Murray State University to dedicate the new Robert L and Karen Miller Jackson College of Nursing and Health Sciences Building, “Jackson Hall,” on Oct. 1

By Dr. Tina Bernot | Sep 11, 2026

MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University will hold a dedication and ribbon cutting of its new nursing building, named the Robert L and Karen Miller Jackson College of Nursing and Health Sciences Building, “Jackson Hall,” on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m.

In December 2024, shortly after construction on the building began, the Murray State University Board of Regents announced that it would be named in tribute to the legacy that both Dr. and Mrs. Jackson left to Murray State’s nursing program and the University as a whole.

The public is invited to join President Ron K. Patterson, University leadership and other distinguished guests for the dedication ceremony, which will be held on the grounds of Jackson Hall on 16th Street in Murray. A reception will follow with an opportunity to view the interior of the new building.

Construction continued over the next two years, culminating in a beam-topping ceremony on Oct. 30, 2025, when the final steel beam was placed and the project moved one step closer to its anticipated opening to students in fall 2026.

The new building will offer Murray State University’s nursing students state-of-the-art technology, expanded space for labs, larger classrooms, simulation areas, spaces for student and faculty collaboration and study, and the campus health clinic. Students will benefit from new classrooms designed for interactive learning; an exercise physiology lab where they can practice clinical procedures such as stress tests and spirometry; simulation rooms where they can work through realistic health care scenarios using manikins and true-to-life equipment; a virtual reality lab; and other hands-on immersive learning environments.   

Dr. Dina Byers, dean of Murray State’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences said, “Jackson Hall represents more than a new building; it represents our commitment to student learning and to preparing the next generation of health care providers. Every classroom, laboratory and learning space was designed with our students in mind—giving them opportunities to learn, practice, collaborate and grow into confident professionals who will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in this project—from our University leadership and donors to our architects, contractors, faculty, staff and countless others who contributed their time, expertise and support. We are proud of this building, but even more proud of the students and graduates who will give it purpose.” 

“Jackson Hall is a powerful reflection of what is possible when a university, its alumni, supporters and public partners come together around a shared vision for the future,” said Murray State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. “This remarkable facility honors the enduring legacy of Dr. Robert Jackson and Karen Jackson while creating new opportunities for our students to learn, innovate and prepare to serve the health care needs of our region and beyond. We are grateful for their leadership and commitment to Murray State, and we are proud to dedicate this extraordinary building in their honor.” 

With the naming of “Jackson Hall,” the Board of Regents recognized that during Dr. Jackson’s tenure as Murray State’s 14th President from 2018 through 2025, he led the University through a historic period of growth, change and innovation. With a unique vision for Murray State’s future, Jackson achieved record-breaking support from both public and private sources for transformative campus improvements, the strengthening of academic and athletic programs, and tremendous increases in resources for student assistance. He spearheaded state-funded projects, including a new Veterinary Sciences building, Learning Commons/Residence Hall, a new College of Nursing and Health Sciences building and added bronze statues to campus to recognize and honor Racer One and Murray State’s first President, Dr. John W. Carr. He initiated and carried out the preservation and improvement of historic campus facilities such as Lovett Auditorium, Wrather Hall and the Curris Center. He guided the University through the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioned its athletic programs to the Missouri Valley Conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference and oversaw the $100 million centennial capital campaign, Be Bold: Forever Blue and Gold.

Mrs. Jackson is a second-generation graduate of Murray State, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Her years of clinical focus were in pediatrics and intensive care nursing. During her time as Murray State’s First Lady and throughout the global pandemic, she devoted her time and nursing skills to the regional vaccination clinic held on campus. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, she was honored with the COVID-19 Hero Award in 2021 by the College of Education and Human Services. She has remained an active alumna of her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha, serving on their advisory board for 30 years.

The University will also honor other alumni and donors during the ceremony by dedicating several of Jackson Hall’s interior spaces in their honor. These include: the Dr. Elizabeth Garrison Johnson Simulation Studios, the Dr. Michael Muscarella Classroom for Assisted Care and Rehabilitation, the Oleta E. Burkeen Essential Skills Lab and the Dr. Jesse D. Jones Faculty Lounge.

The University continues to offer several prestigious naming opportunities for donors and corporate partners to invest in the future of healthcare education in the region. Gift commitments can be made over a period of up to five years and will support the purchase of new technology and teaching equipment. The University’s goal is to raise $5 million for this initiative. The private funds will be utilized for added equipment and additional enhancements to the building in order to provide students and healthcare partners with a state-of-the-art teaching, learning and experiential facility. Details about the design of the new building and naming opportunities can be found at murraystate.edu/nursingbuilding.

For more information on how individuals can support Murray State University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences and its students, contact Kevin Munsey, director of development for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, at 270-809-3406 or kmunsey1@murraystate.edu.