By Angela Hatton
Murray, KY – Murray State University's Board of Regents voted Friday to approve a memorandum of understanding with McCracken County and the City of Paducah for a new extended Paducah campus. They voted 10 to 1 to approve the memorandum, which establishes a partnership to build a $10 million facility to replace the Crisp Center campus. Regent Marilyn Buchanon voted No. She says the board did not have enough input on the details of the agreement. Board chair Deno Curris says the agreement is an excellent chance to promote economic development by increasing access to higher education. The facility will be built on a tract of around 22 acres along I-24.
The board also voted to increase Murray State University tuition five percent for the fall, the maximum allowed by the state Council on Postsecondary Education. The increase rounds out to about $556 more per semester. In addition to tuition increases, the board voted to significantly increase fees, some which haven't changed since 1985. They also voted Yes to a four percent across-the-board salary increase for faculty and staff.