Kentucky State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kentucky State University has 6 executives leading key functions including administrative support, strategic operations, information technology, financial management, student leadership, and institutional governance.

Rooted in a rich history as a land grant institution, Kentucky State University advances academic excellence through diverse degree programs while fostering student success and community engagement across the Commonwealth.

Leadership Roles at Kentucky State University

  • Executive Assistance To Chief Executive Officer - Nancy Wyatt
  • Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer - Gerald Shields
  • Senior Class President - Mugisha Donatien
  • President - Koffi C
  • Chief of Staff - Daarel Burnette
  • Chief Information Officer - Wendy Dixie
  • Nancy Wyatt - Executive Assistance To Chief Executive Officer

    Nancy Wyatt, the Executive Assistance To Chief Executive Officer at Kentucky State University, manages complex scheduling and high-level communications for the executive office. Coordinating daily workflows, the Executive Assistance To Chief Executive Officer ensures seamless interaction between the president and various university departments. This role involves prioritizing critical administrative tasks to maintain operational efficiency across the Frankfort campus. By streamlining internal processes, Nancy Wyatt facilitates effective decision-making for the leadership team. Wyatt maintains rigorous standards for documentation and correspondence, supporting the broader mission of the land grant institution. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Executive Assistance To Chief Executive Officer enables the president to focus on long-term strategic goals. This position remains vital for the smooth functioning of the university administration, ensuring that all executive priorities receive timely attention and professional execution within the academic environment.

    Gerald Shields - Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer

    Gerald Shields, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer at Kentucky State University, oversees the fiscal health and budgetary planning of the institution. Managing the allocation of resources, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with state and federal financial regulations. This role involves analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maintain long-term economic stability. Gerald Shields directs the financial reporting processes and coordinates with the board to secure funding for campus development. By optimizing administrative operations, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer supports the university's mission of providing accessible education. Shields implements rigorous internal controls to safeguard institutional assets. This leadership function remains critical for sustaining the university's growth and operational capacity. Through prudent financial management, the Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer enables the institution to invest in academic programs and student services effectively.

    Mugisha Donatien - Senior Class President

    Mugisha Donatien, the Senior Class President at Kentucky State University, represents the student body in discussions with university administration and faculty. Advocating for student interests, the Senior Class President organizes campus events and initiatives that foster a vibrant academic community. This role involves gathering feedback from peers to address concerns regarding student life and campus resources. Mugisha Donatien facilitates communication between the student government and the leadership team to ensure that student perspectives inform institutional decisions. By promoting inclusivity and engagement, the Senior Class President enhances the overall experience for the graduating class. Donatien leads various committees focused on student welfare and professional development. This position serves as a vital link between the student population and the university's strategic goals. Through active leadership, the Senior Class President contributes to the university's mission of cultivating well-rounded, successful graduates prepared for future challenges.

    Koffi C - President

    Koffi C, the President at Kentucky State University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire land grant institution. Leading the university's efforts to expand academic programs and community outreach, the President ensures that all departments align with the core mission of excellence. This role involves engaging with stakeholders, state officials, and donors to secure the resources necessary for institutional growth. Koffi C oversees the executive leadership team, driving initiatives that improve student retention and graduation rates. By fostering a culture of innovation and accountability, the President guides the university through complex challenges in the higher education sector. C represents the institution in regional and national forums, elevating the university's profile. This leadership function remains central to the university's success, as the President balances academic integrity with fiscal responsibility. Through decisive action, the President secures the future of the institution for generations of students.

    Daarel Burnette - Chief of Staff

    Daarel Burnette, the Chief of Staff at Kentucky State University, directs strategic initiatives and coordinates cross-departmental projects to align with institutional objectives. Overseeing the implementation of university-wide policies, the Chief of Staff bridges communication gaps between the president and the broader faculty. This role requires constant monitoring of operational progress to ensure that academic and administrative goals remain on track. Daarel Burnette facilitates high-level meetings and synthesizes data to support informed governance. By managing the flow of information, the Chief of Staff optimizes the efficiency of the executive leadership team. Burnette drives organizational change by fostering collaboration across various campus divisions. This leadership function supports the university's commitment to providing quality education through disciplined management and clear strategic direction. The Chief of Staff remains essential for maintaining institutional focus on the core mission of serving students and the community.

    Wendy Dixie - Chief Information Officer

    Wendy Dixie, the Chief Information Officer at Kentucky State University, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern academic research and student learning. Managing the university's network security and data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures robust connectivity across the Frankfort campus. This role involves deploying advanced software solutions to enhance administrative productivity and classroom engagement. Wendy Dixie leads the IT department in upgrading hardware and cloud services to support the evolving needs of a land grant institution. By prioritizing cybersecurity and system reliability, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data. Dixie collaborates with academic leaders to integrate technology into the curriculum, driving innovation in teaching methods. This position supports the university's growth by providing a stable, scalable technological foundation. Through strategic investment in digital resources, the Chief Information Officer empowers students and faculty to achieve academic success in a competitive global landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kentucky State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kentucky State University?
    Kentucky State University is led by Nancy Wyatt (Executive Assistance To Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gerald Shields (Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer) and Mugisha Donatien (Senior Class President).
    Who is part of Kentucky State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kentucky State University includes leaders such as Nancy Wyatt (Executive Assistance To Chief Executive Officer), Gerald Shields (Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer), Mugisha Donatien (Senior Class President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Kentucky State University have?
    Kentucky State University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Kentucky State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Kentucky State University includes roles such as Executive Assistance To Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Finance Administration & Chief Financial Officer, Senior Class President, President, Chief of Staff.