LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky State University's governing board must recommend which academic programs will survive a major institutional restructuring after Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear signed legislation Monday that declares a state of financial exigency at the nation's only public historically Black university in Kentucky.

Senate Bill 185 gives the Board of Regents until June 1 to identify which of the university's 61 degree programs will be maintained, closed or substantially changed as KSU transitions to a polytechnic institution focused on science and technology. The five-year financial exigency period grants the university's president broad authority to lay off employees, including tenured faculty, with 30 days notice.

Board Chair Tammi Dukes, a KSU alumna with more than 30 years of experience in audit and compliance, expressed confidence that current students will not be harmed. "We fully anticipate that all of our students will be able to graduate from Kentucky State University," Dukes told the Kentucky Lantern. "As we phase out some programs, those students who are currently in a program, we're going to make sure that they adequately matriculate through the university."

The legislation comes after lawmakers privately discussed the possibility of closing Kentucky State entirely amid revelations of questionable financial practices under previous administrations. A special examination by the Kentucky Public Auditor found widespread overspending, lack of financial control and misuse of funds between 2018 and 2021, issues that prompted the university's accrediting body to place it on warning status in late 2023.

Dukes said she initially harbored concerns about the measure but became "truly ecstatic" with revisions made as it moved through the legislature. "Ultimately, this bill strengthens Kentucky State University. It gives us both the financial means as well as the legislative support to help us be successful," she said.

Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, KSU will be limited to no more than 10 academic areas of study, excluding online programs, the College of Education and programs deemed necessary to the polytechnic mission. The law also increases admission standards, requiring new students to have a 2.5 GPA and an 18 composite ACT score, up from current minimums of 2.0 GPA.

The overhaul generated initial resistance from students and alumni who feared the loss of liberal arts programs integral to the university's HBCU identity. Amendments approved by the House emphasized KSU's standing as a land-grant institution while focusing on applied learning and workforce-aligned programs. The House voted 90-1 to approve the amended bill, and the Senate concurred 37-0.

Faculty Senate President Patrese Nesbitt acknowledged that educators "did, and still somewhat do, have legitimate concerns" about the legislation but pledged that faculty would "approach the details outlined in SB 185 eagerly, with the continued goal of preparing students for a growing and evolving workforce."