Murray State hit a second record freshman class this semester and an overall record of enrollment since 2016. With an influx of students comes a hyperfocus on recruitment and retention. 

Bob Jackson, University president, said everything you see on campus is here for a reason.

“We are constantly looking at growing and enhancing those particular programs,” he said. “It’s no accident that we have new facilities that are being built, that are fully funded and will be built like a veterinary sciences building and nursing school. Those aren’t accidents. Those are very thoughtful and intentional actions when we made those requests with the legislature.”

Enrollment management, along with recruitment and retention, constantly reviews amenities offered by the University to better fulfill student needs and wants. Murray State continues to be highly ranked among numerous publications, such as The Wall Street Journal’s list of “Best Colleges in the United States.” 

While the University celebrates record enrollments, the University also faces obstacles.. One of those obstacles is delayed financial aid. 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been delayed for students to be able to complete. Rather than opening on Oct. 1, the forms won’t open until Dec. 1. This is the second year that FAFSA packages will be delayed.

Jackson said this is something that greatly affects low-income students but also something Murray State isn’t able to control. 

“Several years ago, there was an action in Washington to simplify (the FAFSA) form,” he said. “Previously it was a long and cumbersome form, so it was going to be shortened and improved. Last year there was a real debacle in Washington related to FAFSA- it’s not a Murray State form, it’s not a state form, it’s a federal form. The process of FAFSA is handled in Washington, D.C. so we have to work very closely with federal financial aid offices as it relates to improving it. I’m very frustrated about it and embarrassed too. Our country has to do better.”

While the FAFSA delay may cause some stress for students, they can look forward to being reunited with their families at the University’s upcoming Family Weekend.

Jackson said he loves to see families come together. 

“I love seeing alumni coming back, families coming back… we are now in an era where third generation alumni are bringing their children back to the University,” he said. “I love seeing the families come, getting to visit with the families…and the campus is going to be vibrant because of it.”