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MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� Members of the campus and broader community attended a special presidential portrait unveiling and reception on April 25 to recognize Dr. Bob Jackson, who will retire from Murray State University as President on June 30. 

The event, hosted by the Murray State University Town and Gown Partnership and the Office of the President, included numerous guests inside Wrather Hall, the University鈥檚 first building, to celebrate and thank Jackson for his 43 years of association with Murray State. 

Prior to the portrait unveiling, a welcome was given by First Lady Mrs. Karen Jackson. Remarks were delivered by distinguished guests including portrait artist Connie Erickson, master framer Fred Thomas, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, Murray State University Board of Regents Chair Leon Owens and former Murray State University Board of Regents Chair Dan Kemp.

The portrait features Jackson seated near a window view of campus in the parlor room of Oakhurst. He is holding a fountain pen resting on 鈥淭he Finest Place We Know,鈥� a book he co-authored. The pen was used by Murray State University founder and former president Dr. Rainey T. Wells, dating back to the early 20th century and was given to Jackson by the Wells family at the beginning of his presidency. The portrait will be displayed inside Pogue Library and later moved to Jackson Hall. 

Jackson has served as the 14th president of Murray State since August 7, 2018, and has held other administrative roles including president of the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. Both President Jackson and his wife, Karen, are alumni of the University.

Under Jackson's leadership, Murray State has experienced significant growth and success in its mission to advance higher education in the region, state and nation. The University developed a renewed focus on recruitment and retention of students, advanced new academic programs, enjoyed athletic successes and changes, and enhanced the look and design of campus with a new School of Nursing and Health Professions building, Jackson Hall, that is under construction, a Veterinary Sciences building, a Learning Commons and new Residential Hall that is funded and in design, along with the acquisition of Station 74 at Murray State University.  

In addition, Jackson has focused on campus improvements, deferred maintenance and preservation of historic buildings such as major renovations to Lovett Auditorium, Wrather Hall, Curris Center, the bronze statues of Racer One and Dr. John W. Carr on campus and the development of Woods Park, among others.

Jackson served as President during Murray State University鈥檚 centennial year in 2022 and led the historic Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign, which has raised more than $100 million to propel Murray State into its second century. 

Jackson has focused much of his professional career in higher education and as a State Senator in ensuring adequate funding and access and affordability in higher education. In addition, a School of Veterinary 快活视频 continues to be planned, along with a Medical School campus in partnership with the University of Louisville. The University is the #1 Best Value School in the South as noted by U.S. News and World Report.

鈥淪haring today鈥檚 event with our students, faculty, staff, current and past members of our Murray State Board of Regents, Board of Trustees and Murray State Alumni Association Board of Governors, friends, alumni, supporters, as well as having my family alongside me, will be moments that I will treasure for the rest of my life,鈥� Jackson said. 鈥淎ll of these individuals have an unwavering support of Murray State University and a deep love for our institution. I am honored and sincerely grateful for having the opportunity to serve as President.鈥�