Kentucky State University

Perched on a bluff overlooking Frankfort, Kentucky State University (KSU) stands as a proud public historically black land-grant institution with a rich and transformative history. Chartered in 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, KSU swiftly grew into Kentucky's second state-supported institution of higher learning, dedicated to empowering its community. Its journey accelerated in 1890 when it earned land-grant status, expanding its curriculum to include vital programs in agriculture, home economics, and mechanics, laying the groundwork for practical, impactful education.

Throughout the 20th century, KSU evolved not just in name, but in its profound commitment to educational equity. A testament to its pioneering spirit, the university established its civil engineering program in 1942, a direct result of advocacy for equal opportunity. Its campus also served as a significant platform during the Civil Rights era, notably hosting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his inspiring 1957 commencement address, 'Facing the Challenge of a New Age.'

Today, with 2,163 students guided by the motto 'Onward, Upward.', Kentucky State University continues to build on its legacy of innovation and access. Achieving university status in 1972, KSU embraces its role in shaping future leaders, offering a vibrant student experience rooted in its deep historical significance and forward-looking academic strengths. It’s a place where tradition meets progress, fostering excellence and community for all who walk its historic grounds.