Onward and Upward

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Onward and Upward

Information, updates, and resources on Kentucky State University’s future

Kentucky State University is at an important and historic moment. As Senate Bill 185 moves through the legislative process, many understandably have questions about what this direction would mean for Kentucky State’s future. At its core, this is not a departure from who we are. It is an effort to build on the University’s strengths and position it for long-term sustainability, innovation, and service.

Simply put, this kind of academic direction, with its polytechnic emphasis, combines strong academics with hands-on learning, applied research, and career-connected programs that prepare students to solve real-world problems. That broad direction can also be seen across leading HBCUs, where institutions such as Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, Florida A&M University, Morgan State University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Tuskegee University have built strong reputations in STEM, health sciences, research, medicine, and the preparation of future scientific and professional leaders. In the broader higher education landscape, many people also recognize that model through institutions such as MIT, Caltech, and Georgia Tech, where rigorous study is also closely tied to innovation and practical application.

Our repositioning along these lines would be part of a much longer history of evolution at Kentucky State. Since our founding in 1886 and our designation as an 1890 land-grant institution just four years later, the University has continued to grow and change in response to the needs of Kentucky. From a normal school, to a land-grant college, to a university, Kentucky State has never stood still. Relevance has always been part of our DNA.

That direction is already visible in longstanding strengths in agriculture, food security, clean water, and other applied areas of public need, as well as growth in STEM, nursing, health science, manufacturing engineering technology, biological and agricultural engineering, aquaculture and aquatic science, sports analytics, geospatial and drone technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, online learning, and other emerging fields. The University’s 2025 Carnegie classification as a Research Colleges and Universities institution, together with its standing as home to Kentucky’s third-largest university research portfolio, underscores that momentum.

Viewed in that context, this direction affirms and sharpens a path already underway. It strengthens the connection among research, academic opportunity, and career preparation while preserving Kentucky State’s historic mission as an HBCU and 1890 land-grant university.

Related links:

Understanding SB 185

Update: House changes to SB 185

As amended in the House, SB 185 retains the bill’s overall direction while making several important changes and clarifications.

Most notably, the revised mission language is stronger and more explicit. It affirms Kentucky State University as Kentucky’s only public HBCU and an 1890 land-grant university, while defining it as a four-year residential polytechnic university focused on highly technical, industry-based applied learning. It also makes clear that Kentucky State would continue to offer both liberal studies and polytechnic programs aligned with workforce needs and consistent with the historic mission of an HBCU.

The House version also adds flexibility to admissions by allowing alternative discretionary pathways for certain students, including qualifying transfer students, veterans, graduates of nonpublic schools meeting the test-score standard, nontraditional-age students with professional experience, and dual-credit students.

In addition, the bill softens several student-account provisions. The timeline for unpaid balances affecting enrollment was extended from 30 days to 60 days, and students on approved payment plans would not have their full balance treated as due unless one or more payments are more than 60 days overdue. The timeline for referring debts over $1,000 to the Department of Revenue was also extended from more than 60 days to more than 90 days.

Finally, the House substitute significantly changes the treatment of Greek life. Fraternities and sororities currently in good standing would maintain their charter recognition, while the Board of Regents could establish periodic review policies that respect freedom of association and apply equally to all student organizations.

The rest of the summary below provides the broader context and major provisions of the bill.

As currently written in Senate Committee Substitute 1, SB 185 would redefine Kentucky State University as a land-grant polytechnic institution focused on highly technical, industry-based applied learning and programs aligned with Kentucky’s workforce needs. It also would declare a state of financial exigency at the University for up to five years, unless the General Assembly ends that status sooner based on a recommendation from the Council on Postsecondary Education that the University’s finances are stable.

The bill would place Kentucky State under expanded financial oversight by the Council on Postsecondary Education during that period. Under the committee substitute, the University could not enter into an obligation or make an expenditure of $5,000 or more without prior CPE approval. The bill would also require monthly financial reporting, quarterly updates to state leaders, full cooperation with CPE oversight, a transition to monthly EMARS reporting and reconciliation by July 1, 2027, and no budget deficit during the financial exigency period.

SB 185 also would require a review of academic programs. The Board of Regents, in consultation with CPE, would identify which programs the University proposes to maintain and which programs it recommends for closure or other substantive change, along with teach-out plans for affected students. Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year and continuing for five academic years, the bill would limit the University to no more than 10 academic areas of study, with exceptions for programs that are exclusively online, in the college of education, or deemed necessary by CPE to the University’s mission as a polytechnic institution.

The legislation also would make significant changes affecting personnel, admissions, and student balances. During the financial exigency period, it would authorize the President to terminate employees, including tenured employees, with 30 days’ notice. It would establish minimum admission standards for new applicants, restrict enrollment for individuals who owe the University more than $1,000 for more than 30 days, require reporting on those debts, and require certain unpaid balances to be referred for collection. It also would require fraternities and sororities to reapply for recognition by July 1, 2026.

The proposed floor amendment would make two targeted changes. First, it would raise the spending threshold requiring prior CPE approval from $5,000 to $20,000. Second, it would change the staffing and enrollment language so that it refers to an enrollment target, rather than a fixed in-person enrollment figure.

More specifically, the amendment would replace “five thousand dollars ($5,000)” with “twenty thousand dollars ($20,000)” and would change the staffing language to refer to “the enrollment target of at least one thousand (1,000) in-person students” rather than “the enrollment of one thousand (1,000) in-person students.”

The bill does not rename the University. Instead, it would redefine the University’s mission in statute and remove older statutory language describing Kentucky State as a four-year residential institution emphasizing liberal studies appropriate to its size and resources.

As currently proposed, SB 185 was reported favorably with Senate Committee Substitute 1, and Senate Floor Amendment 1 was filed to that substitute. Because legislation can still change as it moves through the process, this summary should be read as a plain-language overview of the proposal as currently posted.

Messages from Dr. Akakpo

Remarks by Barry C. Johnson, Jr.
President, Kentucky State University National Alumni Association

The following remarks were delivered by Barry C. Johnson, Jr. on April 1, 2026, during legislative consideration of amended Senate Bill 185. // House Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue (34:45-39:55)

Good morning. On behalf of the Kentucky State University National Alumni Association, I am Barry Johnson, representing many thousands of proud Thoroughbreds across the Commonwealth, the nation, and globally. It is my distinct honor to appear before this distinguished body today.

Let me begin by thanking the General Assembly collectively, and Republicans and Democrats alike. To Senator McDaniel, Chair Petri, Representative Bray, and the A&R Committee: Thank you for the leadership you provide. Your stewardship of the Commonwealth’s resources is not taken lightly, and I acknowledge the work you do on behalf of all Kentuckians, including myself, which I am a Kentuckian.

To Senator Neal, Senator Givens, House Minority Leader Stevenson, Representative Brown, Representative Hancock, and House Minority Whip Watkins: We are grateful for your presence, your advocacy, and your commitment to the students of Kentucky State University — current and future.

We also wish to extend our appreciation and thanks to Dr. Aaron Thompson, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education, and his entire team. His vision for a stronger, more inclusive postsecondary system lifts up all Kentucky colleges and universities, and we are grateful for his partnership with KSU.

To University President Dr. Kofi Akakpo and his dedicated team: We say thank you. KSU is charting a bold course forward, one rooted in academic excellence and an unshakable commitment to student success. I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kelly Cunningham, Andrea Houston, Cassandra Gray, and their respective teams; the KSU students; and the National Alumni Association leadership team.

And finally, to every KSU alum, every friend of Kentucky State University, and those whose names we know and those whose names we do not, thank you. I took the time to thank and acknowledge all of those because we are all here today because of your collaborative spirit and partnership with KSU.

We believe in the future of KSU. KSU is primed for success. KSU is more than an institution — it is a promise. A promise founded in 1886, KSU has stood for more than a century, a beacon of educational opportunity. Our alumni are teachers, nurses, engineers, public servants, community leaders. We live and work in every county in the state.

When you invest in Kentucky State University, you invest in Kentucky itself; in the communities that need it most; in the students who have the most to gain; and the future of our Commonwealth is working so hard to build.

We are here today with hope grounded in the belief that when Kentucky State leaders and institutions work together, the Commonwealth rises. This amended legislation will not only solidify and propel Kentucky State fully into the future, it will forever retain and preserve its historical mission that has defined this institution for nearly 140 years.

KSU’s mission is not merely historical; it is essential. Essential to this Commonwealth. This legislation honors that legacy while empowering KSU to meet the demands of tomorrow.

So in closing, let this moment also stand as a testament to what true collaboration, genuine partnership can produce when legislators, university leaders, students, community advocates, alumni, and friends come together around a shared purpose. Great things become possible.

What we see in this amended legislation is not the work of any one person or any one office. It is the fruit of collective will, mutual respect, and a common love for KSU, this Commonwealth, and its people. May it serve as a model for what we can accomplish together.

For all of these reasons, I’m asking you to vote "yes" for this legislation in front of you today, and I look forward to building our collective partnership in the future. Onward and upward, and God bless. Thank you for your time.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

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What would SB 185 do overall?
SB 185 would redefine Kentucky State University’s mission in state law, increase financial oversight, require an academic program review, and create new rules related to staffing, admissions, student balances, and organizational recognition.

Has Senate Bill 185 already become law?
No. Senate Bill 185 has not yet become law. It has passed the Senate and remains pending before the House.

Would the bill take effect right away if enacted?
Yes. The bill includes an emergency clause, so it would take effect immediately if it becomes law.

Would Kentucky State still remain an HBCU and an 1890 land-grant institution?
Yes. Kentucky State University would remain an HBCU and Kentucky’s 1890 land-grant institution. That would not change.

Would the bill change Kentucky State University’s name?
No. Kentucky State University would remain Kentucky State University. The bill would change how the University’s mission is defined in statute, not the University’s name.

Is Kentucky State becoming a community college or two-year institution?
No. Kentucky State would remain a four-year university.

Is this a break from Kentucky State’s identity and history?
No. Kentucky State’s identity, legacy, and mission of opportunity would remain central. The proposal is framed as a new academic emphasis built on strengths the University already has in applied learning, research, and public service.

Why a polytechnic focus now?
In many ways, Kentucky State has already been moving in this direction. The University has grown in areas such as STEM, nursing, health sciences, engineering pathways, agriculture, aquaculture, cybersecurity, geospatial and drone technology, artificial intelligence, and other applied fields. A polytechnic focus would build on that momentum and further connect academic programs to student opportunity and Kentucky’s workforce needs.

Would the bill change Kentucky State’s academic offerings?
Potentially. The bill requires an academic program review and, for five academic years beginning in 2026-2027, would limit the University to no more than 10 academic areas of study, with certain exceptions. Currently, Kentucky State is organized into three colleges with 11 schools, each of which includes multiple majors and program options. That is one reason it is important to distinguish between the bill’s reference to academic areas of study and a simple count of majors.

Is it true that Kentucky State would be limited to only 10 majors?
No. The bill does not say “10 majors.” It says the University could offer no more than 10 academic areas of study for five academic years beginning in 2026-2027, with exceptions for programs offered exclusively online, programs in education, and programs the Council on Postsecondary Education determines are necessary to Kentucky State’s mission as a polytechnic institution.

Would liberal arts disappear?
Not necessarily. Current proposals indicate that liberal arts offerings could continue, with many likely to be offered online rather than eliminated altogether. As with other academic areas, Kentucky State University would work with the Council on Postsecondary Education through the required academic program review process to determine how those offerings are structured and delivered.

Would Kentucky State expand online offerings?
Yes. Expanded online learning is part of the broader direction being discussed. Online offerings could help Kentucky State preserve access, continue liberal arts pathways, and serve students who need greater flexibility while the University strengthens its polytechnic focus.

Would education and teacher preparation continue?
Yes. Education has been identified as an area that would continue under the proposal. Teacher preparation remains an important part of Kentucky State’s public mission and service to the Commonwealth.

What would happen to current students if a major is changed, moved online, or discontinued? Would they have to transfer?
No student would be required to transfer to another institution. The University has said current majors would continue for enrolled students, and the bill requires a teach-out plan or teach-out arrangement for any program recommended for closure or other substantive change. That means affected students would be expected to have an approved path to complete their studies, with time, communication, and support throughout the transition.

Is it true that enrollment would be limited to 1,000 students?
No. Original language in the bill referenced 1,000 in-person students, but an accepted Senate amendment replaced that language with an enrollment target of at least 1,000 in-person students.

Are athletics being cancelled?
No. Kentucky State athletics are not going anywhere. The Thorobreds compete at the NCAA Division II level in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and recent results reflect the continued strength and visibility of those programs: football is coming off a historic 2025 season that finished 9-3, set a school record with seven SIAC wins, and earned the program’s first NCAA Division II playoff berth, while track and field recently delivered record-setting, podium-filled performances and top finishes at the 2026 SIAC Indoor Championship.

Will Greek life be banned from campus?
No. Fraternities and sororities would not be banned. Under the bill, they would be required to reapply for official recognition by July 1, 2026, and the Board of Regents would have until August 1, 2026, to reaffirm each organization’s charter.

Will longstanding traditions like the marching band and choir be discontinued?
No. The traditions and experiences that help define Kentucky State are not going anywhere. In addition to athletics and Greek life, that includes the Mighty Marching Thorobreds, choir, and other hallmark parts of campus life. In fact, the Mighty Marching Thorobreds are preparing to represent Kentucky State in next year’s Fiesta Bowl festivities.

Would the bill change admissions requirements?
Yes. For new applicants, the bill would require a cumulative unweighted high school GPA of at least 2.5 and a composite ACT score of at least 18, or an equivalent score on the SAT or another nationally recognized college-readiness examination approved by the Council on Postsecondary Education. The bill also would restrict admission, readmission, or continued enrollment for individuals with an unpaid balance above $1,000 that has been overdue for more than 30 days, while allowing flexibility for payments already in process or covered by an approved payment plan.

Would the bill change how University spending is approved?
Yes. As passed by the Senate, the bill would require prior Council on Postsecondary Education approval for obligations or expenditures of $20,000 or more. The original committee substitute set that threshold at $5,000, but the floor amendment accepted as part of the Senate’s 38-0 passage raised it to $20,000.

Would accreditation still matter under the bill?
Yes. The bill states that Kentucky State must follow SACSCOC instructions required to maintain accreditation.

Could this transition create new funding opportunities?
Discussion among legislators around the proposal has included the possibility of major state investment tied to Kentucky State’s future direction, including support for health sciences, campus infrastructure, online learning, and other academic growth.

What funding is being discussed overall?
Taken together, current proposals represent the potential for the largest investment in Kentucky State University’s history — as much as $105 million in all. That includes a proposed $50 million health sciences facility, $3 million for expanded academic and workforce-aligned programs, $50 million in infrastructure and asset preservation funding, and $2 million for growth in online and innovative program delivery. If approved, those investments would support both academic transformation and long-term institutional capacity.

What is the proposed Health Sciences Building opportunity?
Current legislative discussion includes a proposed $50 million investment in a new 59,000-square-foot Health Sciences Center in the second year of the budget. The facility would expand training capacity in nursing, respiratory therapy, public health, and related disciplines through advanced simulation labs, classrooms, research laboratories, and clinic space for community-facing public health services, including service to eastern Franklin County. The goal is to strengthen Kentucky’s healthcare workforce pipeline, improve clinical readiness, and help more students complete their preparation and enter high-demand fields here in Kentucky, while also supporting workforce growth and economic development in Franklin County and the region.