By James Obielodan, Ph.D. Professor of Management Information Systems
This proposal seeks authorization to establish the Center for Advancing Digital Engagement, Entrepreneurship, and Transformation (CADEET) within the School of Business, positioning Kentucky State University as a national leader in digital innovation, data analytics training, workforce development, and entrepreneurial capacity building.
CADEET advances key priorities of the University: strengthening Kentucky's talent pipeline, elevating KSU's visibility, expanding external partnerships, and enabling KSU to respond proactively to workforce and technology trends that shape the global economy. The Center will serve as a strategic driver for elevating institutional competitiveness, enhancing student and community outcomes, and reinforcing KSU's mission as an innovative 1890 land-grant institution.
Operationally, CADEET will focus on four dimensions—Goals, Operations, Administration, and Funding—each crafted to ensure scalability, sustainability, and institutional impact. Programs will support digital literacy, applied analytics, entrepreneurship, micro-credentialing, interdisciplinary training, and industry engagement.
Initial external support totals $55,000 from PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, along with a USDA/NIFA pre-approved grant of $298,895 supporting data competency training. These investments demonstrate external confidence in KSU's vision and create strong momentum for continued expansion.
CADEET represents a timely and high-value institutional initiative aligned with state workforce goals, strengthening KSU's brand and expanding opportunities for students across disciplines.
The remainder of the document presents the Center’s vision, mission, and detailed rationale, along with descriptions of each operational dimension. Supplemental materials and supporting documents are included in the appendix.
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