# Kentucky State University marks 140 years with commemorative logo **Published:** 2026-09-04T16:58:44.000Z **Source:** [Lane Report (KY Business)](https://www.lanereport.com/189288/2026/09/kentucky-state-university-140th-anniversary-logo/) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/kentucky-state-university-marks-140-years-with-commemorative-logo FRANKFORT, Ky. — [Kentucky State University has unveiled a new commemorative logo marking its 140th anniversary](https://www.lanereport.com/189288/2026/09/kentucky-state-university-140th-anniversary-logo/), unveiling a design that incorporates the institution's signature green and gold colors and features a representation of historic Jackson Hall. The logo will be featured throughout the Frankfort-based university's yearlong celebration beginning in October. [The university has released a comprehensive style guide](https://www.kysu.edu/brand-identity-and-university-relations/KYSU-140-Anniversary-Brand-Guide-Final.pdf) establishing specific requirements for the logo's use. According to the guidelines, the logo cannot be stretched, rotated, outlined, recolored, made transparent or altered with visual effects, and all uses require prior approval from Kentucky State. [University offices, campus organizations, outside partners and vendors seeking to use the anniversary mark must submit a project request](https://www.kysu.edu/institutional-advancement-and-university-relations/projectrequestform.php) to the university or contact its communications office. Commercial use of the anniversary logo, including on merchandise or promotional products offered for sale, is prohibited unless Kentucky State provides advance authorization. The 140th anniversary celebration will begin around October 11, commemorating the anniversary of the university's first day of classes. [The school opened on October 11, 1887, with three teachers and 55 students under the leadership of John Henry Jackson, the university's first president.](https://www.kysu.edu/about-ksu/history.php) "For 140 years, Kentucky State University has responded to the needs of its students, its communities, and the Commonwealth," KSU President Koffi C. Akakpo said. "This anniversary honors the generations who built and sustained this institution and reminds us that our history carries a continuing charge to serve." [Founded on May 18, 1886, as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, Kentucky State was initially established to prepare teachers for Kentucky schools.](https://www.kysu.edu/about-ksu/history.php) [The institution became a land-grant college in 1890](https://www.kysu.edu/about-ksu/history.php) and has evolved significantly over the past century. Today, [Kentucky State is Kentucky's only public historically Black college or university](https://www.kysu.edu/about-ksu/history.php) and offers programs spanning higher education, research, agriculture, health, technology, workforce development and public service. The new anniversary identity features primary and secondary versions designed in horizontal, vertical and badge formats for use in print and digital communications, anniversary events, campus signage and other approved applications. The commemorative design will provide visual consistency across programs and communications celebrating the institution's history, mission and future. ## Sources - [Lane Report (KY Business)](https://www.lanereport.com/189288/2026/09/kentucky-state-university-140th-anniversary-logo/) - [Kentucky State University 140th Anniversary Brand Guide](https://www.kysu.edu/brand-identity-and-university-relations/KYSU-140-Anniversary-Brand-Guide-Final.pdf) - [Project Request Form for logo use](https://www.kysu.edu/institutional-advancement-and-university-relations/projectrequestform.php) - [Kentucky State University history and background](https://www.kysu.edu/about-ksu/history.php) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from Lane Report (KY Business), enriched with 2 web searches. The original source is available at https://www.lanereport.com/189288/2026/09/kentucky-state-university-140th-anniversary-logo/.