ACTION ITEM:

Proposed Center for Advancing Digital Engagement, Entrepreneurship, and Transformation (CADEET)

FACTS:

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.

Center Goals

  1. Expand and strengthen the School of Business academic and experiential learning programs.
  2. Position KSU as a leader in digital innovation, business transformation, and emerging technologies.
  3. Promote entrepreneurial mindset development and digital professional skills through training, experiential learning, and service initiatives.
  4. Establish digital engagement as a distinctive area of excellence for students, faculty, and community partners.

By establishing CADEET, Kentucky State University will strengthen digital readiness, foster entrepreneurship, and accelerate economic transformation. The Center supports statewide workforce priorities, national innovation goals, and KSU's historic mission of providing access, opportunity, and excellence in higher education.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS:

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. As external funding grows staffing will be added. Existing School of Business faculty will support the initiatives of the Center.

Academic Affairs