Kentucky State University's History

From its modest beginnings as a small normal school for the training of black teachers for the black schools of Kentucky, Kentucky State University has grown and evolved into a land-grant and liberal arts institution that prepares a diverse student population to compete in a multifaceted, ever-changing global society. The University was chartered in May 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, only the second state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky. During the euphoria of Frankfort’s 1886 centennial celebration, when vivid recollections of the Civil War remained, the city’s 4,000 residents were keenly interested in having the new institution located in Frankfort. Toward that end, the city donated $1,500, a considerable amount in 1886 dollars, and a site on a scenic bluff overlooking the town. This united display of community enthusiasm and commitment won the day. The new college was located in Frankfort in spite of competition from several other cities.

Recitation Hall (now Jackson Hall), the college’s first building, was erected in 1887. The new school opened on October 11, 1887, with three teachers, 55 students, and John H. Jackson as president.

KSU became a land-grant college in 1890, and the departments of home economics, agriculture and mechanics were added to the school’s curriculum. The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of that year. A high school was organized in 1893. This expansion continued into the 20th century in both name and program. In 1902, the name was changed to Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute for Colored Persons. The name was changed again in 1926 to Kentucky State Industrial College for Colored Persons. In the early 1930’s, the high school was discontinued, and in 1938 the school was named the Kentucky State College for Negroes. The term “for Negroes” was dropped in 1952. Kentucky State College became a university in 1972, and in 1973 the first graduate students enrolled in its School of Public Affairs.

Over the past 50 years, more than 47 new structures or major building expansions have enhanced Kentucky State University’s 882-acre campus, which includes a 311-acre agricultural research farm and a 306-acre environmental education center.

Kentucky State University is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 1,800 students and 93 full-time faculty members. Students have the opportunity to receive a certificate (less than one year) in various disciplines, an associate (two-year) degree in two disciplines, a baccalaureate (four-year) degree in 22 majors, several of which have optional specializations, a master’s degree in eight disciplines, and a doctoral degree in nursing practice.

Kentucky State University's Legacy

Kentucky State University is one of nineteen 1890 Land Grant institutions that are mandated by the Morrill Act of 1890 to conduct research, extension, and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. The Kentucky State University (KSU) Land Grant Program works to uphold the mission of the University through its commitment to research, extension, and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. The KSU Land Grant Program is committed to resolving agricultural, educational, economic, and social problems of the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, especially to serve the underserved in rural and urban settings. The Land Grant Program at KSU receives a significant portion of its funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which provides programmatic oversight, regulation, and guidance. Such USDA mission areas as the cooperative extension and research are dedicated to assisting stakeholders across the nation and in implementing strategic initiatives of the USDA through programs that enable such universities to conduct research, teaching, Extension and outreach.

The Land Grant Program research and extension activities enable KSU to offer many opportunities for students interested in learning more about a wide range of disciplines, including food and agricultural sciences, environmental science, natural resources, family science, consumer science, rural sociology, and community development. A U.S. Department of Agriculture Liaison Officer is located on the campus to counsel Land Grant administrators and students on national initiatives, and opportunities for partnerships with the USDA. This person also works with high school and college students by exposing them to career opportunities in the food and agricultural sciences. College students are eligible for internships while enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Additionally, the Liaison Officer promotes and accepts applications for the USDA 1890 Scholars Program, which offers a full scholarship package (tuition and a computer as well as room and board) to high school graduates who are interested in working for the USDA after completion of their undergraduate studies. A separate 1890 Scholarships Program also provides scholarships to outstanding students entering the institution to pursue and complete baccalaureate degrees in the food and agricultural sciences and related fields that would lead to a highly skilled food and agricultural systems workforce.

The Land Grant Program also houses research and Extension programming.

The Community Research Service (CRS) is focused on three main research areas: Aquaculture, Organic and Sustainable Agriculture and Human Health, Nutrition, and Food Safety. The KSU Land Grant Program has nationally and internationally recognized research programs in Aquaculture or fish farming to bring new economic opportunities to Kentucky.

The Aquaculture Program, KSU’s “Program of Distinction,” is widely recognized as being a Top 5 program in the nation in aquaculture. The program is a national and international leader in the areas of water quality, disease diagnostics, aquaponics, pond development and management, fish meal replacement research, as well as paddlefish culture, freshwater prawn and saltwater shrimp culture, Koi breeding, production of largemouth bass on-feed, catfish and hybrid striped bass production. New organic food markets continue to grow, and alternative crops and production methods are desired by farmers. The KSU Land Grant Program’s Organic Program is nationally ranked in the top 20 amongst 1890 and 1862 Land Grant institutions.

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

Foster Innovation and Inspire Leaders to Advance the Commonwealth and the World.  

Core Values

The residential division of Kentucky State University is organized into three academic colleges:

College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources

Dr. Marcus Bernard, Acting Dean and Associate Professor College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources

• School of Agriculture & Natural Resources
• School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences
• School of Nursing and Health Sciences
  • Kentucky Undergraduate Pre-Medical Academy (KUMA)

College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. David Shabazz, Acting Dean and Associate Professor College of Arts and Sciences

• School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations
• School of Education
• School of Humanities
• School of Psychology
• School of Social Work
• Liberal Studies
• Honors Collegium

College of Business, Engineering, and Technology (CBET)

Dr. Chi Shen, Acting Dean and Professor College of Business, Engineering and Technology

• School of Business
• School of Engineering and Technology
• School of Math and Computer Sciences