MSU surpasses $100 million goal in historic Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University proudly announces that it has surpassed its ambitious $100 million goal in the Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign, marking a transformative moment in the University's history. The campaign, designed to propel Murray State into its second century, has focused on two critical areas:  student access and support and academic excellence, coupled with strategic campus modernization, including support for Racer Athletics.

Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson highlighted the campaign’s lasting significance. 

"Our vision to make Murray State University an accessible and modern campus for the twenty-first century, welcoming to all students, is now possible thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors,” said Jackson. “We will be forever grateful for their thoughtful and generous support."

Launched in 2018 during the tenure of Jackson as the 14th President of Murray State University, the campaign began with a silent phase, laying the groundwork for its success. A comprehensive Campaign Readiness Study conducted in 2021-22 affirmed the University's ability to achieve this milestone, and subsequent years of extraordinary donor support have made it a reality.

David Dill, a 1990 graduate of Murray State University and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lifepoint Health in Nashville, Tennessee, served as the National Campaign Chair. Reflecting on the campaign’s success, he shared, "Murray State University is the finest place we know. This campaign was our chance to come together and give back for the future. It was an honor to be a part of this historic effort, and we are all so grateful to the many donors who joined us in reaching this remarkable $100 million milestone."

The Murray State University Foundation, Inc. will steward the majority of campaign gifts on behalf of the University, ensuring they create lasting benefits for students, faculty and programs. Donors have established hundreds of new named endowed scholarships across various academic areas, many of which will directly support first-generation students and those with financial need. Gifts dedicated to academic excellence will enhance faculty support, provide state-of-the-art laboratory and teaching equipment, and fund guest lectures. A significant gift has also made it possible to acquire a professional-quality performance piano for the Department of Music. Additionally, thousands of contributions have been made in support of Racer Athletics, helping to strengthen facilities and programs that elevate the student-athlete experience.

With a record-breaking year in donor contributions during 2023-24 and sustained momentum in the 2024-25 fiscal year, the University witnessed an outpouring of generosity from alumni, friends and supporters. This year alone, over $7.2 million in cash gifts have been received from 2,911 unique donors, alongside more than $12.6 million in new commitments. A key driver in reaching the campaign goal was the University's Give Bold Day of Giving, which inspired donors to push the total beyond the $100 million mark.

To date, the campaign has secured over $50 million in pledges and commitments, with more than $51 million in gifts already collected. Since its inception, nearly 25,000 donors have contributed more than 110,000 gifts, underscoring the broad and passionate support for Murray State’s vision.

Executive Director of Advancement Dr. Tina Bernot expressed heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary donor response. 

“We invited our alumni and friends to lead this transformational campaign with us, and they rose to the occasion—partnering with our dedicated staff, who poured their hearts into this effort to support the University they love,” said Bernot. “Thanks to their generosity, every dollar raised will create a lasting impact on Murray State University for generations to come.”

Though the goal has been met, the Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign will continue to accept gifts through June 30, 2025, ensuring that even more students, programs and campus initiatives benefit from this extraordinary effort.

For more information on the campaign and how to contribute, visit murraystate.edu/giving or call the Murray State University Office of Development at 270-809-3001.