Christopher Brown II, the new president of historically Black Kentucky State University in Frankfort, has announced a series of new executive appointments for his leadership team.
Kevin Appleton was appointed senior vice president for finance and administration. Since 2015, he has been vice president for administrative affairs at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne. Earlier, Appleton was vice president for finance and business affairs for the Southern University System in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Appleton holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Wilberforce University in Ohio.
Thomas J. Calhoun is the new vice president for student engagement and campus life. He is the former president of Chicago State University. Earlier, Dr. Calhoun served as vice president of enrollment management at the University of North Alabama and was on the faculty at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Dr. Calhoun is a graduate of Tuskegee University in Alabama. He holds a master’s degree in biology from Clark Atlanta University. Dr. Calhoun earned a second master’s degree from the University of Chicago and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Washington.
Justin J. Mathis is the new director of the Office of Admissions. He was coordinator of admissions, recruitment, and outreach at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Earlier, he was assistant director for recruitment at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mathis is a graduate of Alcorn State University.
Rick W. Smith Sr. was appointed interim vice president for institutional advancement and alumni relations. Since 2016, he has been serving as vice president for external relations and development. Earlier, Smith was system director of communications for KentuckyOne Health, based in Louisville. Smith is a graduate of the University of Louisville, where he majored in broadcast journalism. He holds an MBA from Western Kentucky University.
Clara Ross Stamps was named vice president for enrollment management and brand identity. She was vice president for marketing and communication at Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Stamps joined the staff at Alcorn State University in 2009. She is a graduate of Mississippi College in Clinton, where she majored in marketing.
