Kentucky State’s revenues are lower than all peer groups, peaking at $288,146 in 2022 but well below the GLVC median of $732,482 in 2023. Since 2019, Kentucky State’s revenues have been below the median for SIAC and NCAA Division II. Inconsistent student fees and limited contributions also hinder financial stability. Recruiting expenditures and per student-athlete spending remain below all Division II benchmarks, reflecting challenges in recruiting and supporting student-athletes. Travel and medical expenses align more closely with SIAC peers but fall short of broader NCAA standards, further underscoring resource gaps.
The NACDA LEARFIELD Director’s Cup is an annual award recognizing colleges and universities with broad-based athletics programs that demonstrate success across multiple sports for both men and women. Points are awarded in a pre-determined number of sports, and schools compete in standings in their NCAA division. Originally introduced in 1993 for Division I, the award expanded to Division II and Division III, and NAIA schools in 1995. Initially sponsored by Sears (then called the Sears Cup), the award’s sponsorship was taken over by Learfield in 2007-08, evolving with the organization’s rebranding efforts.
In the most recent academic year (2023-24), Grand Valley State finished ranked one in NCAA Division II standings with 983 points and the University of Indianapolis finished ranked two with 902.25 points. SIAC member Benedict College finished ranked 159th with 103.50 points. Albany State was ranked 165th with 100.25 points, Spring Hill was ranked 188th with 75 points, Miles College was ranked 231st with 30 points, Central State was ranked 238th with 25 points, Clark Atlanta ranked 238th with 25 points, and Fort Valley finished at 238th with 25 points. According to the NCAA Division II standings Kentucky State University in the Learfield Cup final standings Kentucky State University did not place or score points.
In the 2022-23 academic year Grand Valley State finished ranked one with 936.67 points and West Texas State finished ranked two with 904.75 points. Benedict College finished 153rd, Spring Hill finished 174th, Tuskegee finished 195th, LeMoyne-Owen at 207th, and Miles College at 238th. Kentucky State did not place or score points.
The SIAC Commissioner's Cup, a prestigious all-sports award, is presented annually to the league's top-performing institution in conference play. The honor recognizes the athletics program in both men's and women's sports, reflecting the overall success and competitive spirit of the institution.
Since the 2013-14 academic year Benedict College has captured five Commissioner Cups in the Men's Division and five Commissioner Cups in the Women's Division. The Commissioner's Cup was not awarded in the academic years 2019-20 and 2020-21 due to COVID 19.
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