VISION
In the twenty-first century, Kentucky State University, a diverse and unique liberal studies 1890 Land Grant institution, will be a comprehensive institution that effectively utilizes its resources to create an exceptional learning community. In its curricula, services, and outreach, Kentucky State University will remain committed to its rich heritage and dedicated to its future. Outstanding faculty and staff will prepare leaders committed to continuous improvement of the opportunities for expression and participation in the life of the University, the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.
MISSION
Kentucky State University, building on its legacy of achievement as a historically black, liberal arts, and 1890 land-grant university, affords access to and prepares a diverse student population of traditional and non-traditional students to compete in a multifaceted, ever-changing global society by providing student-centered learning while integrating teaching, research, and service through high-quality undergraduate and select graduate programs. Kentucky State University is committed to keeping relevant its legacy of service by proactively engaging the community in partnerships on civic projects driven by the objective of positively impacting the quality of life of the citizens of the Commonwealth.
KSU’s liberal arts programs draw upon the unique diversity of the institution and its African-American heritage. As an 1890 Land Grant institution, KSU is committed to providing quality research and other community outreach initiatives. The work of the Office of Governmental Training meets the institution’s statutory responsibility to serve public employees in the Commonwealth. Teacher education and other selected undergraduate and graduate programs are articulated through agreements with other institutions in the system.
Admissions guidelines are consistent with the system wide policy to provide broad access to our small classes within a nurturing and stimulating environment that prepares undergraduate and graduate students to become successful citizens and professionals.
KSU is ever vigilant in its resolve to collaborate with other institutions in the Commonwealth to increase the effectiveness of Kentucky’s postsecondary system, especially in the promotion of cost effectiveness, quality assurance, and accountability.
Institutional Admission Standards
Kentucky State University shall admit students to the institution under selective admission standards that exceed the minimum guidelines established by the Council on Postsecondary Education, with only limited exceptions. Institutional guidelines shall be consistent with the system-wide policy for admitting underprepared students, including the removal of academic deficiencies within a specified time frame. Through this approach, the University seeks to provide broad access and high-quality programs.
on Postsecondary Education, with only limited exceptions. Institutional guidelines shall be consistent with the system-wide policy for admitting underprepared students, including the removal of academic deficiencies within a specified time frame. Through this approach, the University seeks to provide broad access and high-quality programs.
Degree Levels
Selective associate degree and baccalaureate degree programs shall be oriented toward liberal studies and selected career opportunities related to state government services. Kentucky State University shall offer selected master’s degree programs based on demonstrated need, with a priority given to a public administration curriculum to meet the needs of state government.
Strategic Directions/Program Priorities
The University shall focus on liberal studies programming. Drawing upon its African American heritage, the University will promote the values and methods of interdisciplinary and multicultural education in its liberal studies offerings. All students shall participate in common curricula that explore the liberal studies. Drawing upon the multicultural strengths of the University, emphasis shall be placed on preparing minority students for careers in education and in other selected professions including business, computer science, nursing, human services, and public services. These strategic priorities translate into a core of liberal arts baccalaureate degree programs, in addition to degree program priorities at the associate (A), baccalaureate (B), and master's (M) levels that may include the following: education (B, M); business (B, M); computer science (B, M); nursing (A, B); human services (B); public administration (B, M); and aquaculture/aquatic science (M).
Enhancement of Instruction
The University shall emphasize teaching. Meeting student needs shall be paramount. The University shall focus on the needs of its students, which include, but are not limited to, full-time and part-time residential students, commuting students from its primary service area, and state government employees.
Service and Research Functions
As the Commonwealth's 1890 Land Grant institution, Kentucky State University shall fulfill its responsibilities under federal law and participate fully in appropriate U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, in accordance with the mission of the University. Kentucky State University shall be the major repository for the collection of books, records, and artifacts relative to the history and status of African-American citizens of the Commonwealth and elsewhere. The University shall make such
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