Bill Reimagining Kentucky State U as Polytechnic, But Keeping HBCU Tradition, Heads to Governor

Legislation aims to reset and reimagine the future of Kentucky State University as a four-year polytechnical institution focused on workforce-aligned programs.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:29pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of textbooks and a mortar board hat, representing the modernization of Kentucky State University's academic programs.The reimagining of Kentucky State University as a polytechnical institution aims to preserve its historic mission while modernizing its academic offerings to better serve students and the workforce.Frankfort Today

The Kentucky General Assembly has passed legislation, SB 185, that aims to reset and reimagine the future of Kentucky State University (KSU). The bill, sponsored by Senate Budget Chair Chris McDaniel, has the support of KSU President Dr. Koffi Akakpo and Council on Postsecondary Education President Dr. Aaron Thompson. The measure affirms KSU's status as a four-year HBCU land-grant institution while transitioning it to a polytechnical model focused on workforce-aligned programs.

Why it matters

The legislation reflects months of coordination among legislative leaders, university officials, and higher education stakeholders to address KSU's current challenges while building a stronger foundation for the future. The bill preserves KSU's historic mission and liberal arts offerings while expanding access and updating financial and operational provisions to support the institution's implementation of the polytechnical model.

The details

Key elements of the bill include: affirming KSU's status as a four-year HBCU land-grant institution; preserving certain liberal arts offerings, including expanded online access; expanding admissions pathways for transfer, adult and nontraditional students; protecting existing student organizations; strengthening leadership authority and operations during a defined period of financial exigency; limiting in-person undergraduate program areas to no more than 10 for five years; maintaining minimum admission standards while expanding access for transfer, adult, and nontraditional students; clarifying student debt provisions; enhancing financial oversight and accountability; revising campus organization requirements; and creating a pathway to renegotiate burdensome legacy agreements.

  • The General Assembly has passed the legislation, SB 185.
  • The bill awaits action by the governor.

The players

Chris McDaniel

Senate Budget Chair who sponsored the legislation, SB 185.

Dr. Koffi Akakpo

President of Kentucky State University, who helped craft the plan.

Dr. Aaron Thompson

President of the Council on Postsecondary Education, who helped craft the plan.

Gerald Neal

Senate Minority Floor Leader and KSU alumnus.

Josh Watkins

Representative who carried the bill in the House.

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What they’re saying

“This is about partnership. We are taking the steps necessary to ensure Kentucky State University not only survives, but succeeds. I'm incredibly grateful for the shared effort to ensure this reimagining is implemented with the buy-in of all involved.”

— Chris McDaniel, Senate Budget Chair

“After spending time with Dr. Akakpo, reviewing the challenges at the university, and hearing his vision for the future, we came to understand now is not the time to give up on Kentucky State, but to be a partner in redefining what this institution can be for the commonwealth.”

— Chris McDaniel, Senate Budget Chair

“This legislation shows what we can accomplish when both chambers and both parties work together. It honors Kentucky State University's historic mission while laying out a clear, responsible path forward to strengthen the institution and serve students for the next generation.”

— Josh Watkins, Representative

What’s next

The bill, SB 185, awaits action by the governor.

The takeaway

The passage of this legislation represents a collaborative effort to reimagine the future of Kentucky State University, preserving its historic mission as a four-year HBCU land-grant institution while transitioning it to a polytechnical model focused on workforce-aligned programs. This partnership between legislative leaders, university officials, and higher education stakeholders aims to strengthen KSU's foundation and ensure its long-term success.