[1] It was the second all-female institution of higher learning in the state, after the Kentucky Female Orphan School (now Midway University).

The South Kentucky Institute received its charter from the state legislature in February 1849, under the leadership of nine trustees.

[2] In 1858, South Kentucky College built its first campus, designed by architect Nathan Kelley.

[5] The school began admitting men in 1880 and was officially renamed South Kentucky College by the state.

[3] A postcard of the college exists in the Special Collections, at Western Kentucky University.