President's Office

Murray State President, Dr. Bob Jackson, in front of Wells Hall

Dr. Robert L (Bob) Jackson
President

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Presidential Retirement

Biography

A proud Murray State alumnus, Dr. Robert L (Bob) Jackson was appointed as the 14^th President of Murray State University (MSU) on March 1, 2019, after serving as interim President since August 7, 2018.

Jackson has served Murray State University in several capacities during his career, including as President of the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. He was also the Senior Advisor to the University for state and federal governmental relations.

Under his leadership, some of the largest gifts in the University’s history have been received from generous alumni and friends. On October 29, 2022, Jackson announced a new, $100 million capital campaign during the Centennial Gala, Be Bold: Forever Blue and Goldto advance the University into its second century. Jackson also served as the Director of the major fundraising campaign, Hold Thy Banner High: The Campaign for the Students of Murray State University, which raised more than $71.7 million.

President Jackson serves as the Chair of the Council of University Presidents for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. Jackson also served the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a State Senator and held a position in Senate Leadership, among other positions in government. He has worked successfully on many state and federal governmental projects and has been recognized for his public service. In addition, he has worked in corporate finance and as a senior executive in investment banking.

During President Jackson’s tenure, a new School of Nursing and Health Professions building was funded and state appropriations were secured for a new Veterinary Sciences building and a Learning Commons/Residence Hall, among other state funded projects. In addition, nearly $100 million of deferred maintenance, campus enhancements and facility renovations have been completed to include Lovett Auditorium, Wrather Hall, Curris Center, the creation of Woods Park, among others. In 2024, Station 74 at Murray State University was acquired to provide apartment style housing for students.

Jackson led the University through the pandemic; the athletic transition to the Missouri Valley Conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference; celebrated the centennial of Oakhurst with his wife, Karen, in 2018, along with the centennial celebration for the University in 2022. He co-authored a book on the University’s 100-year history, The Finest Place We Know: A Centennial History of Murray State University, 1922-2022.

Jackson earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Murray State University. He has completed graduate courses in finance at Murray State University and doctoral courses at the University of Leicester (UK). He holds a Master of Arts degree in Higher

Education Administration from Antioch University and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Kentucky University. He also holds a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from the School of Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Jackson has served as President of the Murray State University Alumni Association Board of Governors. He was selected as a Kentucky Leader for the New Century (40 state leaders under 40) and as a national Toll Fellow by the Council of State Governments. He has been recognized by his Alma Mater with the distinguished Golden Horseshoe Award, the highest honor bestowed upon its alumni for service to the University. LaRue County High School (KY) recognized him as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2010.

Jackson is married to the former Karen Miller, a Murray State University alumna and Registered Nurse; they are the parents of two children, Nolan and Mariel.