FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University (KSU) announced the appointment of Grant Stepp as the new Athletic Director. Stepp brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this role, poised to lead KSU Athletics into a new era of excellence.
Stepp has been associate athletics director for development at Eastern Kentucky University since 2020. He has been in the EKU athletics department since 2015 in the roles of assistant athletics director for development, assistant athletics director for external operations and athletics ticket manager.
At EKU Stepp worked closely with leadership and coaches to secure private support to help athletics programs reach higher levels of excellence through major gifts and oversaw the Colonel Club and premium seating.
Stepp came to EKU from Western Kentucky University, where he was ticket operations manager from 2011 to 2015 and coordinator of event/game day operations for the Hilltopper athletics from 2009-11. He was in charge of the day-to-day financial accounting, annual budget and internal audits of the Hilltopper ticketing operation and devised creative, cost-effective incentives and morale-boosting programs that increased customer satisfaction and participation.
“I am truly humbled and thankful for the opportunity to join the team at Kentucky State University and grateful for the trust placed in me by the Board of Regents, President Akakpo, and the search committee,” Stepp said. “To be a part of KSU’s history, along with its storied traditions and achievement, is a tremendous honor and a welcome opportunity for me and my family.”
Stepp’s passion for athletics and dedication to student success are evident in his career trajectory. Growing up as the son of educators and a basketball coach, he describes assuming the role of an athletics leader as a dream come true. With experience at Eastern Kentucky University and Western Kentucky University, Stepp is well-prepared to take the helm at KSU.
“I look forward to engaging with our proud alumni, supporters and the community to create excitement around our programs in support of our student-athletes. We will build and maintain a culture that alumni and community supporters can be proud of. I’m ready to get started,” Stepp affirmed.
Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, president of Kentucky State, expressed confidence in Stepp’s ability to lead Thorobred Athletics to new heights.
“Grant Stepp’s track record of leadership and dedication to student success make him an excellent fit for Kentucky State University. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our athletic programs and the entire KSU community.”
Grant Stepp, a native of Woodford County, Kentucky, assumes his new role at Kentucky State University this week.
Kentucky State University Athletics boasts 12 NCAA Division II programs and is a proud member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). For more information about KSU Athletics, please visit ksuthorobreds.com. For sponsorship opportunities at Kentucky State University, please contact [email protected].
Kentucky State in Frankfort is a public historically black university dedicated to providing access and opportunity to all students.
