The Dr. Steve Cobb Distinguished Endowed Professorship in Engineering Physics established in Murray State University’s School of Engineering

MURRAY, Ky. – The Dr. Steve Cobb Distinguished Endowed Professorship is the first establishment of an endowed professorship to support the engineering physics program in the School of Engineering at Murray State University.

The generous gifts come from Racer alumni, including lead gifts from distinguished alumni, Rex Geveden, ‘83, ‘84, and Cindy Griner, ‘82, to honor Cobb’s long-standing dedication to service and teaching excellence in the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology.

The major gift will be matched through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s Endowment Match Program, also known as Bucks for Brains. Thanks to an appropriation from the Commonwealth of Kentucky and pending state and Murray State Board of Regents approval, the program matches public money with private gifts to fund endowed faculty positions in the STEM-H fields. This collaboration is critical to advancing Kentucky’s research presence into national prominence. This program encourages donor investment by doubling their gift commitment.

Cobb joined Murray State University as a faculty member in 1988 and was selected as chairman of what would later become the School of Engineering within the Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology in 1994. In 2008, he was named as dean of the college, where he faithfully served in this role for 10 years before returning to the classroom and formally retiring in 2021.

“I am honored and humbled by the creation of this named professorship,” Cobb said. “It’s a recognition that is particularly meaningful, coming from friends, colleagues, former students and the Murray State administration. I’m pleased that the professorship will establish a lasting legacy of support to deserving faculty members who value their roles as teachers, mentors, scientists and engineers. As my affiliation with Murray State University approaches 50 years, I hope this professorship will, in some measure, inspire lasting excellence in meeting Murray State’s academic mission. Thank you for honoring my contributions with the establishment of the Cobb Professorship.”

"Dr. Cobb has been a driving force in the expansion of engineering physics degree offerings in the Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology,” said Dr. Claire Fuller, dean of the college. “Under his watch, the program grew from one engineering major to four, and a new Engineering Physics Building was completed where almost 200 engineering students receive a top-notch education. These students contribute significantly to the prosperity and growth of our region and beyond."

With the University’s Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign underway, Dr. Tina Bernot, executive director of development adds, “A pillar of our campaign is to have a transformational impact on teaching and learning. This gift will help us meet our goal of enhancing our high-quality academic programs as we work toward securing gifts to establish an endowed faculty position in every department on campus. We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Geveden, Mrs. Griner and many others for these generous gifts in honor of Dr. Steve Cobb.”

To make a gift to the University and help support this new fund and the Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold Centennial Campaign please call the Murray State Office of Development at 270-809-3001 or visit murraystate.edu/giving.