Murray State University Town & Gown enters new chapter as Community Innovation Council

By Dr. Tina Bernot | Sep 16, 2026

MURRAY, Ky. — For nearly 25 years, Murray State University Town & Gown has brought University and community leaders together to build relationships, exchange ideas and strengthen the region. Now, the longtime partnership is entering an exciting new chapter with a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation and shared success.

Murray State University is proud to announce the launch of the Murray State University Town & Gown Community Innovation Council, a new name, mission and vision designed to position the organization for the opportunities and challenges facing Murray, Calloway County and the surrounding region.

The Council’s mission is simple and forward-looking:

Strategic Partner. Building Bridges. Fostering Growth. Community First. Racers Always.

Under its renewed vision, the Council will connect Murray State expertise, talent and resources with employers and community partners to foster collaboration, innovation and shared success—creating opportunities for regional impact, access and future growth.

“Town & Gown has always been about relationships—bringing people together who care about this community and believe in what we can accomplish when we work together,” said Dr. Tina Bernot, vice president for advancement and external relations at Murray State University, who will lead the Council. “This next chapter builds on that strong foundation while challenging us to move from conversation to action. We want to create a place where ideas are welcomed, expertise is shared and partnerships lead to meaningful, lasting impact.”

Murray State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson said the renewed vision comes at an important time for Murray State and the region.

“As we begin our strategic planning process for the University, engaging with our community and listening to our partners will be essential,” Patterson said. “This Council provides an exciting opportunity to bring leaders together, turn ideas into action and help shape a strong future for Murray State and the region we serve.”

The Council will launch its new vision with Innovation Breakfast – Meet the Experts! on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Murray-Calloway County Public Library. Doors open at 7:30 a.m.

Designed to be fast-paced, interactive and fun, the breakfast will put community members directly in conversation with Murray State experts through a series of brief presentations and discussions focused on the trends and issues shaping the region’s future.

Topics will range from lifelong learning and local history to healthcare in 2035, artificial intelligence and business, GenAI and education, technology-driven agriculture, cybersecurity and the future impact of Murray State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The variety is intentional, offering participants a chance to discover new ideas, ask questions and make connections across disciplines and industries.

The event is designed to be more than a series of presentations. It is an opportunity to spark conversations, surface questions, identify possibilities and connect people with the expertise and resources to move an idea forward.

“Some of the most important opportunities for our region are found at the intersection of different perspectives,” Bernot said. “A university professor may see an emerging trend differently than a business owner, healthcare professional, educator or community leader. When we bring those perspectives together, we have an opportunity to see what is possible—and then determine what we can do about it.”

The Innovation Breakfast reflects the Council’s renewed commitment to serving as a strategic partner to the community and creating meaningful opportunities for Murray State and regional partners to learn from one another.

“Racers have always believed in the power of community,” Bernot said. “While the name is new, the heart and spirit of Town & Gown remain deeply rooted in the leaders who established, grew and nurtured this important partnership over the last two decades. We are building on that strong foundation with a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation and shared success.”

Current and former Town & Gown partners, as well as businesses and organizations interested in joining the Council, are invited to attend the Innovation Breakfast – Meet the Experts! Please RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 23 through the event registration link: bit.ly/4rfX5oc.