Kentucky State University President Koffi Akakpo’s contract was renewed by the Board of Regents after alumni no confidence vote last week.
During a Wednesday meeting, the KSU National Alumni Association voted “unanimously” to show no confidence in Akakpo, who’s been KSU president since July 2023.
In a Friday statement, KSU officials said the university was aware of the group’s action, but “remained focused on the facts.”
KSU faced a more than $15 million shortfall at the end of fiscal year 2021, and an audit in 2023 found several problems at the university. The General Assembly has been trying to address the issues at KSU through legislation.
In a statement posted Friday, the alumni association said a pattern of “repeat deficiencies left uncured after direct notice, and a series of failures that are new to this administration” justifies its vote of no confidence.
In a letter to the KSU Board of Regents, the alumni association cited the university’s probationary accreditation, lack of financial correction, insufficient safety measures and other concerns.
The letter asks the KSU Board of Regents to not extend or renew Akakpo’s contract, search for new leadership, take responsibility for accreditation and campus safety, review the administration’s communications practice and engage alumni.
Akakpo’s contract was up for approval at Friday’s Board of Regents meeting and the board approved the renewal. The new contract was effective on August 8 and lasts for three years. Akakpo's annual salary will be $325,000, according to a university spokesperson.
Chair Tammi Dukes said in a statement she disagreed with the action taken by the alumni association.
“I believe leadership should be evaluated by results, vision, and an unwavering commitment to our students,” Dukes said in the statement. “Kentucky State has faced significant financial, operational, and institutional challenges in recent years, and those challenges did not develop overnight. I also have witnessed the difficult and disciplined work President Koffi C. Akakpo and his leadership team have undertaken to address them and position the University for a stronger future.”
