiritual Leadership from The King’s
University.
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
Dr. Tyrell Kahan, Associate Extension Administrator
Dr. Tyrell Kahan serves as Associate Extension Administrator, bringing a unique combination
of veterinary medicine expertise and international development experience. He earned
his DVM from the University of Florida and master's in development practice from Emory
University. Dr. Kahan's broad career spans clinical veterinary practice to the management
of international livestock research programs with USAID. In his current role, he oversees
Cooperative Extension programs that connect University research with community needs,
particularly in animal health and agricultural development. His work strengthens partnerships
between the university and farming communities while advancing practical applications
of agricultural science throughout Kentucky and beyond.
Dr. Michael Strysick, Associate Dean of Strategic Communications
Dr. Michael Strysick serves as Associate Dean of Strategic Communication, bringing
more than two decades of experience as both a faculty member and higher education
administrator. He holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature and began his career as
an English professor before transitioning into college relations, branding, and strategic
messaging. Dr. Strysick has provided communications expertise for major fundraising
campaigns and institutional advancement initiatives at multiple universities. His
leadership has successfully enhanced institutional profiles and supported significant
development efforts. At Kentucky State University, he applies this extensive background
to shape institutional narrative and strengthen strategic communications for the Land
Grant Program across all platforms.
Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin, Chair of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin serves as Chair of the School of Agriculture and Natural
Resources and associate professor of soil science. He earned his Ph.D. in plant and
soil science from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, focusing his research
on soil conservation, carbon dynamics in forests, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Gebremedhin develops innovative measures that improve soil quality and productivity
for farmers while leading academic programs that prepare the next generation of agricultural
professionals. His work bridges environmental science and practical farming applications,
supporting Kentucky's agricultural community through research, education, and extension
services.
Dr. Andrew Ray, Chair of the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science
Dr. Andrew Ray serves as Chair of the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science and
is an internationally recognized researcher in sustainable aquaculture systems. He
holds a Ph.D. in coastal sciences from the University of Southern Mississippi and
specializes in developing innovative technologies such as biofloc and recirculating
aquaculture systems. Dr. Ray's research enables fresh seafood production in various
geographic locations, and he has established numerous collaborations with institutions
worldwide. His leadership has helped to elevate the University's aquatic program to
national prominence while advancing both research excellence and practical applications.
Through his work, Dr. Ray continues to expand sustainable aquaculture practices and
mentor the next generation of aquatic scientists.