Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo has over 16 years of leadership experience in higher education, and is known for his emphasis on inclusion, team building, fiscal accountability, and dynamic problem-solving. His “students first” approach has guided his work across multiple institutions.

Dr. Akakpo was announced as KSU’s 19th president in 2023 following an extensive, national presidential search process. He assumed his position as president on July 1, 2023. Since then, Dr. Akakpo has made great strides in leading the University to enhance financial stability, expand academic programs and resources, and increase partnerships.

In Dr. Akakpo’s first year at KSU, the University was awarded the largest stand-alone federal award in KSU’s history of $7 million from National Science Foundation, this past June 2024, established the new School of Engineering and Technology, and created a Corrections Certificate Pathway program in partnership with the Lexington Division of Community Corrections. Additionally, KSU has 19 dual credit high school partnerships; 12 of which were new for the 2023-2024 academic year, 25 MOUs in 13 countries and established a transfer partnership with KCTCS which allows for a seamless transition to KSU to earn bachelor’s and advanced degrees.

In 2019, Dr. Akakpo served as President/CEO of Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) in Central Kentucky, the state's largest comprehensive two-year college. Dr. Akakpo's tenure saw a 26% increase in credentials awarded and a 22% rise in credential earners despite pandemic challenges. Enrollment and graduation rates have also improved, with overall graduation rates rising from 24% to 35%.

tenure saw a 26% increase in credentials awarded and a 22% rise in credential earners despite pandemic challenges. Enrollment and graduation rates have also improved, with overall graduation rates rising from 24% to 35%.

Before BCTC, Dr. Akakpo was Vice President for Business, Administrative, and Student Services at North Central State College (NCSC) in Ohio, where he also served as CBO and Chief Student Services Officer. During his eight-year tenure, he was instrumental in reversing a decline in enrollment through a strategic plan that led to growth in both 2017 and 2018.

In 2007, Dr. Akakpo was appointed by the Governor of Ohio as Deputy Secretary/Director of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). His leadership in strategic realignment, efficiency improvements, and budget management resulted in savings of over $23 million in 12 months and $63 million in 24 months.

Dr. Akakpo began his academic career in 2003 at Central State University, where he served as Director of Academic Financial Planning & Management. He improved the budgeting process, involved stakeholders, and restructured academic programs, creating 21 new faculty positions to address accreditation and workload issues.

Dr. Akakpo holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, an MBA from Ashland University, and a Master of Science from Université du Bénin, Togo.