The board of regents of Kentucky State University in Frankfort has approved the establishment of the Atwood Institute for Race, Education, and the Democratic Ideal. The center will advance research, dialogue, and advocacy for anti-racism training and conflict resolution, and exploration of the elements of democracy in solving intractable social problems. Special research emphasis will be placed on Appalachia, the African diaspora, and migrant communities.
M. Christopher Brown II, president of Kentucky State University, said that the initiative demonstrates “a unique commitment to the expansion of Kentucky State’s mission, and its role in building a stronger city, state and nation. We are proud that Kentucky State University will serve as the founding institution for a first-of-its-kind research center stationed on a historically Black campus, and that our diverse faculty, student body and surrounding community will lead the nation in this important work.”
The center is named for Rufus B. Atwood, a former president of Kentucky State University. A national search will be conducted to find a director for the new center.
