SGA held ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates grand opening of new office space

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) held an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 26 outside the newly-renovated Center for Student Involvement to commemorate the official opening of the new office space. The relocated office, which houses the offices for SGA and Student Organizations, is located on the second floor of the Curris Center next to the University Store.

The complete office renovation is part of Murray State’s 2020–26 Capital Plan approved by the Board of Regents. The institution has embarked on a series of projects to enhance its campus, one of which is for renovations and enhancements to the Curris Center. The project, estimated at $5.5 million, will further modernize the facility that is used daily for student life, prospective students and families, alumni and a variety of campus programs and activities. 

“We are excited with the new location and the high visibility to students and visitors,” said Jeanie Morgan, SGA and Registered Student Organizations advisor. “The Curris Center is the heart of campus as the SGA is the heart of the students. Again, SGA is pleased to be a part of the remodeling of the Curris Center.”

The SGA was first organized in 1936, and on May 11 of that year, the first Constitution for the organization was written and ratified. The purpose of the Student Organization is to promote character and initiative through the responsibilities of effective organization. Additionally, a featured purpose of the organization is to expand and promote interest in student affairs, to provide the means for the clear expression of student opinion and its presentation to the administration when advisable, to unify and systematize campus activities, to increase and clearly define student responsibilities and to foster in every manner possible student character and initiative.

“The Student Government Association is so thankful to have a collaborative space that is open to student traffic to work and serve our students,” said SGA President, Ellie McGowan. “We look forward to welcoming any and all students into our new office space to come and discuss campus life, ask questions and get involved. We hope that next semester the space is full of students who love and have a passion for Murray State!”

The SGA has four different branches including the Student Senate, the Campus Activities Board, the Judicial Board and the Residential College Association. Through these components of the SGA, the student-run organization can make the University a great experience for all students during their time at Murray State.

The ribbon-cutting celebration and open house was hosted by Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson, SGA President Ellie McGowan and many members of the SGA to officially open the new office which will serve as a wonderful new work space going forward.

In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the SGA swore into office the newly-elected officer team for the 2023–24 school year at their last meeting of the year. The 2023–24 executive officer team of the SGA includes:

• Ellie McGowan (Fredonia, Kentucky), President

• Gabe Maynard (Mendon, Illinois), Executive Vice President

• Claudia Sweeney (Hopkinsville, Kentucky), Vice President of Administration

• Tiler Ware (Cadiz, Kentucky), Vice President of Finance

For more information on the SGA at Murray State University please visit murraystate.edu/sga.