Naming Opportunities
New School of Nursing and Health Professions Building
Campaign to Raise Support for Equipment and Technology
The Kentucky General Assembly appropriated $45.5 million in funding directed to Murray State University for the construction of a new School of Nursing and Health Professions building. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 8, 2023 on North 16th Street as the new building is planned to be constructed in the footprint of the former Murray Training School. The new facility is expected to open in 2026.
From December, 2023: “Today’s groundbreaking for Murray State University’s new School of Nursing and Health Professions building is a tremendous moment for our institution, the west Kentucky region, the Commonwealth and beyond,” said Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson. “We are very grateful to all of our legislators for their support as this initiative becomes a reality through the construction of this beautiful state-of-the-art facility. Through our excellent faculty and staff in the School of Nursing and Health Professions, we are continuing to prepare our students well as the next generation of healthcare professionals.”
“We will provide healthcare education that is interdisciplinary and collaborative by using state-of-the-art technology and creative instruction,” said Byers. “Graduates from these programs will have the knowledge and skills to provide care to complex patients in a variety of settings. Our graduates will be well-equipped to help meet the healthcare workforce needs of western Kentucky and beyond. The new space will allow the School of Nursing and Health Professions to expand and develop new healthcare programs."
We now offer several prestigious naming opportunities for donors and corporate partners to invest in the future of healthcare education in our region and state*. The building will offer Murray State students expanded opportunities such as laboratories, simulation areas, larger classrooms and more study and collaborative spaces.
Gift commitments can be made over a period of up to five (5) years and will support the purchase of new technology and teaching equipment - our goal is to raise $5 million for this initiative. These private funds will be used for added equipment and additional enhancements to the building as we provide our students and healthcare partners a state-of-the-art teaching, learning and experiential facility. We invite you to boldly share our commitment to advancing the School of Nursing and Health Professions at Murray State University - contact us today for more information!
With Gratitude,
Dr. Dina Byers
Dean, School of Nursing and Health Professions
Dr. Tina Bernot
Executive Director of Advancement
*Naming opportunities pending approval from the Murray State University Board of Regents
Naming Opportunities in the School of Nursing and Health Professions
Robert L and Karen Miller Jackson Nursing Building - "Jackson Hall"
Dr. Robert L. (Bob) Jackson, a proud alumnus of Murray State University, was appointed as the 14th President of Murray State on March 1, 2019, after serving as interim President since August 7, 2018. With over 43 years of association with his alma mater, he has held numerous roles, including President of the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. and Senior Advisor for state and federal governmental relations.
Floor Plans
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Color Key
Commons/Study | Exercise Health | Classrooms | Health Clinic | Faculty Offices | Simulation | Support & Loading
Level 1
Entry Lobby | Level 1
Gift Commitment for Lobby Naming Opportunity: $500,000
As the gateway to the new nursing building, the lobby in the new facility will be where many students take their first steps in their pursuit to follow their dreams of a healthcare career. This gift will support teaching and learning for the facility through the purchase of technology and equipment.
Student Lounge | Level 1
Gift Commitment for Student Lounge Naming Opportunity: $250,000
The Student Lounge represents a crucial investment in the future of our students. As the donor, you will play a vital role in enriching student life, fostering academic success, and creating a vibrant, inclusive community. This dedicated space for relaxation, study and collaboration will significantly enhance the day-to-day experience of our students while promoting their wellbeing - helping them to manage stress through balancing their educational goals with making connections to other students. The lounge will be designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all students can comfortably use the space. We invite you to partner with us in making this vision a reality, ensuring that our students have the best possible environment to thrive both academically and personally.
Health Services Clinic | Level 1
Gift Commitment for Health Clinic Naming Opportunity: $500,0000
The University is proud to offer an exceptional opportunity for a generous donor to make a lasting impact on student health and wellness by naming our new Health Clinic. This facility is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to our student body while offering invaluable hands-on experience for future healthcare professionals. Your generous gift will have an immediate impact, enhancing the quality and scope of services provided by the clinic. In the long term, your contribution will support ongoing improvements and innovations in student healthcare.
Classrooms (3) | Levels 1 and 2
Gift Commitment for Classroom Naming Opportunity: $100,000 - $150,000
You can have a significant impact on the educational environment by naming a new classroom. This learning space will enhance academic excellence and collaboration as it will be equipped with the latest technology and resources offered through innovative design and functionality. There are many spaces like this available in the new facility and we would be happy to work with you to find the one that inspires your support. Making this gift will provide you with an opportunity to honor a healthcare educator or professional who is committed to the future of the field through supporting students for generations to come.
Level 2
Exercise Physiology Lab | Level 2
Gift Commitment forExercise Physiology Lab Naming Opportunity: $250,000
The future of healthcare begins with excellence in health professions education and training. To prepare students for these evolving professions, the Clinical Exercise Physiology lab will be equipped with up-to-date equipment and technologies, such as medical grade stress testing treadmills, cycle ergometers, 12-lead ECG unit, mini vascular dopplers, spirometers, Cholestech analyzer, hand-held blood glucose and lactate analyzers, and much more. Students will learn a range of assessment protocols, skills, and techniques applicable to a variety of settings, including clinical, rehabilitative, and health/fitness. Skill development will focus on measuring, evaluating, and interpreting various physiological responses of the body related to resting vitals, health screenings, body composition, electrocardiograms (ECGs), cardiovascular function (stress testing), pulmonary function, vascular function, muscular fitness, flexibility, balance, and other functional abilities across the lifespan. Exercise Science students who take these clinically based labs aspire to become exercise physiologists, clinical exercise physiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants, athletic trainers, and more. In addition, the Clinical Exercise Physiology lab is used for faculty-led research projects involving undergraduate students.
Student Commons | Level 2
Gift Commitment for Student Commons Naming Opportunity: $150,000
This flexible space will promote connection, community and collaboration among faculty, staff and students. A special donor who recognizes the importance of these elements in healthcare education could be honored through this naming opportunity. This gift will go to support equipment and technology for the overall facility while offering naming recognition in a space for all to appreciate.
Simulation Suite | Level 2
Gift Commitment for the Simulation Suite Naming Opportunity: $750,000*
Our future quality of healthcare will undoubtedly benefit from students having a
modern and comprehensive experiential learning space where they can apply and practice
what they have learned in the classroom. The simulation suite will offer several
spaces for students to work and collaborate. Just imagine the learning experience
our students will gain through advanced simulation technology and realistic care scenarios.
The lab will be equipped with high-fidelity manikins and simulation equipment that
mimic real-life patient conditions, allowing students to practice and refine their
skills in a controlled and safe environment.Simulation equipment and technology is
costly to purchase and maintain. A generous donor who supports this critical learning
experience will be prominently recognized in the space where hundreds of students
will train and prepare for their future careers.
(*Timeframe of this gift commitment is flexible beyond five (5) years as agreed upon
by the donor and the University.)
Faculty Lounge| Level 2
Gift Commitment for Faculty Lounge Naming Opportunity: $100,000
The University is pleased to offer a unique and meaningful opportunity for a generous donor to name our new Faculty Lounge. This space will serve as a dedicated area for faculty members to relax, recharge, and refocus. Together, they can collaborate and engage in professional development. Your support will contribute significantly to enhancing the faculty experience, fostering academic excellence, and building a vibrant intellectual community. Faculty touch the lives of hundreds of students every semester - giving them this collaborative and relaxing space will only enhance their support of our students and it is a wonderful opportunity to honor a donor.
Virtual Reality Lab | Level 2
Gift Commitment for Virtual Reality Nursing Simulation Lab Naming Opportunity: $150,000
The Virtual Reality Nursing Simulation Lab will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to revolutionize the way nursing students learn and practice their skills. The lab provides a safe, immersive environment where students can engage in realistic clinical scenarios, enhancing their critical thinking, decision-making, and procedural skills. The donor who makes this gift for the naming opportunity is not just supporting the facility financially, but is truly investing in the future of healthcare education.
Level 3
Oleta E. Burkeen Essential Skills Lab | Level 3
Made possible by Kelli and Scott Parsons
Mrs. Oleta E. Burkeen and her family have a very generous giving history with Murray State University. Beginning in 2004, Charles and Oleta Burkeen established the Phoebe Fund Endowment in Nursing to assist nursing students of great need with final licensing examination, pins, and other expenses directly associated with their final semester and/or graduation. Oleta’s daughter and son-in-law, Kelli and Scott Parsons, established the D. Scott and Kelli Burkeen Parsons Scholarship for International Study in 2010, as a way to assist students at Murray State University who desire to study abroad and thus enhance their international experience(s). Both of these endowed scholarships have helped countless students throughout the last 20 years. Learn more about Mrs. Burkeen and Kelli and Scott Parsons
Dean's Suite | Level 3
Gift Commitment for Dean’s Suite Naming Opportunity: $150,000
The University is delighted to offer a distinguished opportunity for a generous donor to name the Dean's Suite, the administrative and strategic hub of our School of Nursing and Health Professions academic leadership. This suite will serve as a central space where the Dean and their team can collaborate, innovate, and drive the academic mission of the university forward. From a conference room to executive offices to a reception area collaborative workspace, the Dean’s Suite will create a positive first impression while fostering open communication and a sense of community. Your gift will be designated toward equipment and technology needs for the new facility. Your support will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our academic leadership, ultimately benefiting the entire School of Nursing and Health Professions.
Dean's Conference Room | Level 3
Gift Commitment for Dean’s Conference Room Naming Opportunity: $100,000
This special naming opportunity for the Dean’s Conference Room would be a perfect fit for a healthcare business. Equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, the conference room will be ideal for hosting meetings, small group discussions, workshops, and interviews, facilitating effective communication and collaboration. Your gift will support technology and equipment for the new facility.
Contact Us
Kevin Munsey
Director of Development
Jones College of Science Engineering and Technology and The School of Nursing and
Health Professions