Murray State University’s Board of Regents has endorsed the expansion of a dual enrollment program for high school students in and around Murray. The Thoroughbred Academy currently operates at MSU’s Hopkinsville regional campus. The academy offers courses to high school seniors to obtain both high school and college credit. The board’s move allows MSU officials to expand the program to MSU’s Murray campus. The program boosts MSU’s enrollment and also allows high school graduates to enter college with a number of courses completed toward graduation.
The board also discussed a possible $19m, 10,000 sq. ft., expansion to Waterfield library which has received increased requests for instructional space. The board voted down a proposal for a planned $60m library in 2012 that would have been funded in part by student fees.
MSU Dean of Libraries Adam Murray says Waterfield library is used for more than 700 instructional sessions each year and library continues to grow. The board discussed the expansion proposal, without taking any formal action.
MSU adopted three new policies in connection to changes to the Clery Act related to campus security, restricted activities and sexual assault reporting. These changes coincide with ongoing changes to Title IX compliance.
Construction on the final phase of MSU’s west science campus will begin soon. The board voted to purchase adjacent properties and also approved the razing of those four buildings to make way for the new Engineering and Physics Building. The construction will also prompt the closure of Olive Street at the intersection of 16th.
Friday’s meeting followed a day-long board retreat with MSU’s new President Bob Davies and new Regents; Mayor Dan Kemp, Hopkinsville Mayor and Michael Dobbs, Student Government Association President.