Kentucky State University News April 2020 Historic legislation strengthens Kentucky State University’s connection to Simmons College and West Louisville Kentucky State University President M. Christopher Brown II was on hand at the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage for the historic signing of Senate Bill 270, which strengthened Kentucky State’s partnership with Simmons College and West Louisville. The bill will assist in the production of teachers for hard-to-staff schools; increase the preparation of K-12 educators, especially those of color; create a partnership with Simmons to deliver Kentucky State courses to West Louisville; remove obstacles to allow Kentucky State to accept transfer credits from Simmons; and bring health services, employment information, and holistic family services into the neighborhood to address food deserts. “Senate Bill 270 is a game changer,” President Brown said. “With the stroke of a pen, the Commonwealth of Kentucky will put our money where our mouth is. We are not asking our citizens to ‘pull themselves up by their bootstraps’ when we know they have no shoes. We are offering a helping hand in standing up, walking forward, and being successful members of the community. This is the best of state government.” President Brown gave thanks and recognition to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, the Legislative Black Caucus, Senator Gerald Neal and the entire General Assembly. “The measures that I am signing today, under bipartisan support, in this divided world, will promote equity and fairness,” Governor Beshear said. “From Pre-K to higher ed and beyond, education is the key to breaking cycles of poverty and to create a pathway to real opportunity.” President Brown said the legislation charges Kentucky State to bring education to the front door of West Louisville. “In church, I have learned you do not have to come out to be blessed - you can blessed right where you are,” President Brown said. “Kentucky State University and the Commonwealth of Kentucky will bless West Louisville right where they are. No need to move - Kentucky State will come to you.” Sandra M. Phoenix HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Building Capacity for Humanities Special Collections at HBCUs – Become an ally and partner with us to protect, preserve and share a more authentic record of American history. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/humanities-2019.html for more information. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/ and click on the Donate Now button to invest in this project. Your support is appreciated. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/