Kentucky Lawmakers Approve Kentucky State University Transition After Amendments

Bill to transform HBCU into polytechnic institution passes with bipartisan support after changes address concerns from campus community.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a stately university building surrounded by trees, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the grounds, conveying a sense of change and contemplation.The historic Kentucky State University campus faces an uncertain future as lawmakers approve a transition to a polytechnic institution.Paducah Today

The Kentucky General Assembly approved a bill to transition Kentucky State University, the state's only public historically Black university, into a polytechnic institution. The measure was amended in the House to honor the campus' legacy after students, alumni, and supporters had expressed concerns that the original bill would erode the university's culture. The revised bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and now heads to the governor for further action.

Why it matters

Kentucky State University is one of the country's 19 historically Black land-grant universities established in 1890. The transition to a polytechnic focus aims to address financial challenges and workforce needs, but there were concerns the original bill would diminish the university's proud history and legacy as a vital institution for the state's Black community.

The details

The amended bill will have Kentucky State focus on 'highly technical industry-based applied learning' while retaining liberal arts studies. It also allows fraternities and sororities to retain their charters, addressing concerns from the campus community. The original five-year 'state of financial exigency' declaration was reduced, and the university can exit that status sooner if it meets certain criteria.

  • The Kentucky General Assembly approved the bill on April 2, 2026.
  • The House voted 90-1 to approve the measure, with Rep. Shane Baker (R-Somerset) casting the lone nay vote.
  • Hours later, the Senate concurred with the House changes in a 37-0 vote.

The players

Kentucky State University

The state's only public historically Black university, founded in 1886 to educate Black teachers in Kentucky. It is one of 19 HBCUs granted land-grant status by Congress in 1890 and still operates a cooperative extension program.

Sen. Chris McDaniel

The Republican sponsor of the original bill to transition Kentucky State University to a polytechnic institution.

Rep. Joshua Watkins

The House Democratic whip from Louisville who joined McDaniel to present the amended version of the bill to the House committee.

Toccara Bozeman

A senior nursing student at Kentucky State University who expressed concerns about the legislation, though she said she was 'content' with the changes made.

Koffi C. Akakpo

The president of Kentucky State University, who said the bill's passage was 'a consequential stage in the legislative process' and that the university would continue to advocate for itself.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'I fully believe and we fully believe there can be no sustained future for Kentucky State University that does not honor and elevate its historic history.'”

— Rep. Joshua Watkins, House Democratic Whip

“'There are still people who have concerns about what this looks like in the implementation, and I think everyday people have that concern about what we do in the General Assembly.'”

— Rep. Joshua Watkins, House Democratic Whip

“'There was a time when we were not able to go to school, and my school started off with three teachers and 55 students. That same institution is what enables everyone here today.'”

— Toccara Bozeman, Kentucky State University Student

“'I believe whole heartedly in this president, his administration, at Kentucky State University is going to turn this institution around and make it the great institution that it once was and can be again.'”

— Rep. Steven Rudy, Republican Floor Leader

“'I am confident that if we invest properly, if we move in good faith, if we make sure that those words moving into a partnership are actualized, if we make good decisions to make this institution stronger and more effective into the future, then what we're doing here today will be remembered throughout history.'”

— Sen. Gerald Neal, Democratic Floor Leader, Kentucky State University Alumnus

What’s next

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will now review the bill and decide whether to sign it into law. If signed, the transition of Kentucky State University to a polytechnic institution will begin, with the university working to meet the new requirements over the next five years.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a compromise that aims to address Kentucky State University's financial and operational challenges while preserving its legacy as the state's only public historically Black university. The bipartisan support and willingness to amend the original bill show the value placed on HBCUs and the importance of collaborating with campus communities on major changes.