Alumni Membership
Your membership donation supports a wide range of activities that advance the mission
of Murray State University, including funding the Century Club Alumni Legacy Scholarship
and Distinguished Faculty Awards, providing support for Homecoming and other alumni
reunions, and providing recognition for our Distinguished Alumni.
Special Message from Dr. Jackson
During these past several weeks, we have made many difficult changes at Murray State
University but, rest assured, this will pass and we will be stronger and better for
it in the days ahead. We are living in unprecedented times and so many of our Racer
families, students, alumni, faculty and staff are experiencing a great deal of transition
as we face uncertain new realities. While it may be easy to get feel discouraged by
our challenges. I prefer to shine a light on the many positives I have witnessed in
recent days that remind me why Murray State University (MSU) is and always will be
the “finest place we know.”
With very little notice, our faculty quickly stepped up to the challenge of transitioning face-to-face courses to alternative or online formats, all while balancing the high-quality, high-value, high-impact instruction our students expect with the need to prioritize their health, safety and well-being. University leaders across the academic disciplines worked swiftly and diligently to determine the best way to move forward with a Spring Semester grading system that is student, faculty and advisor-led and will provide the best possible outcome for our students.
Our housing and dining staff efficiently assisted 2,300 students as they moved from campus housing to their remote learning environments in just a matter of days, with an overwhelmingly positive response from parents and families. Members of our staff from nearly every division of the University are now working from home and displaying tremendous creativity and flexibility in an effort to do what is best for our community. Their commitment to this institution has been unparalleled.
Our students, who we know are going through tremendous change, are taking on the challenge of facing uncertainty and hyper-focusing on their goals and dreams with the same level of spirit and pride that we would expect of a Racer. And, I continue to see and hear about acts of kindness throughout the Murray State family all over the country that give me continued pride as an alumnus of this institution.
Even though major campus events, such as the popular MSU Alumni Association Egg Hunt, All Campus Sing, the Distinguished Alumni Banquet and Commencement have been cancelled or postponed and opportunities to be together in the coming weeks will be few, Murray State remains vigilant in ensuring that the health and safety of our students and the top-notch educational experience they receive is still our number one priority.
Finally, Karen (’84) and I walked on this campus over 30 years ago due to the world-class faculty, caring staff and unparalleled educational opportunities. These qualities and attributes are still here today. This is what makes us special and is what sets us apart from other institutions. The bottom line, we care.
We have been here for nearly 100 years and we have seen many challenging circumstances.
We will persevere through this one, as well. We are strong. We are resilient. We are
Racers.
Sincerely,
Dr. Bob Jackson, ‘85
President
Alumni Resources
Check out these great resources while you are practicing social distancing!
Dunker Coloring Sheet
Postponed Distinguished Alumni Dinner
The Office of Alumni Relations has made the decision to cancel the annual MSUAA Egg Hunt scheduled for April 7 and postpone the Distinguished Alumni Dinner and Banquet slated for Friday, April 17, based on state and federal recommendations to avoid any gathering or public event that would include 10 or more people in attendance. While the university will remain open during this time, some buildings will be closed to the public and many individuals will be working remotely following the University's spring break. Please visit murraystate.edu/
healthupdate for the latest information on COVID-19 and Murray State's response to it. A new date and time for the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Dinner is TBD.
Murray State Night at the Memphis Grizzlies Game a success!
More than 1,000 Racers celebrated in Memphis on January 17 on Murray State night at the Memphis Grizzlies game! Fans had the opportunity to watch the Grizzlies during the pregame warm-ups in the lower bowl of the FedEx Forum and also gathered beforehand at the Jerry Lee Lewis Honky Tonk Café for food and drinks.
Our History
The Murray State Normal and Teachers College Alumni Association was organized June 1, 1926 during a meeting in Wells Hall immediately following the commencement of the first graduating class of 16 in the Little Chapel. Since that first graduation ceremony well over 75,000 students have earned degrees from this institution.
The Association was established to provide an opportunity for graduates, former students, faculty, staff, and members of the governing board of the institution to coordinate their efforts on behalf of Murray State. To that end, scholarships have been awarded by the Alumni Association since 1941.
The Murray State University Alumni Association is a dues-based membership organization that supports integral programming designed to advance the mission of the University and creating meaningful connections among alumni.
Mission
Our Mission: The Murray State University Alumni Association connects, celebrates, and engages alumni and friends of Murray State through communication, activities and events to foster lifelong relationships that support the mission and strategic plan of the university.
Our Vision: The Murray State University Alumni Association will be recognized internationally for excellence in alumni engagement through communication, activities and events and for collaborating with other university units to produce more effective student recruitment, donor solicitation and stewardship, and legislative advocacy.
Adopted by the MSUAA Board of Governors, April 2015
Board of Governors
Members of the first graduating class of Murray State Normal School and Teachers College in June 1926 gathered after commencement to form the Alumni Association. Since then the Alumni Association's growth has been guided by the appointed Executive Board President.
Organized to coordinate the efforts of alumni on behalf of Murray State University, the Alumni Association serves as a liaison between the University and its alumni constituency and enables graduates to maintain a close bond with their alma mater. The Association promotes the general interests of Murray State by affording alumni opportunities to work together to engage fellow alumni and advance the mission of their alma mater.
Executive Committee
Taylor Cline, '97
Iain Howard, '06
Tab Brockman, '81
Jonathan White, '71 '74
Board of Governors
- Brian Edwards, '06
- Scott Grant, '07 '09
- Sandra Wilson, '80
- Cameron Gish, '11
- Kip Roberts II, '00
- Allison Beck, '92
- Amber DuVentre, '06 '09
- Jeremy McKeel, '98 '02
- Bret Cude, '81
- Darren Jones, '94
- Ralph Barnwell, '73
- David Moss, '01 '10
- David Russell, '94 '96
- Daffney Moore, '97
- Gayle Rogers, '10 '15
Past Murray State Alumni Association Presidents
2018-2019
2017-2018
2016 – 2017
2015 – 2016
2014 – 2015
2013 – 2014
Jason Pittman ’03, Murray, KY
2012 – 2013
2011 – 2012
2010-2011
2009 – 2010
2008 – 2009
2007 – 2008
Phillip Van Hooser ’79, Princeton, KY
2006 – 2007
2005 – 2006
Alan Stout ’78, Prospect, KY
2004 – 2005
Darvin Towery ’82 ’91, Mayfield, KY
2003 – 2004
Christopher McNeill ’88 ’89, Paducah, KY
2002 – 2003
Martha Cunningham Lewis ’60 ’69, Benton, KY
2001 – 2002
2000 – 2001
1999 – 2000
1998 – 1999
Bob Freeman ’58, Hopkinsville, KY
1997 – 1998
1996 – 1997
1995 – 1996
1994 – 1995
1993 – 1994
1992 – 1993
1991 – 1992
Steve Story ’69, Murray, KY
1990 – 1991
Jeff Green ’76, Mayfield, KY
1989 – 1990
Bill O’Brien ’62, Paducah, KY
1988 – 1989
1987 – 1988
1986 – 1987
1985 – 1986
George E. Long II ’68, Benton, KY
1984 – 1985
Rex A. Thompson ’58, Lexington, KY
1983 – 1984
1982 – 1983
James E. “Buck” Hurley ’39, Benton, KY
1981 – 1982
William Ben Humphreys ’50, Murray, KY
1980 – 1981
1979 – 1980
Michael S. Peek ’70, Nashville, TN
1978 – 1979
1977 – 1978
1976 – 1977
1975 – 1976
1974 – 1975
1973 – 1974
1972 – 1973
1971 –1972
1970 – 1971
1969 – 1970
Barkley Jones ’49, Parkville, MD
1967 – 1968
1966 – 1967
1965 – 1966
1964 – 1965
Joe O. Brown ’41, Bardstown, KY
1963 – 1964
1962 – 1963
1961 – 1962
1960 – 1961
1959 – 1960
1958 – 1959
1957 – 1958
1956 – 1957
1955 – 1956
James Phillips ’36, Clinton, KY
1954 – 1955
1952 – 1954
Rayburn Watkins ’43 Delray Beach. FL
1950 – 1952
William Ray Mofield ’43, Benton, KY
1949 – 1950
1947 – 1949
1946 – 1947
1945 – 1946
Holland Rose ’32, Benton, KY
1944 – 1945
1942 – 1944
1939 – 1942
1938 – 1939
1937 – 1938
Preston Holland ’28, Murray, KY
1936 – 1937
Matt Sparkman ’28, Murray, KY
1935 – 1936
1933 – 1935
1932 – 1933
1931 – 1932
1930 – 1931
1929 – 1930
1928 – 1929
1927 – 1928
1926 – 1927
Emma J. Helm '26, Mayfield, KY
Top 10 Reasons to Join
10 – Continue the Tradition
Membership supports Homecoming, reunion activities on campus and around the world,
athletic watch parties and other traditions that make Murray State University unique.
9 – Racer Recruitment
Want to help support the next generation of Racers? The MSUAA assists the Office of
Recruitment with recruiting events and senior send-offs around the country.
8 – Pay it ForwardYour Alumni Association provides opportunities to support student scholarships and mentor young alumni.
Murray State University Alumnus Chris Thile returned to campus in the fall of 2016 to perform a benefit concert to fund music scholarships and meet with students in the Music department.
7 – Exclusive Access and Benefits
Your membership entitles you to early registration for alumni trips, pre-sale access
to concerts and special events, as well as discounts on athletic tickets and Murray
State gear. Check out a complete list of benefits here.
6 – Alumni Awards
Each year, the Alumni Association honors select alumni for their outstanding achievements
and contributions to their alma mater with Distinguished Alumni and Golden Horseshoe
awards.
5 – Faculty Recognition
Each year the Alumni Association recognizes distinguished faculty members. The Distinguished
Professor serves as the mace bearer for Commencement.
4 – Discounts and Rewards
As an extra perk of membership, you’ll save at local and national retailers, in addition
to receiving discounts, you'll receive exclusive alumni access to insurance benefits
through association partnerships with Nationwide and USI Affinity.
3 – Stay Informed
Whether you live in Murray, across the country, or around the globe, your Alumni Association
keeps you informed about outstanding students, alumni and faculty; upcoming events;
and campus news through a monthly e-newsletter.
2 – Student Support
The Century Club Alumni Legacy Scholarship, created and supported by the Alumni Association,
provides scholarships for the children and grandchildren of alumni.
1 – Racer Pride
Membership in the MSUAA is the No. 1 way to show your Racer pride! Once a Racer, always
a Racer.
Planning a campus visit?
Visitor and guest parking permits are free. Visitor parking permits can be requested
at murraystate.nupark.