On Thursday, Kentucky State University (KSU) announced that it had received a $7 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to fund research on soil-less agriculture technology. This grant will be used to enhance food growth in the state of Kentucky. KSU President Koffi Akakpo described the grant as a historic moment for the university and emphasized its significance for the commonwealth, economy, education, and the future.
Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (KCPE), also highlighted the significance of the grant, especially considering KSU’s past financial challenges. Between 2018 and 2021, KSU faced financial difficulties due to mismanaged funds under previous leadership. With new leadership in place, efforts are being made to turn things around. Thompson expressed optimism about the future of KSU and emphasized that this NSF grant will serve as a foundation for future opportunities and outcomes.
Thompson said that increased enrollment, student success, and innovative programming will all benefit from this grant. He expressed pride in the project and its potential to advance agriculture research and technology in Kentucky. The partnership with NSF reflects a commitment to advancing research and technology in agriculture, showing promise for the future of food production in Kentucky.
