LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Simmons College of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky have formalized an agreement that leaders say will expand pathways for their students. 

What You Need To Know

  • Simmons College of Kentucky and the University of Kentucky formalized an agreement Tuesday

  • The two schools are collaborating to develop teacher education, pre-law and constitutional studies programs at Simmons

  • Students from both institutions would have opportunities to further their professional and personal development, according to the agreement

  • Simmons is Louisville's only historically Black college 

Simmons, Louisville's only historically Black college, hosted an announcement with UK on its campus Tuesday. 

"This partnership will bring people together to allow us to build a trusting relationship that bridges divides that have kept us separated far too long," said Simmons professor Dr. Lucian Yates III. 

The institutions are collaborating to develop teacher education preparation and pre-law and constitutional studies programs at Simmons, leaders said. 

Students from both institutions would have opportunities to further their professional and personal development, according to the agreement. 

"Students and faculty at both institutions will benefit from an exchange of ideas and experiences that will help us advance Kentucky," said University of Kentucky Provost Dr. Robert DiPaola. "The magnitude of this partnership and its potential to make change is really unprecedented."

Simmons President Dr. Kevin Cosby said the ultimate goal is for Simmons students who have completed courses or degrees to take advantage of degree opportunities at UK that Simmons doesn't provide. 

"What we must provide Black kids in poor neighborhoods are paths to success and if we can do that, we will be fulfilling the dream of Martin Luther King," he said. 

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