Fifty-three President’s Award recipients joined honorees recognized for citizenship and campus distinction

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Academic excellence at Kentucky State University was measured not only in grades on Tuesday, April 21, but also in perseverance, service, leadership and the responsibilities students carry beyond the classroom.

The University celebrated its 2026 Academic Honors Convocation in David H. Bradford Hall’s Carl H. Smith Auditorium, recognizing students whose achievements reflect the ceremony’s theme, “Thorobreds Leading with Impact.”

Dr. Michael D. Dailey, provost and vice president for the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, served as emcee for the program, which included academic honor roll recipients, Dean’s List students, departmental award recipients, scholarship students, honor society members and 53 students who received the President’s Awards for earning 4.0 GPAs.

President Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo presented the awards to the University’s top academic honorees, a group that included three seniors, 16 juniors, 11 sophomores, and 23 freshmen. In recognizing the students, Dr. Akakpo framed the honor as a tribute to the discipline behind a perfect GPA and the perseverance required to succeed through demanding classes while balancing relationships, internships, jobs, goals, and other responsibilities that often remain unseen.

“The President’s Awards honors our remarkable students who have earned 4.0 GPAs,” Dr. Akakpo said. “This award symbolizes your perseverance and dedication to your education.”

Dr. Akakpo also told the honorees that the work ethic behind their academic success would continue to serve them well beyond the classroom, helping them overcome challenges and make strides in their careers, relationships and passions.

“You are brilliant, you are resilient, and you are incredible,” Dr. Akakpo said. “Your perseverance and work ethic will serve you for the rest of your life.”

Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson presented the Mayor’s Citizenship Award to Mugisha Donatien, recognizing his service, leadership and contributions to campus and community life. Donatien is a senior business administration major with a concentration in management who serves as senior class president and as drum major of the Mighty Marching Thorobreds.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, by way of Lusaka, Zambia, Donatien is also a touring artist professionally known as DripDaDon. In his student leadership role, he represents the graduating class in University and community initiatives, leads class programming and works with students, faculty, administrators, alumni and external partners to strengthen engagement, school spirit and service.”

In reflecting on the award, Donatien said the honor represented more than individual recognition.

“This is not just a reflection of what has been done, but a reminder of the responsibility ahead,” Donatien said. “To serve greater. To lead stronger. And to continue building something that will outlast all of us.”

That connection between achievement and responsibility carried through remarks from Jade McCargo, a junior agriculture, food and environment major with a concentration in agricultural business and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society. McCargo spoke about persistence, purpose, and the growth that often happens outside public view.

“In my eyes, excellence is not about just being able to add another club or organization to my resume; it’s about persevering even when it seemed like there was no light at the end of the tunnel,” McCargo said.

She also reminded honorees that success is measured by impact as well as achievement.

“Through my leadership, service, and community, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about what you achieve but how and who you impact along the way,” McCargo said. “We aren’t just students in a classroom; we are the next generation, leaders, advocates, change makers, and voices that deserve to be heard.”

Regent Matthew Grimshaw served as Convocation speaker, bringing both personal reflection and professional perspective to the occasion. Grimshaw joined CHI Saint Joseph Health as market president in December 2024 after serving as CEO of Trinity Health System since 2017, and his career includes more than 15 years in leadership roles across Catholic hospitals.

During his remarks, Grimshaw encouraged students to pair ambition with humility, referencing the leadership concept of being “humbitious,” a term associated with Amer Kaissi, author of “Humbitious: The Power of Low-Ego, High-Drive Leadership.” Grimshaw used the idea to urge students to keep striving while remaining grounded in service, gratitude and purpose.

Following his remarks, Grimshaw was welcomed as an honorary member of Omicron Delta Kappa through the Kentucky State University circle. The national honor society recognizes students and leaders who embody the ideals of scholarship, service, integrity, character and fellowship.

The convocation also included greetings from Student Regent and Student Government Association President Cheyenne Rushing, as well as a welcome from De’Lauryn Thomas, the 96th Miss Kentucky State University, and Robert Dorsey III, the 32nd Mister Kentucky State University.

Music helped frame the celebration, with the University Choir, directed by Mario J. Radford ’14, presenting “My Soul’s Been Anchored.” Essence Kimbrough, a junior social work major, served as soloist.

Academic deans Dr. Marcus Bernard, Dr. David Shabazz, and Dr. Chi Shen recognized students across the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; the College of Arts and Sciences; and the College of Business, Engineering, and Technology. Students affiliated with the 1890 Scholarship Program, Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society and the Whitney Young Honors Collegium also were recognized.

As he closed the ceremony, Dr. Dailey emphasized that the day reflected more than grades and awards. It also honored the habits, character and support systems that help students grow into scholars and leaders.

“Today, we have celebrated more than academic achievement — we have recognized perseverance, purpose, and the pursuit of excellence that defines the Thorobred spirit,” Dr. Dailey said. “To our honorees, your accomplishments represent not only what you have achieved, but who you are becoming as scholars and leaders.”

The ceremony concluded with the Kentucky State University Alma Mater, led by Mr. Radford and the choir.