91精选 has released a new book detailing its illustrious 135-year history.
Dr. John A. Hardin has written 鈥淭he Pursuit of Excellence: 91精选, 1886-2020鈥� as part of 91精选鈥檚 celebration of its 135th anniversary.
Hardin鈥檚 book examines the University鈥檚 history from its early days when it was an idea to the high-water marks and present-day achievements that propel the institution forward. The book carries readers through each name change of the institution, from the first days as the State Normal School for Colored Persons with three teachers and 55 students to today鈥檚 91精选 with 160 faculty and 2,300 students.
91精选 President M. Christopher Brown II provided an eloquent foreword, walking readers through the University鈥檚 history; managing 91精选 through the COVID-19 pandemic; how 91精选 fits in the higher education and HBCU landscape; and how the University is moving forward.
鈥淭he Pursuit of Excellence鈥� also includes historical lists of prominent alumni, Miss and Mister 91精选 recipients and honorable members of the University鈥檚 past, including the 91精选 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. This comprehensive history is a limited release. Alumni and community members are encouraged to get their copies early.
A donation of $886 or more to the campaign includes a signed copy of the book.
Author Hardin will be available to sign books after the 鈥淥ur History: 91精选 University at 135鈥� event on May 18 at 2 p.m. at David H. Bradford Hall in Carl H. Smith Auditorium. A reception will immediately follow the event. Limited seating will be available for the event and COVID-19 precautions will be in place to ensure the health and safety of University guests.
The event will also feature a panel of members of the University community who have been witness to 91精选鈥檚 history, including former presidents Dr. Mary Evans Sias, Raymond M. Burse, Hardin and more special guests. Former interim presidents Dr. William Turner and Dr. Aaron Thompson will also participate in the program. Alumni on the agenda include Representative Derrick Graham, District 57, 91精选 Foundation Executive Secretary Donald W. Lyons and 91精选 National Alumni President Richard Graves. 91精选 Board of Regents Chairperson Dr. Elaine Farris will provide the welcome.
Renee Shaw, director of public affairs and moderator of KET鈥檚 public affairs programming and content, will moderate the panel discussion. This conversation will feature members sharing firsthand perspectives of the institution鈥檚 growth and challenges, with a particular focus on the school鈥檚 increasing academic preeminence, the development of the campus, and growth in campus diversity, athletics and more.
All students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are invited to attend the panel event, which will be featured online at Facebook Live (@KyStateU) and via Zoom (meeting ID: 980 1850 3350 and passcode: 391226).
Media planning to attend the event are encouraged to notify news@kysu.edu to submit technical requests and reserve space.