MSU and KLC recognize two years of successful partnership

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University and Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) reached a two-year milepost in a partnership that helps city officials expand economic development opportunities in their communities. KLC and Murray State announced a collaboration on April 1, 2021 to support locally elected leaders and economic development professionals through education and resource development. The partnership helps cities develop local economies and grow jobs.

“Economic development is always a top issue for local leaders, and KLC is continually developing tools and resources to help city officials take the steps needed to bring jobs and opportunity to their community,” KLC Executive Director-CEO James D. Chaney responded. “We are excited to have partnered with Murray State over the past two years and look forward to ongoing teamwork with the university and our members.”

Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson believes the partnership has assisted in improving the commonwealth. 

“It is an honor to work with the Kentucky League of Cities and their member cities across the commonwealth as we advance economic development initiatives. KLC is a wonderful partner, and our relationship of the past two years is helping build a better Kentucky,” said Jackson.

“Murray State University and specifically our Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development (CEED) and its director Chris Wooldridge, through the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business, are very proud of the long-standing relationship with the Kentucky League of Cities. This two-year milestone’s partnership has been tremendous, and I look forward to many more years in partnering with KLC in helping to move this great commonwealth forward,” said Dr. Tim Todd, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Murray State.

“As a result of KLC’s partnership with Murray State University, our member cities are better equipped to fulfill their role as economic development partners,” said KLC’s Community and Economic Development Manager Tad Long. “Murray State is the consummate team player, bringing the university’s incredible research capacity and economic development expertise to bear as together we seek to move the commonwealth forward.”

“We very much appreciate the relationship with the Kentucky League of Cities as well as the synergies that have developed from both academic and outreach perspectives,” said Dr. David Eaton, dean of the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business.

Since the announcement of the partnership two years ago, more than 1,000 officials in 100 cities have come together to discuss trends, collaboration and economic growth in Kentucky. Outreach has been one of the cooperative’s greatest successes and includes such efforts as the preparation of a BlueOval SK Potential Economic Impact Study, participation in the Dawson Springs Long-term Economic Recovery Team and multiple city economic development plans.

The partnership also created an internship opportunity for students in the Murray State Master of Science in Economic Development program who get the unique and priceless opportunity to work directly with cities in the real-world application of their studies while providing deliverables for success.

“The partnership with the Kentucky League of Cities has been instrumental in building important and close relationships as well as delivering services and resources to help cities and communities grow across the commonwealth,” said Chris Wooldridge, director of the Murray State University Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development.

For more information about Murray State University's Master of Science in Economic Development program please visit murraystate.edu/econdevelopment.