Good afternoon and thank you all for taking time to be a part of today’s events. There is a
special relationship that each president has to his or her board, especially to the hiring
board that takes a leap of faith anytime a new president is appointed. I will always be
grateful to the members of Murray State University’s Board of Regents who have been
introduced, for their strong support and encouragement—now and in the future. I also want
to take a moment here to give special thanks to Lori Dial, Don Sparks and Dr. Terry Strieter
who were serving on the Board at the time of my hiring.
Ever mindful that the university operates within a broad political landscape, I extend my
thanks to the public officials—local, regional, and statewide—who are here with us today
and have been recognized. I thank them not only for their presence, but for their strong
support of the university, as well. We could not be where we are today as a nationally
prominent university without their loyal showing, often at very critical times when help is
needed in Frankfort or Washington.
It is an honor to have so many representatives from the Commonwealth’s higher education
community with us today. It is wonderful to see this delegation from our colleges and
universities, and I have been warmly welcomed into Kentucky’s higher education ranks. As
a president (and Senator Winters—also having done a stint in the chair you know this as
well), I am especially honored to have the University and College presidents present. Mike,
Barbara, Jim, Mary, Judy, Gary and Robert, I know how unbelievably busy your schedules
are and I am deeply grateful that have carved out time to be a part of our celebration
today. And Tom, I place you in this group too—it’s good to see that an Illinoisan can come
to the great commonwealth of Kentucky and with some help, figure things out.
And speaking of Illinois, I want to thank the executive committee of EC5 who came down to
join us today from southern Illinois. What I’ve learned from your outreach and policy
advocacy for PK-12 education is something I hope will help me as I become part of that
same work also going on here in the western Kentucky.
And, finally, I thank each of you who are part of the Murray State University family in
attendance here today—great students, dedicated staff, outstanding faculty, community
members and friends. Your presence here today is symbolic and significant of what we have
come together to celebrate.
This week we have been reminded that we belong to an even larger community. No
university could think about coming together for a celebration this week without taking a
moment to send our thoughts and prayers to everyone associated with Virginia Tech.
Because there is such a strong bond between universities, when tragedy strikes one, we all
share in that grief and loss. Please join with me in a moment of silence to remember the
students, faculty, family and friends of Virginia Tech who have suffered so deeply this week.
Thank you.
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