Research, Reach, and Mentoring
Faculty Excellence:
Research, Reach, and Mentoring
February 10, 2026
Dear Thorobred Family,
One of the most powerful truths about Â鶹ֱ²¥ is this: our students
are being prepared for lives of extraordinary achievement because of the people who
educate them. Faculty excellence is not an abstract concept here. It is daily, student-centered,
and rigorous — showing up in classrooms and laboratories, in clinics and community
settings, and in the steady mentoring that helps students sharpen their talents, deepen
their confidence, and see themselves as leaders.
That excellence also carries a broader promise, rooted in who we are as Kentucky’s
1890 land-grant institution. As we recently marked the , we reaffirmed what that history demands: teaching that opens doors, research that
advances solutions, and service that strengthens the Commonwealth.
Kentucky State has a long legacy of faculty excellence that spans disciplines and
programs. In that spirit, I want to highlight a few recent examples that reflect the
breadth of that work and the many ways our faculty are preparing students and serving
Kentucky.
We see that standard clearly in . Led by Dr. Avinash M. Tope and co-authored by Dr. Kirk W. Pomper, the work reflects
a careful, evidence-based approach. It is grounded in the depth Kentucky State has
built in pawpaw research and outreach over time, and it is carried forward through
rigorous methods and responsible conclusions.
Faculty excellence also means shaping professional practice and strengthening families
and communities through applied expertise. Dr. Darlene M. Davis Goodwine helped lead
, demonstrating how Kentucky State connects research, training, and service in ways
that are immediately useful.
Mentoring is a defining strength at the University, and it is closely tied to student
outcomes. Through the , led by Dr. Buddhi Gyawali, students work alongside faculty mentors on applied projects.
They build skills, confidence, and career clarity through real work, clear expectations,
and sustained guidance.
Faculty reach also extends beyond campus through community-facing education. At the
, Dr. Amanda Fickey and Dr. Gary Stratton provided practical, face-to-face financial
guidance, helping residents strengthen everyday decision-making around budgeting,
credit, savings, and small-business fundamentals.
We also celebrate the excellence our faculty bring to their professions and the credibility
that strengthens student preparation. Dr. Joy Coles’ recent induction as a demonstrates sustained contributions to patient care and leadership. She brings that
expertise directly into teaching and mentoring future clinicians.
Finally, Kentucky State faculty excellence is visible in innovative applied research
that builds workforce-ready learning and expands our national profile. A new film
featuring our highlights work led by Dr. Andrew Ray and the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science.
That strength is also being translated into new academic pathways through the launch
of the , preparing students to tackle urgent challenges tied to food security and clean water.
These examples are only a snapshot. Across every college and discipline, our faculty
are publishing and presenting, mentoring and advising, building partnerships, and
opening doors for students. Much of that work happens beyond the spotlight, but the
common thread remains clear: high expectations, a commitment to student success, and
work that strengthens the Commonwealth.
As we move deeper into the Spring 2026 semester, I invite all of us to help make that
impact visible. Students, take full advantage of office hours, research experiences,
and mentorship opportunities. Faculty and staff, please continue investing in students
and in one another, and sharing the stories of progress that reflect the breadth of
achievement across the University.
Thank you all for the excellence you model and the standards you uphold. You are preparing
students for extraordinary futures, strengthening Kentucky State’s impact across the
Commonwealth, and advancing the broader land-grant mission through scholarship, service,
and mentorship.
Onward and Upward,
Koffi C. Akakpo, Ph.D.
President
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