Murray State University

Washington Monthly has placed Murray State University as the top public institution in Kentucky in its “Best Bang for the Buck” category. And among public institutions in the state offering masters degrees, Murray State ranked the highest and had the highest graduation rate.

During the August 28 Murray State University Board of Regents meeting, Vice President for Student Affairs Don Robertson reported despite the current health pandemic, enrollment for MSU is ranking higher than the previous year. The university recently reported this is the second consecutive year of increased enrollment for incoming freshmen. Robertson said during Friday’s meeting that retention of last year’s freshmen has also increased.

  Murray State University reported this week a 4.2% increase of entering freshman for the Fall 2020 semester. This marks the second straight year of freshman class growth. 

  Murray State University leaders emphasized Monday during a virtual town hall the need for faculty, staff, and students to follow COVID-19 guidelines and requirements outlined in a reopening plan so that the university can operate under a “new normal.”

Sorority recruitment at Murray State University is going partly online due to the coronavirus. Greek Life Coordinator Kimberly Newbern said the first three days of recruitment will be completely virtual, using Zoom. 

As Murray State University grapples with how to safely reopen for the fall semester in the midst of a global pandemic, the institution’s chief medical officer is warning against the politicization of the coronavirus. 

Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes said this week there’s no set timeline for action regarding recent calls to remove a Confederate monument on county courthouse grounds in downtown Murray, though he said county government is committed to addressing the issue.

Yet, a leading advocate for removal says he's concerned the fiscal court is delaying action on this monument.

  A Murray State University spokesperson says the university supports the removal of a Confederate monument on Calloway County courthouse grounds.