Kentucky State University is one of eighteen 1890 Land Grant institutions that were mandated by the Morrill Act of 1890 to conduct research, extension, and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences. This fact enables Kentucky State University (KSU) to offer many opportunities for students interested in learning more about a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to the food and agricultural sciences, natural sciences, family science, consumer science, social science, and community development.

The mission of the Land Grant Program has evolved in alignment with the culture and climate of society, becoming more centered on increasing vitality in families and local communities in addition to the individual citizen. This evolution is reflected in the revised mission of Land Grant:

To help diverse groups gain knowledge and apply research-based information, through traditional and non-traditional methods, for the purpose of solving agricultural, educational, economic, and social problems on all geographic levels.

The Land Grant Program at KSU receives a significant portion of funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which provides programmatic oversight, regulation, and guidance. Such USDA Mission Areas as the Cooperative State Research, Extension, and Education Service (CSREES) are dedicated to assisting Land Grant universities across the nation in implementing strategic initiatives of USDA through programs that enable such universities to conduct research, teaching, and public service (referred to as Extension Service) in a manner that enhances the infrastructure of participating universities. To ensure that participating universities do not suffer adverse financial burdens in the conduct of federally mandated programming, the federal government implemented a system that requires state governments to match federal allocations of funds to the universities.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture Liaison Officer is located on the campus to counsel Land Grant administrators and students on national initiatives, and opportunities for partnership with USDA. This person also works with high school and college students by exposing them to career opportunities in the food and agricultural sciences. College students are eligible for internships while enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Additionally, the Liaison Officer promotes and accepts applications for the USDA 1890 Scholars Program, which offers a full scholarship package (tuition, room & board, computer, etc.) to high school graduates who are interested in working for USDA after completion of their undergraduate studies.

USDA 1890 Scholars Program, which offers a full scholarship package (tuition, room & board, computer, etc.) to high school graduates who are interested in working for USDA after completion of their undergraduate studies.

The Land Grant Program at KSU currently has four sections. The traditional sections are the Community Research Service (CRS) and Cooperative Extension Program (CEP). Two new sections, Aquaculture and Educational Outreach, have been added over several decades due to expansion of strategic foci. This expansion was driven by increased challenges faced by constituents that Land Grant saw the ability to influence positively.

Research responsibilities are primarily conducted at the University by the Community Research Service. Currently, research is being conducted in a broad range of disciplines: aquaculture, natural resources, small animal science (especially goats), crop diversification, human nutrition, health, home economics (family financial management), plant and soil science, community development, rural development, apiculture, and bio-technology. Scientists with diversified educational backgrounds as well as domestic and international experiences are involved in outstanding research, including projects in warm- and cold-water fish production, water quality, genetic alteration of crops, environmental toxicology, plant tissue culture, integrated pest management, horticulture, apiculture, and nutritional problems of the elderly.

The Atwood Agricultural Research Facility houses the principal laboratories and serves as the hub for program activities. Augmenting this facility are a research farm, greenhouses, and a fish hatchery/pond complex—all designed to test theoretical laboratory work under practical field conditions. Students can participate in research projects as laboratory assistants, and may earn academic credit through cooperative education. Research partnerships with several state/federal agencies and private industries have enhanced agency-sponsored internship opportunities for students. Students from management, natural science, medicine, nursing, education, sociology, and many other majors are encouraged to speak with Land Grant personnel regarding such opportunities.

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