Murray State University’s Office of Student Enrichment, Academic Excellence and Leadership to host third annual College and Career Readiness Conference
By Dr. SG Carthell | Sep 24, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University’s Office of Student Enrichment, Academic Excellence and Leadership will host its third annual College and Career Readiness Conference on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The conference is designed to give students an engaging day of learning, exploration and connection focused on preparing them for success in college, their future careers and beyond. Through dynamic speakers and interactive sessions, participants will gain practical knowledge and insights to build confidence, strengthen essential skills and make informed decisions about their next steps.
Students will also have opportunities to connect with accomplished professionals, campus and community leaders and industry representatives as they explore career pathways, develop leadership skills and build meaningful relationships that support their academic, professional and personal growth.
The plenary keynote speaker at the conference will be retired Col. Henry L. “Charlie” Sanders, Jr. (‘90), U.S. Army, former chief of the Global Health Branch in the U.S. Army Office of the Surgeon General. Sanders currently serves as a Program Management Office Analyst with Tria Federal.
Session facilitators include Murray State alumni Jeremi Bumpus (‘10), Executive Director of the Paducah Area Transit System; Ife Akindele (’18, ’20), Senior Strategy Advancement Professional at Humana; and Frank Bennett, Executive Director of The Leadership Center at the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Preparing for what comes next is about more than having goals,” said Murray State Assistant Vice President for Student Services Dr. SG Carthell. “It is about building confidence, developing the right skills and creating opportunities to grow. Through this conference, we want students to see what is possible for their future, connect with people and resources that can support them and leave better prepared to succeed in college, in their careers and as leaders in their communities.”
The event is supported by the Murray State University Foundation, the Division of Student Affairs and the Dr. Marvin D. and Eunice J. Mills Endowment.
A very limited number of spaces are available for the conference. Additional information is available by emailing msu.seal@murraystate.edu or calling 270-809-6836.