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CONVOCATION

Thorobreds Leading for Impact

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 | 10 A.M. KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY DAVID H. BRADFORD HALL, CARL H. SMITH AUDITORIUM

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate of nursing practice level degrees. Kentucky State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Kentucky State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).

Kentucky State University remains committed to continuous improvement and institutional excellence. On December 7, 2025, the SACSCOC Board of Trustees placed the institution on Probation for Good Cause, providing a clear opportunity to strengthen our alignment with Standard 13.6 (Federal and state responsibilities) and reinforce our compliance efforts over the next 12 months (Letter from SACSCOC). A Special Committee has been authorized to visit the institution, allowing us to demonstrate the significant strides we are making as we move forward with transparency, responsibility, and a shared dedication to student and institutional success.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY provides transformative educational experiences to prepare graduates for making meaningful contributions to society. Kentucky State University is a public, research-comprehensive, historically Black 1890 land-grant institution.

FOUNDED IN MAY 1886, Kentucky State University formally opened on October 11, 1887.

Dr. Charles Moyer

Ms. TAMMI DUKES CHAIR

DR. JAMES OBIELODAN FACULTY REGENT

Mr. EDWARD FIELDS STAFF REGENT

Mr. Jonathan Rabinowitz, Esq.

Mr. Matt Grimshaw

Mr. EDWARD HATCHETT, ESQ. VICE CHAIR

Mr. KYLAN RICHARD STUDENT REGENT

Ms. Joan "Toni" Stringer, Esq.

Mr. JASON MOSELEY

Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo – Nineteenth President

Dr. Heather Bigard Vice President of Finance and Administration/CFO

Dr. Michael D. Dailey Provost and Vice President Division of Academic Affairs

Mr. Michael R. DeCourcy Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Relations

Dr. WENDY D. DIXIE VICE PRESIDENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND CHIEF OF STAFF

Ms. Nicole Sergent, Esq. GENERAL COUNSEL

Mr. ADAM SMITH INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT OF ENROLLMENT AND STUDENT SUCCESS

The mace is a club-shaped staff used as a symbol of authority. It was originally a weapon of the middle ages with a long handle, heavily weighted on the end. The heavy end became an iron ball as the sciences of war developed, and archers and other unmounted warriors used the mace as a hand arm. The mace was also used as a symbol of authority by some church officials, the British House of Commons, and the United States House of Representatives. Sergeants at arms, who were the guards of kings and other high officials, also carried maces. Even today, a gleaming white mace still rests on the table at meetings in many nations, symbolizing royal and legislative authority. Gradually, the mace gained a ceremonial character and today it is used during inaugurations, commencements and other formal processions. The Kentucky State University Mace is carried in by a member of the faculty.

Since modern academic regalia evolved from the kinds of apparel worn by monks and students in the Middle Ages to keep warm in the castles and halls in which they studied, academic regalia remains symbolic of scholastic achievement. He regalia worn by Kentucky State University's president is made of black tropical wool. It has green velvet panels and bars. He bars and panels are accented by antique gold cordings. Each sleeve has four chevrons. He sleeves are Akron style inlaid with Washington green. He hood is !at with a square bottom. It is embellished with Washington green satin lining and antique gold chiffon. It also has gold cording with green velvet.

Each president of Kentucky State University wears the Chain of Office, also referred to as the livery and/or the presidential medallion, symbolizing the Office of the President. It is worn at formal academic occasions such as inaugurations, commencements, convocations, and Founder's Day. Kentucky State University's Chain of Office comprises a 3" diameter brass medallion with an antique "nish. It is attached with a leaf banner bearing the title president and leaf clusters. The chain consists of curved banners depicting engravings of the names of all the official presidents of Kentucky State University and their years of service.

JOHN HENRY JACKSON 1886 – 1898 JAMES EDWARD GIVENS 1898 – 1900

JAMES SHELTON HATHAWAY 1900 – 1907 JOHN HENRY JACKSON 1907 – 1910

JAMES SHELTON HATHAWAY GREEN PINCKNEY RUSSELL 1910 – 1912 1912 – 1923

FRANCIS MARION WOOD GREEN PINCKNEY RUSSELL 1923–1924 1924–1929

RUFUS B. ATWOOD CARL MCCLELLAN HILL 1929 – 1962 1962 – 1975

WILLIAM A. BUTTS RAYMOND M. BURSE 1975 – 1982 1982 – 1989

JOHN T. WOLFE, JR. 1990 – 1991 MARY L. SMITH 1991 – 1998

GEORGE W. REID MARY EVANS SIAS 1998 – 2002 2004 – 2014

RAYMOND M. BURSE 2014 – 2016 KOFFI C. AKAKPO M. CHRISTOPHER BROWN II 2017 – 2021

KOFFI C. AKAKPO 2023 - PRESENT M. CHRISTOPHER BROWN II 2017 - 2021

From its modest beginnings as a robust school for the training of African American teachers, Kentucky State University has grown into a comprehensive research land-grant institution that prepares a student population to compete in a multifaceted, ever-changing global society.

Kentucky State University began as an idea on October 15, 1885. The Commonwealth needed more normal schools to train African American teachers for employment in its Black elementary schools. On May 18, 1886, Kentucky's legislators authorized the school's creation and the city of Frankfort donated $1,500, a considerable amount in 1886, and a site on a scenic bluff overlooking the town. The campus was chartered as the State Normal School for Colored Persons and became the second state- supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky.

Recitation Hall, now Jackson Hall, was the college's first building and erected in 1887. The new school opened on October 11, 1887, with three teachers, 55 students, and John Henry Jackson as its first president.

Kentucky State became a land-grant college in 1890 and the departments of home economics, agriculture, and mechanics were added to the school's curriculum. The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of 1890.

and mechanics were added to the school’s curriculum. The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of 1890.

A high school was organized in 1893. This expansion continued into the 20th century in both name and program. 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. In the early 1930's, the high school was discontinued, and in 1938 the school was named the Kentucky State College for Negroes. In 1938 the school gained full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1952, the school was named Kentucky State College and finally, in 1972, the school officially became Kentucky State University.

Since its humble beginnings, Kentucky State University now spans 1,100 acres, which includes a 301-acre agricultural research farm, 106-acre research and demonstration facility and a 306-acre environmental education research center. Today, KSU boasts 3 Colleges, 30 degree programs, 30 certificates, 7 residence halls, 12 athletic teams, 2,300 students, and 450 faculty and staff.

1977 – Dr. William A Brown (1959)

2004 – Dr. Bailus Walker Jr. (1954)

1978 – Dr. Henry Cheaney (1936)

2005 – Dr. James C. Letton (1955)

1979 – Rev. Benjamin Baker

2006 – Mr. Patrick Beauchamp (1955)

1980 – Dr. Carl M. Hill

2007 – Mr. Lytle T. Davis (1955)

1982 – Dr. Rufus Barfield (1952)

2008 – Kimberly Reed Thompson, Esq. (1978)

1984 – Dr. Clifford Claiborne (1960)

2009 – Dr. Cuttie Bacon III (1963)

1985 – Dr. Ivan Cotman (1962)

2010 – Ms. Tish Norman (1995)

1986 – Mr. Roy E. Bussell Jr. (1970)

2011 – Dr. Earl Richardson

1987 – Dr. Bessie M. Lasley-Rhodes (1956)

2012 – Brigadier General Henry L. Huntley (1983)

1988 – Mrs. Brenda Blane (1967)

2013 – Rev. Zachary Royal (1982)

1989 – Mr. Thomas P. Lewis (1959)

2014 – Mrs. Joann James (1986)

1991 – Dr. Olivia Whyte Thomas (1972)

2015 – Judge Hubert Grimes (1975)

1992 – Senator Gerald A. Neal (1967)

2016 – Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq. (1968)

1993 – Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq. (1968)

2017 – Dr. M. Christopher Brown II

1994 – Mr. Kenneth “Sam” Harp (1977)

2018 – Rev. Cuttie W. Bacon IV (1987)

1995 – Dr. Herbert Ernest Olivera (1950)

2019 – Mr. Russell L. Drake

1996 – Mr. Benjamin F. Shobe (1941)

2020 – Combined with Commencement Convocation

1997 – Dr. Norman Maurice Rates (1947)

2021 – Dr. Corey Hicks (1995)

1998 – Mr. Adrian L. Wallace

2022 – Dr. Karen Townsend (1985)

2000 – Dr. Gerald W. Patton (1969)

2023 – Mr. Frederick Yeakey (2005)

2001 – Dr. Kevin W. Cosby

2024 – Mayor Stephanie Terry (1998)

2002 – Mr. Jaques J. Wigginton (1986)

2025 – Dr. Leonard Clemons (2009)

Note: Parenthetical year represents graduating class.

DR. EVELYN BETHUNE is an educator, author, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized advocate for historical preservation, leadership development, and community empowerment. A proud graduate of Bethune-Cookman College, now Bethune-Cookman University, she carries forward a deeply personal connection to the institution as the granddaughter of its founder, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

As Founder and Managing Director of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Family Legacy Foundation, Inc., Dr. Bethune leads initiatives that preserve, interpret, and expand her grandmother’s legacy while inspiring new generations to embrace scholarship, service, cultural stewardship, and community transformation. Her life’s work reflects the enduring HBCU tradition of education not simply as preparation for a career, but as preparation for leadership and service.

Across more than four decades, Dr. Bethune has built a career spanning education, business, government, nonprofit leadership, media, and

entrepreneurship. She is also the founder of Bethune Publishing House, Inc. and History in the Making Coaching Network, Inc. Her signature master class, “Greatness Is In Your DNA,” connects ancestral history, faith, self-confidence, leadership, and practical business development.

An accomplished author, lecturer, radio host, workshop facilitator, and motivational speaker, Dr. Bethune's books include the award-winning Bethune: Out of Darkness into the Light of Freedom and The Bethune Blueprint: Transforming Your Life Through the Lessons of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Her work transforms history from something we remember into something we actively use to build stronger lives, communities, and institutions.

Dr. Bethune is a Life Member of the Bethune-Cookman University National Alumni Association and the National Council of Negro Women, where she is also a Bethune Achiever. Her service and leadership have been recognized through numerous honors and acknowledgments, including the Phenomenal Woman Award, Most Influential Women in Business honors, and recognition in the United States Congressional Record. She remains a passionate advocate for HBCUs and for alumni engagement, investment, mentorship, advocacy, and collective leadership so that future generations inherit institutions stronger than those entrusted to us today.

Dr. Michael D. Dailey '84 Provost and Vice President Division of Academic Affairs Presiding

GOLDEN CLASS AND ACADEMIC PROCESSIONAL “War March of the Priests” (from Athalie by Felix Mendelssohn) Mr. Gordon D. Ford Jr. '19 Guest Organist

THE SUMMONS TO CONVOCATION

Mr. Gordon D. Ford Jr. '19 Guest Organist

Dr. Phillip H. Clay, Jr. '99 Associate Professor of School of Education, Interim/Acting Director of Graduate Studies

MUSICAL INTROIT ENTRANCE OF PRESIDIUM PLATFORM

Mr. Gordon D. Ford, Jr.

WELCOME TO FRANKFORT

Mr. Layne Wilkerson Mayor, City of Frankfort

PROVOST WELCOME

Dr. Michael D. Dailey '84

WELCOME

Ms. Drew McEachin 97th Miss Kentucky State University Mr. LaTrae Redrick 33rd Mister Kentucky State University

THE OCCASION

Ms. Tammi Dukes '94 Chair, Kentucky State University Board of Regents

THE HERITAGE ANTHEM “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (by James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson/Arr. Roland Carter)

INVOCATION

Dr. Patricia Griffith Accompanist

Reverend Leslie Wayne Whitlock Pastor, First Corinthian Baptist Church Frankfort, KY

THE THOROBRED OATH

Mr. Kylan Richard Student Government Association President Kentucky State University

As a member of the Kentucky State University family, I pledge to maintain honesty and integrity in my academic and personal life. I understand that cowardly or shameful acts violate our shared bond and undermine the community of trust and respect for which we are all stewards. I will remain loyal to the ideals learned at “The College on the Hill” toward the betterment of those who are around me and others who come after me.

JUBILEE GRAND MARCH

1976 GOLDEN CLASS RESPONSE

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Mr. Barry Johnson '94 President of the KSUNAA

Mr. Michael R. DeCourcy Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Relations

Mr. Wentzel Stewart '76

Dr. Michael D. Dailey '84 Dr. Corey Hicks '95 Chair, KSU Thorobreds Foundation, Inc

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE “Somebody's Knockin' At Yo' Do’, arr. Stacey Gibbs” Soloist, Kisma Jordan ’04

INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ms. Tisha L. Norman '95 Vice President of the KSUNAA

Dr. Evelyn Bethune Founder and CEO of Barbershop Male Mentoring Initiative

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo President Kentucky State University

THE ALMA MATER

University Choirs Mr. Mario J. Radford '14

POSTLUDE

Mr. Gordon D. Ford, Jr.

BEN ABERNATHY MELLIO W. ABERNATHY LARRY LEE ADAMS DOUGLAS E. ALBRITTON, JR. ARNOLD R. ALEXANDER FELIX R. ALEXANDER TERRY L. ALEXANDER JAMES ARMSTRONG DOUGLAS W. BALDWIN JAMES W. BARBER DAVID M. BARNETT GLENDA M. BEAUMONT STANLEY K. BETSWORTH WENCESLAO BORRESS, SR. ARTHUR G. BOX JAMES L. BRADLEY ROOSEVELT R. BRANTLEY TERRY A. BROWN-HAZARD OLIVER S. BUCKNER ROBERT C. BURKS HOMER W. BYERS, JR. ROBERT D. BYRD

TERRY A. BROWN-HAZARD OLIVER S. BUCKNER ROBERT C. BURKS HOMER W. BYERS, JR. ROBERT D. BYRD VALERIA L. CALDWELL GAINES BERTHA J. CALLAHAN TOMMIE CARNEY

COURTNEY J. CARTER ETHEL M. CHANEY CECIL E. CIARDY PATRICIA L. CICCORELLA MIM C. CLARK WANDA E. CLARK CEDRIC M. COLLINS CELINA R COLLINS LINDA P. COOK JOSEPH V. CROCKETT PAUL D. CROSS NANCY M. CRUME JAMES W. DAVIE ANTOINETTE S. DAVIS JONES HARRIETT E. DAVIS JAMES DAVIS BONITA C. DAWSON MARGARET E. DEBOW WANDA D. DEWITT DEBORAH J. DOWNS ORVELT T. EATON, JR. LYNNETTE A. EDWARDS MICHELLE E. FAIN OLGA R. FLETCHER

TANGULAR Y. FREEMAN

ROBERT H. FRENCH LINDA M. FREY DOLORES L. GIANNINI ALLENE W. GOLD LEEANNA GORDON KENNETH W. GRAHAM ROMEE GRAHAM ROBERT LEE GRIFFITH DORETHA GUION EDWARD E. HALE ALAN S. HAMMOND ROBERT L. HARP YVONNE HARRIS DEREK HENDERSON GARY M. HENDERSON HELEN MAI HETCHER SANDRA K. HILL-LEWIS JENNIFER K. HODGE DALE HOLT DEBRA J. HOOD THOMAS D. HORNE, SR. TOMMY E. HORTON, JR. WALLACE A. HOWARD ROY C. HOWELL SHERRY D. HOWELL CLEVELAND C. HUDSON MRS. OMEGA F. HUME JAMES R. HURTT ROBERT IVORY KENNETH W. IVY

RENEE S. JACKSON SUSHIL K. JAIN LYDIA HAIL JOHNIKIN MINNIE JOHNSON MARLA V. JONES ROBERT W. JORDAN THOMAS D. KANE DONALD A. KEMPER TERESA Y. KNOX ANTHONY L. LACEY CHARLOTTE LANE LINDA A. LARKIN LESLIE J. LAWSON MARSHA A. LINDSEY NIRAL LOAHASURAYOTIN GEORGE K. LONG GLORIA J. LONG EDWARD LEE LUNEY VENTRA MAPP NATHANIEL R. MARSHALL STEPHAN A. MASON, SR. JAMES D. MAYFIELD PATRICIA A. MAYFIELD CAROLYN MCLAUGHLIN JAMES MCQUIRE, JR. IVY MEADOWS MINNIE MEBANE BANURAYAT MEEPIEN EDDIE MILES, JR. ANITA E. MILLER

— Golden Class of 1976 Continued

WILLIAM D. MINIX JANNIE E. MORGAN ANTHONY K. MORRIS ORA R. MOSBY JEFFERY MOSELEY VIRGINIA MEREDITH MUCCI JOYCE E. NAILING DONALD W. NELSON NELLIE NORRIS VERNON L. OLDHAM DELE T. OLUBAJO JO ANN OSBEY JOYCE Y. OWENS TERESA L. OWENS BERTRAM E. PERKINS Evelyn E. Perry Charles F. PETERS PHYLLIS B. PETTAWAY ETTA J. PHILLIPS JOHN D. RAVIZEE DENISE M. RAY CHERYL A. REDFORD JOYCE E. REED WILLIAM L. RIES STHER DENISE ROACHE-DAVIS MELVIN J. ROBARDS GEORGE E. ROBINSON ROSALIND A. ROBINSON DWIGHT M. ROGERS

LA TANJI ROUSE BURROUGHS THANUVEULI M. SAMUELS ANNIE JANE SCOTT RONALD SEAY TOMMY SHEFFEY FRANKIE F. SHEPPARD CONSTANCE SLAUGHTER LARRY S. SLAUGHTER GEORGE M. SMALLEY BENJAMIN L. SMITH JACQUELYN D. SMITH JANET D. SMITH KENNETH RAY SMITH MARILYN V. SMITH SHERRI D. SMITH ROSALINE SPOVALL PERASAK SRISUPHOI DIANE KATHY STEWART WENTZEL STEWART GARLAND H. STONE ALBERT L. STRANGE DONALD R. SULIVAN JOHN R. SUMMERSETT DEBRA SWEASY MELVIN K. SYKES DONALD W. TALBERT LARRY N. TAYLOR LUVINIA G. TAYLOR WILLIAM A. TAYLOR

Cathy L. Thomas Connie S. Thomas Anthony E. Thompson Eric H. Thompson Maeda E. Thompson Steve F. Thornton Harold L. Todd Timothy J. Turner, Jr. James R. Tyson Rhonda S. Uschan Cynthia A. Vandergriff Arthur Vanhouten Eakhai Varunprabha Catherine Walker Eddie L. Walker James F. Walters

AUDREY G. WARREN James E. Watkins Estrella U. Watson Stephen K. Watts Mary M. Welch Valerie L. Wesley Bernida White John T. Wigginton Ralph M. Williams Zachary D. Williams Karen D. Wilson Georgia M. Wimberly Villiam S. Wimberly, Sr Furches L. Wingate Janice E. Yewell Angylin C. Young

Lyrics by Frederick Jarmon '43

Music Arrangement Harriet N. Gibbons '45

HAIL TO OUR ALMA MATER, DEAR IS HER NAME, AND THERE SHALL BE NO OTHER TO SURPASS HER FAME. HERS IS THE HAND THAT GUIDES US DAY AFTER DAY, AND SHE WILL STAND BESIDE US, WHEN WE GO ON OUR WAY.

MAY BLESSINGS BE UPON HER, SHEPHERD OF YOUTH; SHE HOLDS THE SEAT OF HONOR, IN THE HALL OF TRUTH. MEM'RIES OF HER SHALL NEVER FADE FROM OUR HEARTS, AND WE WILL PRAISE HER EVER, FOR THE LOVE SHE IMPARTS.

SING EV'RY VOICE TOGETHER, LET ECHOES RISE. HAIL TO OUR ALMA MATER, SHOUT TO THE SKIES. HOLDING THE TORCH OF WISDOM, SHE LEADS THE WAY CLASPING THE HAND OF FREEDOM, AS SHE MARCHES ALONG.

by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson

LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING TILL EARTH AND HEAVEN RING RING WITH THE HARMONIES OF LIBERTY LET OUR REJOICING RISE HIGH AS THE LISTENING SKIES LET IT RESOUND LOUD AS THE ROLLING SEA

SING A SONG FULL OF THE FAITH THAT THE DARK PAST HAS TAUGHT US SING A SONG FULL OF THE HOPE THAT THE PRESENT HAS BROUGHT US FACING THE RISING SUN OF OUR NEW DAY BEGUN LET US MARCH ON TILL VICTORY IS WON

STONY THE ROAD WE TROD

BITTER THE CHASTENING ROD

FELT IN THE DAYS WHEN HOPE UNBORN HAD DIED

YET WITH A STEADY BEAT

HAVE NOT OUR WEARY FEET

COME TO THE PLACE FOR WHICH OUR FATHERS SIGHED?

We HAVE COME OVER A WAY THAT WITH TEARS HAS BEEN WATERED We HAVE COME, TREADING OUR PATH THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE SLAUGHTERED OUT FROM THE GLOOMY PAST TILL NOW WE STAND AT LAST WHERE THE WHITE GLEAM OF OUR BRIGHT STAR IS CAST

GOD OF OUR WEARY YEARS

GOD OF OUR SILENT TEARS

THOU WHO HAS BROUGHT US THUS FAR ON THE WAY

THOU WHO HAS BY THY MIGHT LED US INTO THE LIGHT

KEEP US FOREVER IN THE PATH, WE PRAY

LEST OUR FEET STRAY FROM THE PLACES, OUR GOD, WHERE WE MET THEE

LEST, OUR HEARTS DRUNK WITH THE WINE OF THE WORLD, WE FORGET THEE

SHADOWED BENEATH THY HAND

MAY WE FOREVER STAND

TRUE TO OUR GOD

TRUE TO OUR NATIVE LAND

OUR NATIVE LAND