Commemorative identity celebrates the University’s history and carries its enduring mission forward

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University has unveiled a new commemorative logo marking 140 years of educating students, serving communities, and advancing the Commonwealth.

Founded May 18, 1886, as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, Kentucky State began with a public charge to prepare teachers for Kentucky schools. Today, Kentucky State is proud to serve as the Commonwealth’s only public historically Black college or university and an 1890 land-grant institution, with responsibilities spanning teaching, research, Extension, agriculture, health, technology, workforce development, and public service.

The logo will serve as the official visual identity for the University’s yearlong anniversary celebration, which begins this fall around Oct. 11, the anniversary of Kentucky State’s first day of classes. That inaugural class brought together 55 students from 21 Kentucky counties under the leadership of John Henry Jackson, the University’s first president.

“For 140 years, Kentucky State University has responded to the needs of its students, its communities, and the Commonwealth,” President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo said. “This anniversary honors the generations who built and sustained this institution and reminds us that our history carries a continuing charge to serve. We celebrate where Kentucky State has been and look with confidence toward the future we are building together.”

Incorporating Kentucky State’s signature green and gold, the anniversary identity features a representation of the University’s historic Jackson Hall and the number 140. Primary and secondary treatments are available in horizontal, vertical, and badge formats for approved uses across print and digital communications, anniversary events, campus signage, and other applications.

The 140th Anniversary Logo Style Guide provides standards for selecting and displaying the appropriate logo treatment. The mark must not be stretched, rotated, outlined, recolored, made transparent, altered with effects, or otherwise modified. Appropriate clear space and background contrast must also be maintained.

All uses of the 140th anniversary logo must receive prior approval from Kentucky State University. University offices, campus organizations, external partners, vendors, and other parties seeking to use the mark must submit a Project Request Form or contact news@kysu.edu.

Official anniversary graphic files are held and distributed exclusively by the University. Publication of the Style Guide does not grant permission to download, reproduce, recreate, alter, distribute, or use the logo independently. Commercial use, including use on merchandise, promotional products, or items offered for sale, is expressly prohibited unless authorized in advance by Kentucky State University.

As the University enters its 140th year, the commemorative identity will help connect anniversary programs and communications through a consistent visual expression of Kentucky State’s history, mission, and future.

Learn more about the University’s anniversary and its enduring public mission in President Akakpo’s message, “A 140-Year Charge to Serve.”