Board of Regents recognizes significant commitment of support for new nursing building from Kelli and Scott Parsons

MURRAY, Ky. – Construction on Murray State University’s new Jackson Hall of Nursing and Health Professions has begun, and on Dec. 13, 2024, the University’s Board of Regents announced that one of the building’s most integral learning spaces will be named the “Oleta E. Burkeen Nursing Essential Skills and Health Assessments Lab” in appreciation of the loyal support and generosity that Oleta and Charlie Burkeen and their daughter and son-in-law Kelli and Scott Parsons have shown to the University over many years and continuing into the future. 

Recently, the Parsons have made a significant new commitment of financial support to help furnish the soon-to-be Jackson Hall School of Nursing and Health Professions Building with modern, state-of-the art equipment and technology to provide Murray State nursing students with top class learning facilities. 

The Parsons and Burkeens have a long and generous giving history with Murray State University. In 2004, Mrs. Oleta Burkeen, who was a beloved faculty member in Murray State’s nursing program for more than 20 years, and her husband Charlie established the Phoebe Fund Endowment in Nursing to assist nursing students of great need with expenses required for the completion of their degree including their final licensing examination, pins and more. Carrying on her parents’ tradition, Kelli Parsons and her husband Scott established the D. Scott and Kelli Burkeen Parsons Scholarship for International Study in 2010 to help make the benefit of an international experience through study abroad attainable for more Murray State students. Both of these endowed scholarships have benefited countless students over the last 20 years. 

Oleta Burkeen, a 1971 Murray State graduate in nursing, earned her master’s degree in public health from the University of North Carolina and then served as Chief of Nursing for the Tennessee Valley Authority before returning to Murray State to teach community health nursing, where she remained until her retirement in 2001. During her 24 years at the University, she touched the lives of hundreds of students. 

Kelli Burkeen Parsons and Scott Parsons have both enjoyed tremendous professional careers. Kelli, a native of Murray, valedictorian of the Calloway County High School class of 1987, Magna Cum Laude graduate of Murray State’s journalism program and graduate of the Northwestern University Medill Graduate School of Journalism, has served as Chief Communication and Marketing Officer for Fortune 50 companies. She currently serves as Global CEO for Hill & Knowlton, a Burson Group company.

Scott Parsons, a native of Woodford County, Kentucky, is an investor who held management positions in the technology sector prior to his appointment as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Treasury in the administration of George W. Bush.

“Following a career in corporate America, Mom transitioned to teaching and never looked back.  She and Dad loved their Calloway County and Murray State communities. They believed in the University’s life-changing mission and took pride in nursing as a profession with profound impact,” said Kelli Parsons. “Mom was the definition of a servant leader who vested herself in growing her students’ capabilities, confidence and care for every client and patient. Through the Essential Skills Lab, Scott and I are blessed to honor Mom and sustain her commitment to improving the lives of those most in need and supporting nursing students for generations to come.”

“On behalf of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, I want to express our gratitude to Kelli and Scott Parsons for their generous gift in honor of Mrs. Burkeen,” said Dr. Dina Byers, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. “This gift will help us continue our commitment to providing students with excellent educational experiences and will ensure that Mrs. Burkeen’s legacy of helping students gain confidence in caring for clients and patients continues.”  

“Honoring a former faculty member through philanthropy is a meaningful way to create lasting impact,” said Murray State University Executive Director of Advancement Dr. Tina Bernot.  “With this bold and generous gift, Kelli and Scott will not only continue her mother's legacy in nursing but also help fund cutting-edge equipment for our new facility. We are deeply grateful for their support, which will educate the next generation of nurses while allowing us to celebrate the remarkable life and contributions of Oleta Burkeen.”  

Murray State anticipates an expected completion of Jackson Hall by the summer of 2026, with its doors opening for students in the fall 2026 semester. In 2023, the Kentucky General Assembly approved $45.5 million in funding for the construction of the building. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Dec. 8, 2023, at the location on North 16th Street where construction on the building is now taking place.

The new building will offer Murray State University’s nursing students state-of-the-art technology, expanded space for labs, larger classrooms, simulation areas, spaces for student and faculty collaboration and study and the campus health clinic. The University now offers several prestigious naming opportunities for donors and corporate partners to invest in the future of healthcare education in the region. Gift commitments can be made over a period of up to five years and will support the purchase of new technology and teaching equipment. The University’s goal is to raise $5 million for this initiative. The private funds will be utilized for added equipment and additional enhancements to the building in order to provide students and healthcare partners a state-of-the-art teaching, learning and experiential facility. Details about the design of the new building and naming opportunities can be found at murraystate.edu/nursingbuilding. Individuals can also view a live webcam that shows construction progress in real time.

For more information on how individuals can have an impact on this important project for Murray State University’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, contact Kevin Munsey, director of development for the School of Nursing and Health Professions, at 270-809-3406 or kmunsey1@murraystate.edu.