When he first stepped in as KSU’s 19th president, Dr. Akakpo entered a university facing significant challenges. In 2022, a budget shortage prompted a bailout of $23 million from state legislature. Last year, the University received a warning from their accreditation body for failing to meet financial standards due to overspending and misuse of funds by the previous president.
But Akakpo said in his inauguration speech that the university has been able to turn the page successfully during his first year of leadership.
"We have balanced the budget for the first time in many years," said Akakpo, "And have been able to start building our fund balance, which was nonexistent 14 months ago."
Additionally, Akakpo boasts an increase in KSU's fall enrollment of 30 percent and the implementation of internal controls to maintain the university’s long term success and sustainability.
Before coming to KSU, Akakpo served as president at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.