Kevin Appleton, born May 21, 1960, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a man whose life reflected excellence, leadership, and devotion to family. He was the second of four sons born to Bernice and Eugene Appleton, and grew up alongside his brothers Keith, Kenny, and Kirk. Kevin's early years revealed a rare combination of intellect, athletic talent, and strong character.

During his years at Cincinnati Country Day School, he earned All City honors as a running back and excelled as a middle linebacker. In the classroom, he was drawn to mathematics, a passion that would shape his future. Kevin went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Accounting from Wilberforce University and began his career as a Certified Public Accountant. Kevin built a remarkable career in higher education, serving with distinction in senior leadership roles across the country. He began as Controller at Wilberforce and went on to serve as Vice President at Jackson State University, Saint Joseph's University, Norfolk State University, Morehouse College, Alcorn State University, the Southern University System, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Kentucky State University, and most recently the College of Lake County in Illinois. He cared deeply about the mission of higher education and poured his energy into strengthening colleges and universities. He was widely respected for his skill in budgeting, internal auditing, project management, and for his ability to maximize resources, particularly at HBCUs where he made a lasting impact. Kevin led with integrity, mentored countless colleagues, and was admired as both a role model and a friend. He treated everyone with respect, whether walking the streets with neighbors or sitting at the table with presidents, mayors, and governors. A pivotal moment in Kevin's life came in 1994 during a trip to Senegal with the Black Faculty and Staff Association of East Tennessee State University, led by Dr Myra Gordon, who introduced him to Sokhatile Seye, the woman who would become his wife and life-long partner. He embraced Islam and married her in Senegal in 1995, beginning a marriage defined by devotion, partnership and joy. Together, they raised two sons, Khalil and Malik, who became the pride of Kevin's life. He delighted in their growth and accomplishments, watching them become an engineer and a PharmD/MBA, respectively. Kevin and Sokhatile built a warm and loving home, traveled the world, and weathered life's challenges with unbreakable strength. Kevin was proud of his Black heritage and worked to embody not only personal excellence but Black excellence, uplifting institutions and individuals around him. His success was never just for himself.  He and Sokhatile used their prosperity to support family and friends in America, Senegal, and beyond. His generosity and commitment to others were a hallmark of his life. Kevin was preparing for retirement and looking forward to a new chapter of life with Sokhatile when he became seriously ill. He bore his illness with remarkable strength and patience, and on August 29, he returned to his Creator, surrounded by his devoted wife, sons, and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Keith.

He is survived by his wife Sokhatile; sons, Khalil and Malik; brothers, Kenny and Kirk; sister-in-law, Georgetta; his extended family in Senegal, along with cousins, nephews, and a wide community of friends and colleagues. Kevin Appleton will be remembered as a man of faith, intellect, generosity, and unwavering integrity. His impact on his family, his community, and the institutions he served will be felt for generations. May God grant him mercy and the highest reward, and may his life be remembered as a testament to love, excellence, and purpose.