Dr. Karl Hussung, former Murray State University chemistry professor, will long be remembered for the standards of excellence he set in his classroom. The Dr. Karl F. Hussung Outstanding Professor in Chemistry Award was established as a special tribute to Hussung by his former student Jesse D. Jones of Baton Rouge, La. Jones, a 1964 MSU alumnus and native of Marshall County, says Hussung’s classroom guidance helped him and other students acquire the resourcefulness needed to lead successful lives.

Recipients of the annual award will be selected from the MSU chemistry department faculty who exhibit exceptional service to the university and excellence in teaching. This award will fund research materials, conferences, travel and other projects for the recipient. The award presentation will take place each year at the MSU Faculty Recognition Banquet.

Hussung, a 1953 alumnus of MSU, graduated Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and math. As a student at MSU, he was a member of the Student Council, Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities, MSU men’s basketball team and the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society. Hussung earned his doctorate in organic chemistry in 1957 from the University of Louisville . He later returned to MSU where he served as a professor in the department of chemistry until his retirement in 1996.

Among the many honors Hussung received during his career at MSU include Merit Recognition, MSU shield, 1970; Distinguished Professor Award, MSU Alumni Association, 1971; Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Science, 1985; and the MSU Athletic Hall of Distinction, 2000.

"I am deeply honored and most sincerely gratified for the Outstanding Professor in Chemistry Award that was established in my name by my former student Jesse D. Jones.  After 39 years of teaching chemistry at Murray State , it is extremely rewarding to know that you made a difference in the lives of some of your students.  Without a doubt, the faculty members in the department of chemistry will be challenged to excellence in teaching, service to the university and research for years to come which is also most rewarding.  I am particularly pleased that Jesse has chosen this way to honor me,” says Hussung.

After a successful career in the chemical industry with Albemarle Corporation, Jones continues to be a generous donor to MSU, establishing two scholarship funds in the College of Science , Engineering and Technology, and providing a major gift to enable the completion of the Jesse L. Jones Family Clock Tower & Plaza, named in honor of his late father. The Jones Clock Tower is located in the Science Complex on MSU’s campus.