The Kentucky State University Board of Regents today announced the immediate appointment of Aaron Thompson as interim president. An Executive Vice President at the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and professor at Eastern Kentucky University, Dr. Thompson will serve until the board identifies its permanent selection.
“I am honored to serve Kentucky State University as interim president and am excited for the opportunity to work with the incredibly dedicated and talented faculty, students, alumni and staff,” Thompson said. “There is still much work to be done, and I look forward to collaborating with the Kentucky State community to make sure the university continues forward until a permanent president is selected.”
Dr. Thompson, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the Eastern Kentucky University and advanced degrees from the University of Kentucky, replaces outgoing president Raymond Burse, who announced his resignation earlier this month.
Burse resigned following months of acrimony from faculty over his leadership style and budget management approach, and amidst concerns of state budget cuts, which he threatened could close the school.
Board officials pledged support for the interim president, but gave no timeline for a search or by when a permanent choice would be selected.
We look forward to working closely with Dr. Thompson. This board is committed to the mission of KSU and we look forward to continuing on a path that transforms this university into one of the best institutions of its size in the state, region and nation.
