Annual conference invites students from all majors to present original research; awards banquet to follow

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University’s School of Business and Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy, in partnership with Expree Credit Union, will host the Tenth Annual Expree Student Research Day and Awards Banquet on April 30, 2026.

Titled “Linking Teaching and Research in the Classroom to Enhance Student Learning Outcomes,” the event is open to all currently enrolled Kentucky State students. Faculty members will serve as mentors to participating students and will be recognized in the official conference program.

Concurrent sessions will be held in David H. Bradford Hall, giving students an opportunity to present original research and engage in scholarly dialogue across disciplines.

Students who wish to participate should complete the online participation form by March 16, 2026:
https://kysu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3UCT3mvH90K91Ge

Competition categories and awards

  • Research Paper Competition
    • Submission deadline: April 9, 2026
    • Awards: 1st Place — $1,500 | 2nd Place — $1,000
  • Oral Presentation Competition
    • Title and abstract deadline: April 9, 2026
    • Awards: 1st Place — $1,000 | 2nd Place — $750 | 3rd Place — $500
  • Poster Competition
    • Submission deadline: April 16, 2026
    • Awards: 1st Place — $750 | 2nd Place — $500 | 3rd Place — $300

Graduate and undergraduate divisions will be created if sufficient submissions are received in each category.

Winners will be announced during the Awards Banquet at 6 p.m. in the Carl M. Hill Student Center Ballroom. RSVP is required by April 24, 2026, and there is no cost for student participants to attend.

“We are excited to offer this event to our campus community,” said Dr. Gary Stratton, chair of the School of Business. “Dr. Abdul Turay established this event while serving as department chair. Student Research Day is an important tradition within our department, and we welcome students from all majors to join us for this celebration of student research.”

“Student research enhances academic knowledge and builds essential skills that students can use throughout their lives and careers,” Turay said. “It allows students to actively contribute to their fields of study while engaging in personal and professional development. I am proud to have established this professional student conference at Kentucky State University, and I look forward to seeing the wide range of research that our students will present.”

In addition to student competitions, instructional faculty in the School of Business are eligible to apply for the Teaching-Research Award and Scholar Award. Recipients will also be announced during the banquet.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Dr. Abdul Turay at (502) 597-6708 or abdul.turay@kysu.edu.