From its modest beginnings as a small normal school for the training of black teachers for the black schools of Kentucky, Kentucky State University has grown and evolved to become the state's unique, small, liberal studies institution, serving students without regard to their race, age, sex, national origin, or economic status.

The University was chartered in May 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, only 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 won the day. The new college was located in Frankfort in spite of 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 H. Jackson as president.

In 1890 the institution became a land grant college, 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. A high school was organized in 1893. This expansion continued into the twentieth century in both name and program. 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. In the early 1930's the high school was discontinued, and in 1938 the school was named the Kentucky State College for Negroes. The term “for Negroes” was dropped in 1952. Kentucky State College became a university in 1972, and in 1973 the first graduate students enrolled in its School of Public Affairs.

Kentucky State University’s 882-acre campus, includes a 204-acre agricultural research farm and a 306-acre environmental education center. Kentucky State University is the smallest of Kentucky’s public universities with an enrollment of approximately 2,700 students and more than 150 full-time instructional faculty members. During a typical academic year, the University’s student and faculty composition indicates a substantial racial balance:

Kentucky State University is the smallest of Kentucky’s public universities with an enrollment of approximately 2,700 students and more than 150 full-time instructional faculty members. During a typical academic year, the University’s student and faculty composition indicates a substantial racial balance:

Students: 73% full time

65% residents of Kentucky 35% non-Kentucky residents 59% African American 28% white

59% African American

27% part daggertime

28% white

13% other

Faculty: 30% African American 55% white 5% Asian 10% other

Kentucky State University today has more than 43 campus structures to serve its family. Many courses are taught each academic year in off-campus classes throughout Franklin County and the surrounding six-county service area. The University’s student-faculty ratio is the lowest among public institutions of higher learning in Kentucky.

Today’s students have the opportunity to receive an associate (two-year) degree in three disciplines, a baccalaureate (four-year) degree in 24 disciplines—several of which have optional specializations, and a master’s degree in five disciplines. Students may also elect to prepare for professional schools through the University’s arrangements with the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, the University of Maryland at College Park, Vanderbilt University, Meharry Medical College, Florida A&M University, Northern Kentucky University, Auburn University, Tuskegee University, Southern College of Optometry (Memphis), the University of Houston, and the University of Alabama-Birmingham.