Kentucky State University, building on its legacy of achievement as a historically black, liberal arts, and 1890 land-grant University, affords access to and prepares a diverse student population of traditional and non-traditional students to compete in a multifaceted, ever-changing global society by providing student-centered learning while integrating teaching, research, and service through high-quality undergraduate and select graduate programs. Kentucky State University is committed to keeping relevant its legacy of service by proactively engaging the community in partnerships on civic projects driven by the objective of positively impacting the quality of life of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

As it is delineated, the three-pronged mission of Kentucky State University (KSU) includes being a land grant HBCU that provides a liberal arts education in the tradition of developing productive, engaged citizens who are problem-solvers.

Kentucky State University is the most diverse of the public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KSU values the importance of diversity on the University campus. KSU has a diversity plan consistent with the diversity policy requirements of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. A commitment to diversity helps create an atmosphere that encourages openness to differences and a respect for choices. KSU strives to represent the diverse world in which we live, with a diversity of opinions and cultures.

As an HBCU, Kentucky State University has a mission of providing opportunity to those who otherwise would not have been granted access to higher education. As a Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education affiliated comprehensive university, it has an obligation to increase baccalaureate degrees.

Research has shown that African-American students attending HBCU's are more likely than their counterparts at other institutions to pursue a postgraduate education and become professionals. KSU has a special role to play in developing a diverse work force within the Commonwealth.

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