In 2020, Kentucky State University became the first public historically Black institution, the first college in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and only the second Morrill Land-grant Act of 1890 institution to be granted membership in the prestigious Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). Founded in 1987, COPLAC has 29 current members. Membership is limited to public universities and colleges that demonstrate a dedication to liberal arts education as the best and most comprehensive preparation for a life of purpose and meaning within society.

As a land-grant college through the second Morrill Act of 1890, Kentucky State conducts research, provides cooperative extension services, and teaches programs in the food and agricultural sciences that serve the state and nation. KSU’s 882-acre campus includes a 307-acre agricultural research farm and a 306-acre environmental education center. The School of Agriculture, Communities, and the Environment (ACE) offers two undergraduate and two graduate degree programs and multiple certificate programs. The ACE has nationally and internationally recognized research programs in aquaculture (fish farming), organic agriculture, sustainable biofuel feedstock production, alternative fruit and nut crops, ecological entomology, alternative pesticides and water quality, global information systems, agroforestry, goat production, biotechnology, obesity and human health, and apiculture.

global information systems, agroforestry, goat production, biotechnology, obesity and human health, and apiculture.

Kentucky State has established several partnerships that benefit students through scholarships and grants. In 2022, CHI Saint Joseph Health invested $2.5 million in tuition assistance and program support of the Kentucky State's School of Nursing over a five-year period. The alliance will include direct job placement for nurses at CHI Saint Joseph Health upon completion of the KSU nursing program.

The University partnership with Bulleit Frontier Whiskey includes an annual scholarship of $25,000 to students in the Master of Science in Environmental Studies program over a five-year period. Diageo North America, the holding company of Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, has made a broader $10 million commitment to fund permanent endowments at 25 HBCUs to develop future leaders and help shape a more equitable society, which includes a $1 million gift to Kentucky State.

Made possible by Kentucky State Senate Bill 270, a partnership between Kentucky State University, Simmons College of Kentucky, and West Louisville has been established that will help address issues of