Dear Thorobred Family,

As part of my continued communication about Kentucky State University’s implementation of Senate Bill 185, this message highlights three areas of work now underway: defining a polytechnic-focused academic direction, advancing the next phase of academic program review, and forming an Advisory Committee to support this transition.

Let me begin, however, by affirming that this work is anchored in our proud legacy as the Commonwealth’s only public HBCU and an 1890 land-grant institution. From that foundation, we are focused on a future marked by academic strength, applied learning, research, workforce alignment, and service to communities across Kentucky and beyond.

The first area of current focus is defining Kentucky State’s academic direction under SB 185. University leaders recently held a preliminary meeting with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) to discuss the academic framework required by the legislation. We shared a working definition of what a polytechnic focus can mean for Kentucky State. CPE’s response was favorable, and we were encouraged to continue moving in this direction.

At its core, we see a polytechnic focus as connecting strong academic study with applied learning, research, and practical problem-solving. It helps students apply theory to real-world questions through applied research, case studies, clinical and practicum learning, community-based work, data-informed analysis, design projects, fieldwork, labs, and prototyping.

Related to that discussion, since the legislation specifies that Kentucky State is to offer no more than ten academic areas of study, we also discussed broad planning categories: applied sciences, engineering, health sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and technology. These are not final program decisions, but mission-aligned categories that can encompass multiple degree programs while supporting student opportunity, workforce needs, research, and community impact.

The second area of current focus is the next phase of academic program review. As I shared in my April 24 message, this work is moving through a four-part approach. The first phase began with department chairs and deans reviewing program-level data, completing templates, and documenting viability and alignment through the lens of Gray Decision Intelligence data.

This week, we began the second phase with faculty and student representatives. The first session established expectations and purpose, reviewed ground rules, and charged two faculty facilitators, who each chair schools within two of our three colleges, with helping guide the review. Representatives from CPE also attended to observe the process firsthand, consistent with the expectations of SB 185.

Faculty and students engaged in discussion and asked clarifying questions, but no decisions were made during the initial session. The second part of Phase Two will take place next week. As this work continues, the committee review will consider enrollment trends, program economics, market demand, workforce alignment, student outcomes, accreditation requirements, and institutional fit.

This phase will include recommendations related to program continuation and, where appropriate, discontinuation. Any recommendation involving discontinuation must include corresponding teach-out planning, so current students have a clear path to completion through the required process. Let me say this clearly: no student should worry about being left without a path to complete the degree program they are currently pursuing.

The third area of current focus is stakeholder engagement. We are assembling an SB 185 Advisory Committee likely composed of approximately 21 campus and community members, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners. The committee will provide strategic insight, stakeholder perspective, and constructive feedback as Kentucky State moves through this transition.

It will not replace faculty governance, academic review, Board authority, or CPE oversight. Rather, it will help ensure that this work remains informed by the people and communities Kentucky State serves.

These three areas of current focus are among many building blocks in a defining moment for the University. Our task is not only to decide what must stop, but also what must start, what must grow, and how we honor the investment our students are making through their hard work, financial commitment, and trust in Kentucky State. We owe them academic programs that prepare them for meaningful careers and lives of purpose, leadership, and service.

We will continue to share these and related updates through the Onward and Upward webpage at kysu.edu/onwardupward. I encourage you to remain engaged, ask questions, and continue contributing to this process in a spirit of care for Kentucky State University and the students we serve.

Onward and Upward,

Koffi C. Akakpo, Ph.D.
President
Kentucky State University