1938 School's name is changed to Kentucky State College for Negroes.

1948 McCullin Hall built and named in honor of the memory of Lt. James L. McCullin, a Kentucky State graduate of the class of 1942. An Air Medal and Purple Heart recipient, Lt. McCullin, a Tuskegee Airman in the famous 99 Fighter Squadron, was killed in action over Sicily in 1943—making him the first Kentucky State graduate killed in WW2, and one of two of the first black pilots ever to be killed in combat. Neither his aircraft nor remains have been found.

1952 School's name is changed to Kentucky State College. George Washington Carver Hall is constructed.

1954 Geraldine Ogden becomes the first white student to enroll at Kentucky State College on October 31.

1958 Kentucky State College becomes a full member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

1960 Kentucky State students sit-in as participants in the modern Civil Rights Movement. Paul G. Blazer Library constructed.

1962 Carl McClellan Hill becomes the college's tenth president. A nationally-renowned chemistry scholar, Hill received his B.S. from Hampton Institute, an M.S. and a Ph.D. from Cornell University, an I.L.D. from the University of Kentucky and an LL.D. from the University of Louisville. His tenure was marked by the college being raised to university status in 1972. The following year the first graduate students enrolled in Kentucky State University's School of Public Affairs. The addition of four undergraduate departments, a graduate school, and a special African-American Collection to the library occurred during Hill's term as president. Also, major construction and additions to 12 major buildings on campus and the renovation of several others occurred during Hill's presidency.

1964 The cross-country team wins the NCAA College Division Championship under the leadership of William Exum.

1965 Bradford Hall is constructed. Named in honor of David H. Bradford, who served Kentucky State as a member of the college faculty, head of the Department of History and Political Science, college registrar, and dean of instruction over the course of 33 years.

1966 The Special Services and Upward Bound programs begin at Kentucky State.

1967 A two-year nursing program is established.

1969 & 1970 The Memorial Athletic Complex is constructed and the Jones Field House is added to it the following year.

1970 - 1972 The men's basketball team three-peat the NAIA championship.

1971 The Carl M. Hill Student Center is constructed.

1972 The College is raised to university status and renamed Kentucky State University. Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corp unit begins.

1975 William A. Butts becomes eleventh president. A political scientist, Butts received several B.S. degrees from Mississippi Valley State University, an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University, and an LL.D. from Morehead State University and from Daniel Payne College. His tenure was marked by several major campus facility enhancement projects and the construction of a new academic administration building.

1979 Alumni Stadium is constructed.

1980 & 1981 Alumni defend Kentucky State from criticism, and ward off attempts to close the institution. They staged a peaceful protest march on the state Capitol. Kentucky State University enhancement plan is developed.