Marquette Transportation Company establishes computer science scholarship at Murray State University
By Aviva Yasgur | Oct 15, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — Marquette Transportation Company has established the Marquette Transportation Company Computer Science Scholarship at Murray State University to support students from the Jackson Purchase region pursuing degrees in Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS).
The scholarship was created through a gift to the Murray State University Foundation and is designed to help students obtain an education that prepares them for professional careers while supporting workforce development throughout the region.
“We’re proud to support students in our region as they pursue careers in fields that are becoming increasingly important to our industry,” said Jeff Hudson, Chief Human Resources Officer for Marquette Transportation. “Technology continues to play an important role in our business, and this scholarship is an opportunity to help students build the skills they need for successful careers while learning more about the many opportunities available within the maritime industry.”
The scholarship will provide financial support to full-time Murray State students who are juniors, seniors or graduate students majoring in a degree within the Computer Science and Information Systems program. Recipients must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and reside in the Jackson Purchase counties.
Marquette Transportation Company, headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky, has been a leader in marine transportation since its founding in 1978. Today, the company operates more than 130 towboats and tugboats across more than 6,000 miles of navigable waterways, transporting essential commodities throughout America's inland waterways.
As a major employer in western Kentucky, Marquette recognizes the importance of developing a skilled workforce and creating opportunities for students to build the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers. The company’s investment in Murray State students reflects its commitment to workforce development, strengthening the regional economy and developing future talent for the maritime industry.
“We are deeply grateful to Marquette Transportation for their generous support of our students,” said Dean of the Murray State University Bauernfeind College of Business Dr. Heath Keller. “Their commitment to investing in the next generation of business leaders will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and strengthen the future of the Bauernfeind College of Business.”
The partnership also creates an opportunity to connect students from the Jackson Purchase region with a national employer and introduce them to career opportunities within the river transportation industry. Marquette’s shoreside career opportunities include areas such as analytics, information technology, logistics, human resources, risk management, vessel operations and engineering.
“We appreciate Marquette Transportation's continued support of the CSIS Department and our students,” said Dr. Matthew Tennyson, chair of the Murray State University Computer Science and Information Systems Department. “This scholarship will create meaningful opportunities for our students, and we are thankful for Marquette's generosity. Marquette has established themselves as a valued partner in helping prepare the next generation of computing professionals and creating opportunities for students in the western Kentucky region and beyond.”
The Marquette Transportation Company Computer Science Scholarship represents a shared investment in students, workforce development and the future of the Jackson Purchase region. By supporting students pursuing careers in technology and related fields, Marquette and Murray State are helping develop the talent needed to support a growing and increasingly technology-driven maritime industry.
For more information about how to support the Computer Science and Information Systems and its students, please contact Kyle Johnson, Director of Development for the Bauernfeind College of Business, at 270-809-3123 or visit murraystate.edu/giving.