Many of these programs benefit from targeted scholarships, such as the 1890 Scholarship (for agriculture and STEM), HBCU Masters awards, and the CHI Saint Joseph Hospital nursing scholarship.

Retention, Predictive Analytics, and Student Success

Addressing retention, Dr. Mayberry reported:

  • Kentucky State's retention rate, while improving, is not yet at the aspirational target of 90%.
  • The university is participating in projects with the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard and Complete College America, in partnership with DataKind, to analyze patterns and identify drivers of student persistence.
  • Preliminary analysis shows that students who earn 25 or more credit hours in their first year are significantly more likely to be retained. This finding informs early interventions, course loads, and advising strategies.
  • President Akakpo has personally met with the entire freshman class to discuss expectations, supports, and the importance of fully engaging in their studies.

Additional retention strategies include:

  • Development of academic pathways to support “15 to Finish”, encouraging students to enroll in at least 15 credit hours per semester where feasible.
  • Expanded professional advising, particularly for students with 70+ credit hours who are nearing graduation, to ensure a clear route to completion.
  • A reimagined early alert system to identify students struggling academically or facing personal challenges, with coordinated outreach from Student Success, Residence Life, TRIO, and other offices.
  • A homegrown early alert solution being used while the university evaluates a new enterprise platform.
  • Tracking attrition by month and semester.
  • The percentage of students departing due to financial versus academic reasons.
  • Strategies for re-engaging former students with low GPAs, including academic bankruptcy options and partnerships with community colleges for temporary enrollment until they are ready to return.

Dr. Mayberry responded that:

  • A substantial portion of non-returning freshmen cite financial hardship, especially among out-of-state students.

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