FRANKFORT, Ky. — A new milestone was included in Kentucky State University’s 2026 Commencement weekend: a dedicated ceremony recognizing the University’s graduate and doctoral students.

Kentucky State held its first Academic Hooding Ceremony on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Bradford Hall, creating a separate moment of recognition for students completing advanced degrees. The following day, the University celebrated its Spring 2026 Commencement Convocation on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Dr. William H. Exum Center.

Together, the ceremonies highlighted the growing role of graduate education at Kentucky State as the University continues to expand advanced academic pathways tied to workforce needs, professional advancement, research, and service across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Among the Class of 2026 were 112 candidates for graduate and doctoral degrees within the University’s three major academic units: the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; the College of Arts and Sciences; and the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology.

The College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources represented the largest share, with 63 graduate degree candidates. That total included 40 Master of Science candidates in Environmental Studies, 16 Doctor of Nursing Practice candidates, and seven Master of Science candidates in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences.

The College of Business, Engineering, and Technology included 38 graduate degree candidates, with 29 in the Master of Business Administration program and nine in Computer Science.

The College of Arts and Sciences included 11 graduate degree candidates across three Master of Arts programs: four in Special Education with Certification, four in Public Administration, and three in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science.

Graduate numbers are expected to grow with two new graduate programs already approved and others in development.

The new Master of Science in Sports Analytics has been approved by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), while the Master of Public Health in Nutrition has been approved by CPE and will require SACSCOC review and approval before launch.

“Graduate education is one of the clearest ways Kentucky State can respond to the evolving needs of students, employers, and communities,” said Dr. Phillip Clay, interim director of Graduate Studies. “Our work is to build programs that are academically strong, workforce-relevant, and sustainable, so students can advance professionally while contributing to the Commonwealth and beyond.”

According to Dr. Clay, graduate program development requires sustained planning, intentional recruitment, academic quality, and student support. Because many graduate programs take one to three years to complete, enrollment growth and new program development often contribute to graduation growth over time.

Rooted in academic quality, Kentucky State’s continued expansion of graduate education positions Graduate Studies for sustained growth, increased degree completion, and deeper contributions to Kentucky’s workforce and communities.