Retreat and regular meeting held August 6–7, 2026

With a new academic year approaching and significant changes underway across Kentucky State University, the Board of Regents used its summer meetings to take stock of the University’s progress, remaining challenges, and priorities for the year ahead. Discussions ranged from accreditation and financial stewardship to academic programs, student success, capital investment, governance, and the University’s continued pursuit of excellence in service to Kentucky.

During Thursday’s retreat, Regents reviewed key performance indicators and received updates on accreditation, capital projects, Cooperative Extension, and the University’s statewide 1890 land-grant mission, along with governance and Title IX training. SACSCOC President Dr. Stephen Pruitt joined the Board for an accreditation update. Board Secretary Nicole Sergent also provided Regents with the annual presidential evaluation and Board self-evaluation forms and allotted time for them to complete the evaluations before the Board toured University residence halls.

At Friday’s regular meeting, the Board heard from Council on Postsecondary Education President Dr. Aaron Thompson on continued collaboration between CPE and Kentucky State and received updates on the University’s FY2025 audit, FY2026 finances, capital projects, academic affairs, student affairs, and institutional advancement. In his remarks, Dr. Thompson noted Kentucky State’s improved student-success outcomes and its ranking of third among Kentucky’s public universities on the Commonwealth’s performance-funding metrics.

“The historic investment in Kentucky State is the result of years of partnership and advocacy with the General Assembly by CPE on behalf of Kentucky’s public universities,” Dr. Thompson said. “President Akakpo has been an important voice in that effort, and together we have helped secure more than $170 million over two state budget biennia for Kentucky State University while working with the legislature on the best path forward for the University. That level of investment does not dismantle Kentucky State; it enhances the University, strengthens its mission, and positions Kentucky’s only public HBCU for long-term success.”

That investment is now taking shape across the University. State-supported investments between 2024 and 2028 are advancing residence hall and academic building renovations, infrastructure improvements, and plans for a new Health Sciences Center, representing one of the most significant periods of campus renewal in Kentucky State’s history.

As part of its regular business, the Board approved a one-time $1,000 performance bonus for full-time faculty and staff, effective September 1.

As part of its regular business, the Board approved the renewal of President Koffi C. Akakpo’s employment contract, affirming its confidence in his leadership and in the direction of the University. The action comes amid measurable institutional progress under Dr. Akakpo and his leadership team, including reducing outstanding SACSCOC findings from 16 to one, completing four audits in three years, producing the largest graduating class in recent University history, and strengthening Kentucky State’s research profile to the third-largest university research portfolio in the Commonwealth.

“I supported that action enthusiastically, unequivocally, and wholeheartedly because I have every confidence in his commitment to Kentucky State, our students, and the direction in which the University is moving,” Board Chair Tammi Dukes said. (Read Chair Dukes’ full statement.)

Taken together, the meetings underscored the Board’s continued focus on responsible governance, accountability, and measurable progress as Regents work with President Akakpo and the University community to sustain momentum, address the challenges that remain, and move Kentucky State forward.

As the Commonwealth’s only public HBCU and an 1890 land-grant institution, Kentucky State is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2026, marking a legacy of education, research, and service that began with its founding in 1886 and continues across Kentucky today.