Mr. Leon Owens and Dr. Robbie Fitch re-appointed to Murray State University Board of Regents, Cesar Villeda begins as Student Regent
By MSU Public Relations | Aug 5, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — Mr. Leon Owens and Dr. Robbie Fitch have been re-appointed for six-year terms to the Murray State University Board of Regents by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
Owens, of Paducah, Kentucky, is President of Swift & Staley, Incorporated. The firm is based in Paducah with 165 employees and has projects located in Ohio and Washington, D.C. The small business government prime-contractor is 100 percent employee-owned and has been recognized as an exceptional facility support services company. Before being named President of Swift & Staley, Owens held positions of increased responsibility ranging from Human Resource Manager, Operations and Maintenance Manager, Corporate Development Manager and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Swift & Staley, he worked 15 years as a Production Operator at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
Owens earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Murray State University.
His term on the Murray State Board expires in 2031.
"It is an honor to continue serving on the Murray State University Board of Regents,” said Owens. “As a proud Murray State graduate, I understand firsthand the life-changing opportunities this University provides. I look forward to continuing to work alongside my fellow Regents and University leadership to support our students, strengthen the institution and help ensure Murray State remains a leader in higher education for generations to come."
Fitch is a general dentist, born and raised in Murray. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Murray State University and his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville. He has been practicing in Murray since 2007 and is a member of both the American and Kentucky Dental Associations, as well as the Purchase Area Dental Society.
In addition to his dental practice, Fitch is the founder and principal luthier of the Hearthstone Guitar Co. Specializing in electric guitars, Fitch’s instruments have been played by artists on The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. His guitars have also graced the stage multiple times at the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, The Troubadour, and two acts in one night at the 2019 Country Music Association Awards.
His term on the Murray State Board expires in 2032.
"I am deeply honored to be re-appointed to the Board of Regents and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the University that has meant so much to my family and I,” said Fitch. “Murray State has a longstanding tradition of academic excellence, student success and community impact. I look forward to building on that legacy by helping advance the University's mission and supporting opportunities that will benefit our students and the region we proudly serve."
A new addition to the Murray State University Board of Regents is Student Regent Cesar Villeda of Murray, who currently serves as the Student Government Association President at Murray State University. He is a senior Presidential Fellow double majoring in Economics and Political Science while also pursuing a Finance minor and a certificate in Geographic Information Science.
Villeda has served in student government as College of Humanities and Fine Arts Senator, Senator-at-Large, and Elections, Ways, and Means Senate Director. He is also a proud member of the Honors College where he is a student worker in the Honors office, an active member of the Honors Student Council, and lives in HC Franklin Hall. As a brother of Lambda Chi Alpha, he has served on his chapter’s Executive Committee for three years including two years as treasurer.
"It is a tremendous privilege to serve as Student Regent and represent the voices of my fellow students on the Board of Regents,” said Villeda. “Murray State has provided me with incredible opportunities for leadership, learning and personal growth, and I am committed to ensuring today's students have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape our University's future. I look forward to working with the Board and University leadership to continue building on Murray State's momentum and creating an exceptional experience for every Racer."
"We are grateful to Governor Beshear for the re-appointments of Mr. Leon Owens and Dr. Robbie Fitch to the Murray State University Board of Regents," said Murray State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. "Both individuals provide exceptional leadership, thoughtful stewardship and a deep commitment to Murray State, and we look forward to their continued service in helping advance the University's mission and strategic priorities. We are also pleased to welcome Cesar to the Board and know he will provide an important student perspective as we continue to shape the future of our institution. I am grateful to each member of our Board of Regents for their dedicated service, leadership and unwavering commitment to Murray State University. Their collective guidance and passion for our students, faculty, staff and alumni are instrumental to the success and momentum of our University."