MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University is hosting 350 students who represent 96 counties across the Commonwealth as part of the Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP). This is the 15th summer in which Murray State has hosted the prestigious program dating back to 1985. 

The Governor’s Scholars Program is a summer residential and intellectual program for outstanding high school students in Kentucky who are rising seniors as part of an effort to enhance Kentucky's next generation of civic and economic leaders. Established in 1983, the program provides academic and personal growth through the balance of a strong liberal arts program with full co-curricular and residential life experiences. Students must complete an application and compete with others from across the state. Those selected attend the program free of charge.

Students were welcomed by the University and moved in on Sunday, June 23. Various activities are planned in the weeks ahead, and GSP-Murray will conclude with a closing ceremony on Saturday, July 27. 

Dr. Aristofanes Cedeño, the current executive director of the GSP, said the partnership between Murray State and the GSP has been positive over the years. 

“GSP-Murray was my first campus as a faculty member in 1992,” says Cedeño, who will retire after 33 great summers with the GSP. “The partnership between Murray State University and the Governor’s Scholars Program is extraordinary. It exemplifies the philosophy behind the creation of the GSP, which focuses on education and the love of learning while shaping an outstanding community of scholars and future leaders.”

Dr. Melony Shemberger, professor of journalism and mass communications at Murray State University, is the campus director of GSP-Murray. She said the faculty and staff work together to facilitate a productive learning community for the Scholars.

“It is rewarding to see the students’ progression throughout the course of the five weeks, both intellectually and socially,” Shemberger says. “They become more self-aware of topics and concepts. Our wish is that they take back the lessons they gained from the GSP to their family and community. We hope that these lessons are just the seeds in developing and preparing these young people for their adult lives and the communities they will serve.”

Murray State is one of three host universities across the state and will also host GSP-Murray in 2025. For more information on the Governor’s Scholars Program at Murray State University, please visit murraystate.edu/gsp.