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 a nd 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 la nd 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 the 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.

Over the past 20 years more than 30 new structures or major building expansions have enhanced Kentucky State University’s 511-acre campus, which includes a 203-acre agricultural research farm.

Kentucky State University is the smallest of Kentucky's public universities with an enrollment of approximately 2,300 students and 1,300 full-time instutional faculty members. Du ring a typical academic year, the University's student and faculty composition indicates a substantial racial balance:

University’s student and faculty composition indicates a substantial racial balance:

Students:

74% full time

26% part time

69% residents of KY

31% non-KY residents

62% African American

32% white

6% other

Faculty:

35% African American

57% white

8% other

Kentucky State University today has more than 35 campus structures to serve its family, 11 of which are used for instructional purposes. 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 four disciplines. Students may also elect to prepare for professional schools through the University’s arrangements with the University of Kentucky, the Univ ersity of Louisville, the University of Maryland at College Park, Vanderbilt University, M eharry M edical College, Florida A& M University, Northern Ke n tucky University, Auburn University, Tuskegee University, Southern College of Optometry (Memphis), the University of Houston, and the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

In the twenty-first century, Kentucky State University, a diverse and unique li beral stud ies, 1890 La nd G rant 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.