More than 400 graduates are expected to cross the stage May 9, including 30 high school seniors earning associate degrees through dual credit

Kentucky State University is preparing to celebrate what is expected to be the largest graduating class in its recent history, with more than 400 graduates projected for Commencement on May 9. While the exact count will be determined closer to the ceremony, the Class of 2026 will surpass the University’s recent record of 357 degrees awarded last year.

That upward trend is clear in the numbers. Four years ago, Kentucky State awarded 202 degrees. With more than 400 graduates projected this year, the Class of 2026 will likely double that mark, representing an increase of more than 100 percent.

Three members of the Class of 2026 will complete their degrees in just three years. Their achievement reflects academic focus, determination, and an accelerated path to completion.

In addition, among this year’s graduates are 30 high school seniors who will earn associate degrees through Kentucky State University’s dual-credit program while also completing high school. That group includes 28 students from Frankfort High School and one each from Franklin County and Woodford County high schools.

Eleven members of the dual-credit group will be just 17 years old on Commencement day. Together, they have completed 1,897 credit hours of coursework, and one student has completed nearly 80 credit hours before high school graduation.

This year’s Commencement reflects strength across both undergraduate and graduate education. Along with students earning associate and bachelor’s degrees across the University, the Class of 2026 includes 79 graduate-degree candidates, led by 32 in environmental studies, 21 in the Master of Business Administration program, and 15 in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

The graduating class features students whose stories illustrate the range of achievement and experience found across Kentucky State University.

For Selena Orengo, Commencement marks a full-circle moment. Orengo is earning the Doctor of Nursing Practice after previously completing both her Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Kentucky State. Inducted into the Omicron Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, she plans to continue serving her community as an advanced practice registered nurse.

Nigel Cochran’s path reflects accomplishment across academics, athletics, and campus leadership. A graduate student in computer science from Woodruff, South Carolina, Cochran is a 2025 HBCU national champion in pole vault who serves as a Graduate Assistant Resident Director in Housing and an assistant track and field coach. After graduation, he plans to remain involved with Kentucky State through Housing and the track and field program.

Nevaeh Jordan has paired academic achievement with strong student leadership and service. A social work major from Marion, Indiana, Jordan has served in Student Government Association and as president of KSU Girls Rock. A member of the Whitney Young Honors Collegium and Phi Alpha Honors Society, she plans to pursue a career in juvenile justice.

Robert Dorsey, a computer science major from Columbus, Ohio, has built an impressive record of leadership and involvement on campus. He serves as the 32nd Mister Kentucky State University and has been active in Kappa Alpha Psi, Collegiate 100, NAACP, MANRRS, National Honor Society, and TRIO Student Support Services. A recipient of the 1890 Scholarship, a Dean’s List student, and an honoree of the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence, Dorsey plans to continue his studies at Kentucky State by pursuing a master’s degree in computer science with the long-term goal of earning a Ph.D.

Commencement will celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 while marking an important moment for the University. As graduates prepare to cross the stage on May 9, this year’s ceremony will underscore both individual achievement and continued momentum in degree attainment at Kentucky State. For Kentucky’s only public HBCU and an 1890 land-grant university, that progress carries meaning far beyond a single day, strengthening the University’s impact across the Commonwealth.