With thousands of state-run, private and technical colleges in the U.S., the world of academia and the way these establishments are run changes with the times.

Handling students while trying to maintain interconnectivity between faculty and students is a tough balance to keep.

Murray State President Bob Davies has found ways to adapt to the ever-changing cultures within the young adult world.

Davies holds a track record of interpersonal skills, along with a PhD in higher education administration, and has worked to bridge the gap between students and faculty  through the use of new media, in particular: selfies.

While the “selfie” craze swept the nation in the last few years – even having found its way into the Merriam-Webster dictionary’s online database – Davies has taken this social media bull by the horns.

Taking selfies on campus and off, Davies has developed quite the social media following, under the screen name of @MurrayStatePrez.

Yes, that is “Prez” with a “z.”

One routine the president has taken up is targeting members of the student body for his selfie shenanigans.

Tanelle Smith, sophomore from Henderson, Ky., is a student that matches the president’s social media antics.

Ever since their meeting  over the summer at Murray State’s Henderson campus, the selfie tradition has been kept alive and well between the two social media stars.

“Every single time he sees me, we take a picture!” Smith said, “We really hold each other accountable.”

Referring to Smith as “BossLadyT,” her Twitter handle, Davies found the time in his day to pay attention to not only Smith, but many other students like her.

“President Davies always makes time for students,” Smith said, “I really think it’s incredible. He does this everywhere he goes.”

This type of routine interaction between Davies and the student body is what Smith believes sets him apart.

“It really sets a precedent for presidents of other colleges,” Smith said.

Regardless of methods, President Davies has captured the hearts and minds of students like Smith, which can hopefully be a positive first step in the next chapter of the Racer tradition.

Story by Connor Jaschen, Staff writer