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THE INAUGURATION OF Koffi C. Akakpo, Ph.D.



NINETEENTH PRESIDENT OF KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY

FRIDAY, THE TWENTIETH DAY OF SEPTEMBER

TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-FOUR



LUNCHEON 11AM ET

CARL M. HILL STUDENT CENTER, 4TH FLOOR

OATH OF OFFICE 2PM ET

DAVID H. BRADFORD HALL, CARL H. SMITH AUDITORIUM

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# Kentucky State University Heritage

From its modest beginnings as a small normal school for the training of African American teachers, Kentucky State University has grown into a land-grant and liberal arts institution that prepares a diverse student population to compete in a multifaceted, ever-changing global society.

Kentucky State University began as an idea on October 15, 1885. The Commonwealth needed more normal schools to train African American teachers for employment in its Black elementary schools. On May 18, 1886, Kentucky's legislators authorized the school's creation, and the university was chartered as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, the second state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky.

During the euphoria of Frankfort’s 1886 centennial celebration, when vivid recollections of the Civil War remained, the city’s 4,000 residents were keenly interested in having the new institution located in Frankfort. Toward that end, the city donated $1,500, a considerable amount in 1886 dollars, and a site on a scenic bluff overlooking the town. This united display of community enthusiasm and commitment secured the new college’s place in Frankfort despite competition from several other cities.

Recitation Hall—now Jackson Hall—the college’s first building, was erected in 1887. The new school opened on October 11, 1887, with three teachers, 55 students and John Henry Jackson as its first president.

Kentucky State became a land-grant college in 1890, and the departments of home economics, agriculture and mechanics were added to the school's curriculum. The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of that year.

As the school began to grow and change, so too did its moniker. In 1902, the name was changed to Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute for Colored Persons. The name was changed again in 1926 to Kentucky State Industrial College for Colored Persons.

By 1929, most students had access to high school, leading then President Rufus B. Atwood to discontinue the college's high school, which had been in operation since 1893.



Even so, Atwood's 33-year tenure was marked by dramatic institutional growth including the first modern yearbook, the first student newspaper, and most notably, by gaining accreditation for the institution. His administrative acuity and political acumen were necessary to position the university for growth during a period of marked social change, while avoiding fallout in the political town of Frankfort.

In 1938, the school was renamed Kentucky State College for Negroes and began focusing again on offering more traditional liberal arts education. The college notably gained full accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools the following year.

The term “for Negroes” was dropped in 1952 when the school’s name became formally Kentucky State College. In 1972, it became Kentucky State University and enrolled its first graduate students in the School of Public Affairs in 1973.

In the 51 years since then, more than 45 new structures or major building expansions have enhanced Kentucky State University’s 914-acre campus, which includes a 311-acre agricultural research farm and a 306-acre environmental education center.

Kentucky State University, “The College on the Hill,” is led by Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo as its President. It is a public institution with an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students and 96 full-time faculty members. The university’s diverse mix of faculty, staff, and students has made Kentucky State the most diverse public institution in the Commonwealth, and among the most diverse nationwide.

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Ms. Tammi Dukes

Chair

Mr. Jason Moseley

Mr. Michael Adams, Jr.

Vice Chair

Dr. Charles Moyer

Mr. EDWARD FIELDS

Staff Regent

Mr. Robert Ramsey, Sr.

Dr. Ernie Fletcher

Ms. AURY RIOS-ALCANTARA

Student Regent

Mr. EDWARD HATCHETT, ESQ.

DR. HERMAN WALSTON

Faculty Regent

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Dr. Koffi C. AkaKpo

President

Dr. Michael D. Dailey

Provost and Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs

Ms. Vicki D. DUNAWAY

Vice President of Finance and Administration/CFO

Dr. WENDY D. DIXIE

Vice President of Information Technology and Special Assistant to the President

Mr. Michael R. DeCourcy

Vice President of Institutional Advancement and

External Relations

Mr. Zachary D. Atwell

General Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Regents

PRESIDENT'S INAUGURATION 2024

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# Koffi C. Akakpo Ph.D. Biography

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%.



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.

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KENTUCKY STATE

KENT UCKY

YERSITY MDG

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## President's Inauguration Luncheon

Dr. Michael D. Dailey '82

Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

Presiding

Welcome

Mr. Michael Adams, Jr. '09 - Vice Chair, Board of Regents

## Musical Performance

Invocation

Rev. Dr. George T. Moore '67

Lunch is served

Inauguration Luncheon Partner

CHI St. Joseph Health

Student Remarks

Mathilda Koutob Naoto - SGA Chief of Staff/Miss International

## Local Officials

Mr. Layne Wilkerson - Mayor of Frankfort

Mr. Michael Mueller - County Judge/Executive

## State Officials

Representative Derrick Graham '80

Senator Donald Douglas

Presenting Partner

Diageo

Scholarship Partners

Mr. Michael R. DeCourcy - VP Institutional Advancement & External Relations

Closing Remarks

Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo

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# Congratulations, Dr. Koffi Aakpo!

We are proud to partner with Kentucky State University in

educating the next generation of nurses for the Commonwealth.

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## CHI Saint Joseph Health

Hello humankindness\textregistered

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# President's Inauguration

Dr. Michael D. Dailey '82

Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

Presiding

PRELUDE

Dr. Keith McCutchen Pianist

Associate Professor

Director, KSU Concert Choir

PROCESSIONAL

# Order of Procession of the University Mace Bearer

Presentation of Colors

Faculty Marshalls

Student Delegates

Delegates

Faculty

Administration

Board of Regents

Platform Party

President

SELECTION

Star Spangled Banner

Words by Francis Scott Key (1779-1843)

Music by John Stafford Smith (1750-1836)

Arr. by Russell Robinson

KSU Concert Choir

Director McCutchen

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Program - Continued

## WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS

Provost Dailey

INVOCATION

Rev. Dr. C.B. Akins, Sr.

Pastor Emeritus

First Baptist Bracttown

MUSICAL SELECTION Ms. Zania Tutwiler '24

Help Us To Love Soloist

by Tori Kelly ft. The Hamiltones

HISTORY OF KSU

Ms. Elsie F. Medlin '74

Golden Class Member

GREETING FROM THE STUDENTS OF KSU

Ms. Aury Rios-Alcantara

2024-2025 President

Student Government Association

ALUMNI GREETING

Mr. Barry Johnson '94

KSUNAA President

FORMER PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Dr. Mary E. Sias

16th President of KSU

GREETINGS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH

Dr. Aaron Thompson

President

Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education



Representative Bobby McCool

9th District

Senator Gerald A. Neal '67

33rd District


<table border=1 style='margin: auto; word-wrap: break-word;'><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>MUSICAL SELECTION</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>KSU Concert Choir</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>Trad. Irish Melody</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>Ms. Maya Abdul-Ahad, Violin</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>Be Thou My Vision</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>Director McCutchen, Director</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>Words by Mary E. Bryne (1880-1931)</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'></td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>Arr. Dr. Keith McCutchen</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'></td></tr></table>

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Program - Continued

INTRODUCTION OF THE PRESIDENT

Ms. Keren Akakpo

Daughter

Drs. Koffi & Carolyn Akakpo

OATH OF OFFICE Ms. Tammi Dukes '92 Chair, KSU Board of Regents

PRESENTATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL REGALIA

Chair Dukes

PRESENTATION OF THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDALLION Chair Dukes

PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS

Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo

19th President

CLOSING REMARKS Provost Dailey

BENEDICTION

Rev. Dr. C.B. Akins, Sr.

ALMA MATER KSU Concert Choir

RECESSIONAL

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# Presidential Symbols of Office

UNIVERSITY MACE

The mace is a club-shaped staff used as a symbol of authority. It was originally a weapon of the Middle Ages with a long handle, heavily weighted on the end. The heavy end became an iron ball as the sciences of war developed, and archers and other unmounted warriors used the mace as a hand arm. The mace was also used as a symbol of authority by some church officials, the British House of Commons, and the United States House of Representatives. Sergeants at arms, who were the guards of kings and other high officials, also carried maces. Even today, a gleaming white mace still rests on the table at meetings in many nations, symbolizing royal and legislative authority. Gradually, the mace gained a ceremonial character and today it is used during inaugurations, commencements and other formal processions. The Kentucky State University Mace is carried in by the Faculty Senate President.

## RECTOR'S REGALIA

Since modern academic regalia evolved from the kinds of apparel worn by monks and students in the Middle Ages to keep warm in the castles and halls in which they studied, academic regalia remains symbolic of scholastic achievement. The regalia worn by Kentucky State University's president, is made of black tropical wool. It has green velvet panels and bars. The bars and panels are accented by antique gold cordings. Each sleeve has four chevrons. The sleeves are Akron style inlaid with Washington green. The hood is flat with a square bottom. It is embellished with Washington green satin lining and antique gold chiffon. It also has gold cording with green velvet.

## CHAIN OF OFFICE

Each president of Kentucky State University wears the Chain of Office, also referred to as the livery and/or the presidential medallion, symbolizing the Office of the President. It is worn at formal academic occasions such as inaugurations, commencements, convocations, and Founder's Day. Kentucky State University's Chain of Office comprises a 3" diameter bronze medal with green enamel set in a tulip bezel. It is attached with a leaf banner bearing the title president and leaf clusters. The chain consists of curved banners depicting engravings of the names of all the official presidents of Kentucky State University and their years of service.

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Lyrics by

Frederick Jarmon '43

Music Arrangement

Harriet N. Gibbons '45

Hail to Our Alma Mater, Dear is Her Name,

And there shall be no other to Surpass Her fame.

Hers is the hand that guides us day after day,

And she will stand beside us, when we go on our way.

MAY BLESSINGS BE UPON HER, SHEPHERD OF YOUTH;

She holds the seat of Honor, in the hall of truth.

MEM'RIES OF HER SHALL NEVER FADE FROM OUR HEARTS,

AND WE WILL PRAISE HER EVER, FOR THE LOVE SHE IMPARTS.

SING EV'RY VOICE TOGETHER, LET ECHOES RISE.

Hail to our Alma Mater, shout to the skies.

HOLDING THE TORCH OF WISDOM, SHE LEADS THE WAY

CLASPING THE HAND OF FREEDOM, AS SHE MARCHES ALONG.

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## Thank you to our Partners

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Community is the commitment we make to each other

When a community is strong, it's more than a collection of streets and buildings—it's a place that helps its residents thrive.

That's why we're committed to building stronger communities as a proud supporter of Kentucky State University.

FIFTH THIRD

Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC. 23-8_CRO_AD

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Then...

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Now...

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# DIAGEO NORTH AMERICA

Diageo Proudly supports

Kentucky State University student

scholarships and raises a glass to

Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo on his Inauguration.

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Please drink responsibly. 2024 Diageo North America, Inc New York, NY

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# KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY

KYSU.EDU

ONWARD. UPWARD.