The Kentucky State University baseball team was honored by Tyson Foods representatives at halftime of the football team’s Homecoming football game Saturday, October 15, 2022. Head Coach Rob Henry and the baseball team was presented a $20,000 check in front of a capacity crowd and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear for their Division II bracket championship in the 2022 Tyson Foods Black College World Series.
The donation will impact the Thorobreds financial needs for the baseball program. The gift is such a profound and powerful statement about the value of higher education.
Most of all, Tyson Foods generosity and the value of its enduring presence were the catalyst for the gift and the urgency of making the funds available immediately.
It ensures Kentucky State can move forward, with confidence, as an institution committed to its student athletes.
Tyson Foods family has demonstrated a remarkable passion for Historically Black Colleges and Universities baseball programs. Grateful to have philanthropic leaders among our HBCU student-athletes, and we applaud their desire to make the experience even better for future generations.
From Head Coach Rob Henry: “This investment by Tyson Foods is a great honor for our young men, program and university. Tyson Foods’ support of the Black College World Series helps bring to life Michael Coker’s vision of an HBCU postseason championship, and their generosity sets a standard for other corporations to invest in HBCU student-athletes. Michael Coker has worked tirelessly to support HBCU baseball programs, and the Tyson Foods partnership with and Black College Nines highlights HBCU student-athletes, whose stories deserve to be recognized and told.”