and mechanics were added to the school’s curriculum. The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of that year.

As the school began to grow and change, so too did its moniker. In 1902, the name was changed to Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute for Colored Persons. The name was changed again in 1926 to Kentucky State Industrial College for Colored Persons.

By 1929, most students had access to high school, leading then-President Rufus B. Atwood to discontinue the college's high school, which had been in operation since 1893.

Even so, Atwood’s 33-year tenure was marked by dramatic institutional growth including the first modern yearbook, the first student newspaper, and most notably, by gaining accreditation for the institution. His administrative acuity and political acumen were necessary to position the university for growth during a period of marked social change, while avoiding fallout in the political town of Frankfort.

In 1938, the school was named Kentucky State College for Negroes and began focusing again on offering more traditional liberal arts education. The college notably gained full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools the following year.

The term “for Negroes” was dropped in 1952 when the school’s name became merely Kentucky State College. In 1972, the college was raised to university status and renamed Kentucky State University. The University enrolled its first graduate students in the School of Public Affairs the following year.

Page 429 of 649 • An intellectual environment conducive to leadership in teaching, research and community service is encouraged and supported.

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• An intellectual environment conducive to leadership in teaching, research and community service is encouraged and supported.
• Effective teaching is promoted both inside and outside the classroom.
• Students are taught how to obtain, evaluate and use information.
• Learning is lifelong.
• Effective and efficient fiscal management by the administration is the norm.
• Collegiality is the norm, not the exception.
• Each person is a change agent.
• Excellence starts with me.

CORE VALUES

Through the core values, we-the faculty, staff, administration and students of Kentucky State University - communicate to all our stakeholders and constituents the way in which we choose to do business. The following values that we hold are essential to achieving the University's mission:

Student-Centered Philosophy

In everything we do, our students come first. We strive to create an environment that values the unique backgrounds, perspectives and talents of all our students and provide them with the academic, leadership and social tools to help them grow as responsible, knowledgeable and creative global citizens. We encourage attitudes and behaviors that lead to a desire to learn, a commitment to goals and respect for the dignity of others. Ultimately, we encourage attitudes and behaviors that build success.

Excellence and Innovation

We believe in student's potential to learn and to connect what they learn inside and outside the classroom