College Ambassador

College Ambassador

Mass Communications and Journalism

Kha’Lea Wainwright, a Mass Communications and Journalism Major, at Kentucky State University. Since I was a small girl I knew I wanted to be a journalist. I loved listening to radio shows, watching the news, and seeing behind the scenes footage of documentaries. I attended Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, IN and I enjoyed being apart of the advanced broadcasting journalism program, BDTV, for three years. I graduated from Ben Davis, in 2021 with a technical honors and academic honors diploma alongside a core 40 diploma. I am proud to now be a student at Kentucky State University where I’ve previously served on The Royal Court for two years and my reign as Miss Junior 2023-2024 will begin in the Fall of 2023. Outside of academic related activities, this summer I had my debut performance in a professional show, as “Heather McNamara” in Heathers the musical! Portraying the role of Heather M. as a person of color has broken so many traditional cast types and I’m grateful to have had the experience!

College Ambassador

Mass Communication/ Journalism

First Year Mass Communication and Journalism Major with a Minor in Psychology. Growing up I have always been told I was a natural born leader, because of this I always pursued leadership positions. I was a Senior Project manager for my former schools "Giving Back" project and I also was an active member of the Student Leadership Council in high school. Being a College Ambassador will allow me reach my full potential and I believe it will open a multitude of opportunities for me.

College Ambassador

Mass Communication/ Political Science

Marlon Cox- 21 year old mass communication major with a minor in political science from Indianapolis, Indiana.

1929

Rufus B. Atwood served as the president of Kentucky State University from 1929 to 1962, making him one of the longest-serving presidents in the institution's history. Under his leadership, Kentucky State University experienced significant growth and development, expanding its academic programs and facilities.

1947

Whitney M. Young Jr. was an influential civil rights leader and educator who served as the president of Kentucky State University from 1947 to 1957. Young later became the executive director of the National Urban League, where he played a key role in advancing the civil rights movement.

1962

Carl M. Hill was the first African American to serve as the president of Kentucky State University. He held this position from 1962 to 1975 and was instrumental in furthering the university's academic reputation and fostering diversity and inclusion on campus.

2004

Mary E. Sias served as the president of Kentucky State University from 2004 to 2014, becoming the first woman to hold this position. During her tenure, Sias focused on enhancing student success, increasing enrollment, and strengthening community partnerships.

2015

Raymond M. Burse served as the interim president of Kentucky State University in 2014 and again from 2015 to 2017. Burse, a Kentucky State University alumnus, brought extensive experience in higher education administration and finance to the role.

2018

Aaron Thompson, a Kentucky State University alum, served as the interim president of the university in 2018 before being appointed as the president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Thompson has been a vocal advocate for access to higher education and student success initiatives.

2019

Mary L. Smith became the first female African American president of Kentucky State University in 2019, following a career in higher education administration and leadership roles at several universities. She has focused on advancing the university's mission of academic excellence and student-centered learning.

1886

John Bradford served as the first president of Kentucky State University when it was founded in 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons. His leadership laid the foundation for the institution's early development and growth.

1886

William Exum served as the director of athletics at Kentucky State University and was instrumental in building the university's athletic programs. Under his leadership, Kentucky State University's athletic teams achieved success both on and off the field.

1886

Lucille C. Gorham was a distinguished professor of English and served as the chair of the Department of English and Language Arts at Kentucky State University. She was a respected scholar and educator who made significant contributions to the university's academic community.