Changes are underway at Murray State University and President Bob Jackson shared how those changes will better serve students and the region at Tuesday’s Hopkinsville Rotary Club meeting.
Jackson was appointed as the 14th president of Murray State in 2019. Before spotlighting changes coming to the school, he shared some milestones and achievements.
Jackson says Murray State continues to be recognized as a “Best Bang for the Buck” university in the south by “Washington Monthly.” For the first time, Murray State was named the best value college or university in the south by “US News & World Report.”
In recent years, Jackson says they have seen a rise in incoming freshmen who already have college credits from classes they took in high school. On average, Jackson says students planning to pursue higher education graduate with around 19 college credits.
To support high schoolers who want to get a head start on their college education, Jackson says they will soon establish the Racer Academy at the Murray State Regional Campus in Hopkinsville. The academy will offer enhanced dual-credit courses and will be next door to the consolidated Christian County High School.
To address high-demand fields, new facilities and renovations are set for Murray State. In December 2023, a groundbreaking ceremony was hosted for the new School of Nursing and Health Professions Building. The building is set to include larger classrooms, a medical simulation center, a wellness room, resources for students studying exercise science and study spaces.
Further concerning healthcare pathways at Murray State, Jackson says they have a partnership with the University of Louisville for students pursuing medical school. He says the two universities are working to set up an agreement where students can start their medical school education at Murray State, continue their education at the University of Louisville and do a hospital residency program.
A School of Veterinarian Medicine is also coming to the campus and is currently in the design phase. For the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly, Jackson says District Five Representative Mary Beth Imes has filed Bill Request 232 which if approved will allow Murray State to offer a doctorate program in veterinary medicine.
The vet school will be located on Murray State’s West Farm and will be the first in the state. Murray State’s Cyber Education and Research Center will also be renovated after the General Assembly allocated the university $10 million in funding.
Turning toward the residential side of campus, Jackson says they are also in the design phase for a new residential hall and learning commons. Murray State also recently purchased an apartment complex near campus that will offer students more on-campus living options.