MANAGEMENT & IMPROVEMENT PLAN SUMMARY

The 2019 Management and Improvement Plan update confirms that Kentucky State University has implemented the necessary cost containment strategies, including the reorganization of administrative and academic function, the elimination of managerial duplication, personnel reductions and improved revenue collection. While these efforts are central to fiscal viability, alone these activities are insufficient to launch programmatic growth and expansion. Kentucky State University has demonstrated that it merits continued state level investments.

The years to come require an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, brand identity, and workforce production. Kentucky State University must continue ongoing efforts toward strategic enrollment growth, research productivity, economic development, and student success. A university is known for the quality of both its inputs and its outputs. There are several investments that can accelerate institutional stability. These supports include, but are not limited to:

• A commitment to provide Kentucky State University with the full matching funds requirement for all agricultural research and extension activities in the land-grant programs;
• Elimination of the existential threat posed by delayed equilibrium in adoption of the performance funding formula by making permanent the stop-loss provision (arguably the removal of the provision violates HB303 in both principal and substance);
• Authorizing Kentucky State University pursuant to KRS 45.763 to facilitate a public-private partnership to develop student housing to sustain increased enrollment;
• Granting Kentucky State University permission to retain proceeds from the sale of real estate and other real properties without sequestration or return of monies to the Commonwealth's general fund; and
• Providing Kentucky State University restricted supplemental appropriations to maintain academic excellence focused on student retention and success in strong support of the Commonwealth's workforce needs.

With stable enrollment, increasing revenues, judicious expenditures, and support from the Commonwealth, Kentucky State University is positioned to demonstrate continued improvement, institutional success, and state-wide utility going forward. The institution continues to meet the required targets for continued state appropriations and investment. Annual data provide compelling evidence of institutional transformation over the last three years. Kentucky State University aims to achieve all benchmarks and metrics set forth by the General Assembly.

ONWARD. UPWARD. FORWARD.

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