An interim president was honored and a new president was chosen at the Board of Regents meeting Wednesday.

Robert Davies will begin his tenure as president July 14 and will receive a yearly salary of $300,000. Former President Randy Dunn made $257,088 annually.

This announcement came after Interim President Tim Miller was named the 12th president of the University. The board voted to remove interim from his title and Miller will finish his tenure at Murray State as president.

Miller said he was surprised by the decision.

“I was just telling these guys, I don’t like surprises,” he said. “But that was a really good surprise.”

Miller said he’s always viewed himself as an educator, not a president. Earning the title of Murray State’s president caps a career, he said.

He said it’s an honor to be an alumnus of Murray State and go on to serve as president.

“It made me cry,” Miller said. “And I don’t cry. They couldn’t have done anything that would have been more pleasing.”

After recognizing Miller, the board moved on to vote for Murray State’s 13th president. Board Chairman Constantine Curris said Davies has a strong track record.

“He works very hard, and he relates very well to all groups – faculty, staff, students, legislators and community representatives,” Curris said. “He will be great fit for Murray State.”

Curris said the board’s vote for Davies resulted from positive reports from the constituencies across campus.

In a campus forum earlier this week, Davies talked about the importance of transparent communication, accessibility and strategic planning for the University.

Renee Fister, faculty regent, said Davies will be a collaborative partner with faculty, staff and students, that he will be able to work with Frankfort and that he will be an asset to Murray State.

Davies met with campus constituencies earlier this week in open and closed meetings. The board interview took place Tuesday.

Provost Jay Morgan said he was happy with the board’s decision to vote Davies as president.

“I was personally very surprised with Davies’ interview,” Morgan said. “He was very open and he was very willing to give new thoughts and ideas for the University. I liked his ideas on strategic planning and branding for the University.”

Morgan, who is also vice president of Academic Affairs, said all of the vice presidents had an hour-long interview with each candidate. He said he got the chance to interview Davies while he was on campus.

The board selected Davies over Northern State University President James Smith.

Story by Meghann Anderson, News Editor