Kentucky State University President Koffi C. Akakpo said on May 14 that the university recently celebrated one of its largest graduating classes in recent history during commencement ceremonies. The Class of 2026 included students from Kentucky, other states, and several countries, with a total of 428 degrees and credentials awarded.
Akakpo said that this year’s commencement was not only a day of achievement but also highlighted the university’s momentum. He reported a 28 percent increase in degrees awarded compared to last year and a 112 percent increase over four years ago.
The graduating class included future professionals across various fields such as nursing, business, science, education, agriculture, research, public service, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. Among them was valedictorian speaker Zhakeya Hawkins who completed her associate degree while still in high school before finishing her undergraduate studies in one year with a perfect grade point average. Akakpo said Hawkins’ accomplishments were especially meaningful because she is an 1890 Scholar—a designation connected to the USDA National Scholars Program for historically Black land-grant universities.
Akakpo explained that summer at Kentucky State will focus on supporting courses, preparing for the fall semester, advising students, advancing research activities, maintaining campus operations, and meeting planning requirements set by Senate Bill 185. He described ongoing academic program reviews involving independent groups made up of faculty, staff and students examining data related to programs’ future directions. The review process is expected to result in a report by May 28 for consideration by the Board of Regents before being shared with the Council on Postsecondary Education as required by state law.
He also addressed a federal lawsuit filed regarding Senate Bill 185: “The University was not involved in the filing of the lawsuit, did not coordinate with the individuals who filed it, and was not aware of the action before it occurred.” Akakpo added that Kentucky State will continue working within legal guidelines while collaborating with state and federal partners.
In closing his message to students and staff about upcoming changes and uncertainties at Kentucky State University he said: “Commencement reminds us why this work matters. As summer begins we carry that purpose forward together guided by our mission and confident in Kentucky State’s future.”
