Dear Thorobred Family,
The Kentucky General Assembly is now deep into its biennial budget session. One key
outcome by its close in mid-April is the two-year budget for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Public funding for Kentucky’s public educational institutions is a major part of that
process.
House members act first by passing their version of the budget. Next, the Senate takes
up the bill and advances its version. When the two versions differ, a conference committee
resolves those differences. Final language then returns to both chambers for approval
before the budget goes to the Governor.
We are currently in the first step of that lengthy process. In its initial proposal,
the House budget includes reductions affecting public education across the Commonwealth,
including higher education. All public colleges and universities in Kentucky would
see a net General Fund reduction of 4 percent in fiscal year (FY) 2026–2027 and 7
percent in FY 2027–2028 under this proposal.
For Kentucky State, that translates to a reduction of $1,570,200 in FY 2026–2027 and
$2,486,600 in FY 2027–2028, for a two-year total reduction of $4,056,800, or about
$4.1 million.
Other institutions are facing similar reductions relative to their size and scope.
Under the House proposal, for instance, the University of Kentucky would see total
two-year net General Fund reductions of $34,969,500, and the University of Louisville
would see total net General Fund reductions of $15,406,900.
These proposed decreases are substantial and deserve sustained attention.
I have been actively advocating for Kentucky State with elected officials and have
spent a considerable amount of time at the Capitol in recent weeks. I am also grateful
for the alumni, partners, and friends of the University who are making the case for
Kentucky State’s value to the Commonwealth alongside us.
The good news is that other revenue streams continue to grow. Enrollment gains, continued
fundraising progress, and strong performance in federal and competitive grants through
our land-grant programs are strengthening the University’s overall financial picture.
As one example, this momentum includes a recent $1.7 million USDA Capacity Building Grant that will support new research, teaching, and Extension work that serves Kentucky
communities and expands hands-on learning opportunities for students.
That said, funding from the General Assembly has always been — and will remain — critical
to the operational support needed by Kentucky State University and all its sister
institutions to deliver on their public missions. These are the dollars that help
sustain instruction, advising, and student services, campus operations, and the people
who do the daily work of educating Kentucky’s future workforce. Keeping Kentucky competitive
requires a strong public higher education ecosystem, and Kentucky State’s contribution
is distinctive and essential.
As the process continues through the Senate and, if needed, conference committee negotiations,
we will remain engaged, continue advocating in Frankfort, and communicate clearly
as developments occur. When the final budget agreement is released, we will take additional
actions by reviewing final provisions carefully and sharing what the adopted budget
means for our University.
Thank you for the work you do every day to support our campus community and advance
our mission. This has been my message in Frankfort, and it will continue to be: Kentucky
State University is a responsible, high-impact investment in the Commonwealth’s people,
communities, and long-term prosperity.
Onward and Upward,
Koffi C. Akakpo, Ph.D.
President
Kentucky State University