KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
Management's Discussion and Analysis, continued
June 30, 2013
University management continues its strategic mission to uniquely position Kentucky State University as an institution of excellence for the citizens of the Commonwealth and for advancing higher education in Kentucky by inspiring innovation, growing leaders and advancing Kentucky. Executive management continues to work with the Council on Postsecondary Education to address the needs of the Commonwealth and believes that it has well-positioned the University for becoming a strong, financially viable and efficient institution of higher learning as funding issues continue to be decided.
Future economic factors impacting Kentucky State University include the following known facts:
Tuition and costs of attendance—Kentucky State University continues to weigh its costs of attendance with the funding provided by the General Assembly to successfully deliver its programs and remain one of the most affordable public institutions in the Commonwealth. Funding levels and methodologies used for institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth are developed and approved by the Council on Postsecondary Education.
Enrollment growth and student retention—Kentucky State University recruits a diverse student body of traditional, nontraditional and transfer students seeking baccalaureate and advanced degrees. Enrollment growth and retention continues to be a priority of University management.
Program expansion—the University is well positioned to meet the needs of Kentuckians through its programs and educational activities. The University offers the following programs: Bachelors in Mass Communications and Journalism, a Masters of Art in Special Education, and a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in Public Administration, a Masters in Computer Science, and a Masters in Environmental Studies
Regional Stewardship—Kentucky State University continues to meet the economic and community needs of its area of geographic responsibility through collaborative initiatives with businesses, community-based organizations, schools and other educational agencies, citizens and local and state officials.
Land Grant – Kentucky State University continues to fulfill its mission as a land grant institution providing innovative research opportunities on its research vessel, the Kentucky River Thorobred and community based extension through the Rosenwald Center for Families and Children
State Funding Model – On January 16, 2013, Moody's Investor Service downgraded its outlook for the entire US higher education sector to negative. The state is being forced to innovate and come up with strategies for getting better results with less money. One of the strategies is the idea of tying state education allocations to performance metrics instead of enrollment.
The overall financial position of the University was maintained during fiscal year 2013. Revenue streams remain secure and steady. As the University adapts to present economic environments, new opportunities for funding will be explored to complement state support. Executive management's goal is to deliver exceptional programs and services to students and constituents while maintaining financial integrity. Management believes Kentucky State University is able to sustain its sound financial position and solidify its being a regional university of excellence.