Kim Oatman, chief Facilities Management officer, is resigning after accepting a similar position at the University of Louisville.

Oatman said his official start date is Oct. 27.

His resignation comes in the midst of three large construction projects at the University. The new Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville, Ky., the construction of New Franklin Residential College and the new Engineering and Physics building are planned for the upcoming year.

Oatman said his departure would not affect future projects.

President Bob Davies and Jackie Dudley, Vice President for Finance and Administration are in charge of finding Oatman’s replacement.

Oatman said he is making the move to be closer to family.

“I will absolutely miss Murray State,” Oatman said. “There are a lot of great people here and it will be hard to move, but it’s a good opportunity for me.”

Oatman has served as Murray State’s chief facilities officer since 1998. Before that, he was president of Trinity Engineering, Inc.

During Oatman’s tenure, he has overseen the construction on the Paducah regional campus, the installation of a campus-wide energy saving system called AdaptiVolt in 2011, the razing of 82-year-old Ordway Hall in 2013 and numerous building renovations.

Story by Rebecca Walter, News Editor