It is recommended that after a comprehensive review and discussion of priorities for the Kentucky State athletics program a Revenue Acquisition Plan be put in place from which a strong foundation can be built and grown over time as resources and staffing allow. Implementing the initiatives that are the best fit Kentucky State Athletics and ensuring quality and effective execution are critical to success short and long-term.

Based on The PICTOR Group’s thorough Feasibility Study and data analysis, it is apparent that Kentucky State’s athletics program has fallen behind in institutional commitment, staffing, facilities and competitiveness compared to most peer institutions identified in this Study.

Providing a holistic student-athlete experience must be a top priority. It is essential that Kentucky State take this opportunity to reinvigorate its athletics program to be a viable asset for the university and point of pride for students, faculty, staff and alumni. A unified vision and commitment from Kentucky State University leadership is essential to support these efforts and align the athletics program with the institution's broader vision and mission.

When evaluating their divisional status and conference affiliation, Kentucky State should clearly articulate their expectations of the athletics program and affirm how it contributes to the vision, mission and goals of the university. Membership requirements for the three divisions within the NCAA and for the NAIA are well defined in the organization's constitution and bylaws and available to the public. When evaluating potential divisional and conference membership, consideration should be given to geographic proximity, classification of members institutions, size of student-body, the number of sports sponsored, including football and athletic expenses.

Data analysis for recent years indicates that Kentucky State's athletics program is at the lower end of expenses and institutional financial support for their current membership in NCAA Division II. However, within the SIAC, their current conference, they are at the median in most categories expense categories but significantly below the median for revenue generation. When compared to the GLVC, the Division II conference where Kentucky State was previously a member, the University is significantly below the medians for both expenses and revenue. The data indicates that should Kentucky State remain in NCAA Division II, the SIAC appears to be the best option for the athletics program.

When compared to NCAA Division III expenses, Kentucky State's budget is approximately $1.5 million more than the median of the HCAC, the conference whose geographic footprint most closely aligns with Kentucky State. The additional expenditure is most likely due to the approximately $1.35 million in athletically-related student aid that Kentucky State offers, and that HCAC institutions are not permitted to offer athletically-related aid as members of Division III. HCAC institutions as a whole sponsor a much larger number of sports including football (median of 21 compared to 12 for KSU) and therefore have significantly more student-athletes.

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