Story by Miranda Carpenter, Staff writer 

The Student Government Association passed a resolution on Wednesday, Feb. 12 supporting Interim President Bob Jackson for Murray State’s next president.

“Dr. Bob Jackson has proven himself as an effective leader who supports the students at Murray State University by providing the tools necessary for them to succeed,” according to the resolution. “The Student Senate at Murray State University encourages Dr. Jackson to continue his support of Student Affairs and Student Government Association if selected as permanent President of this institution.”

The final SGA vote was 32 votes in favor to 2 votes opposed with 6 abstentions.

“I am proud of the Student Senate for taking a stand on an issue that directly affects our University and the students enrolled,” SGA President J.T. Payne said. “I am honored to represent the student body on the Presidential Search Committee and will definitely consider students’ input when making decisions. I appreciate Dr. Jackson’s hard work as interim, and today the student body showed they do as well.”

The Presidential Search Committee hopes to name the next president by May.

A nine-member committee was appointed by the chair of the Board of Regents to help the search.

“The search will be national, confidential in deliberations, public at the time finalists are identified and will honor the University’s commitments to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity,” according to Murray State’s website.

The application process started on Feb. 1.

“The University is seeking an experienced higher education leader with the vision and leadership qualities to build on the institution’s reputation and take it to even higher levels of academic excellence and student success,” according to the Murray State job listing page.

The applicants should possess academic credentials, such as a doctoral degree or an equivalent terminal degree. The individuals must understand the central role of faculty, staff and students and demonstrate this by having senior-level leadership experience in higher education.

“I am advocating for a president looking for a long-standing career with Murray State University who honors the traditions of the past while embracing the changing landscape of higher education,” Heather Roy, Madisonville/Henderson campus director, said. “For not only traditional students, but also for adult and distance learners, including regional campus and online. In addition, my ideal president is politically connected, supportive of both faculty and staff, visible in the 18-county service region, and is committed to enrollment growth all while maintaining quality programming that is continually nationally recognized for academic excellence.”

Some students hope to have a president similar to former President Bob Davies.

“Davies was so much fun and cared so much about his students,” Krystan Proctor, junior from Murray, said. “I hope the new president does the same.”

Other students hope the new president will bring a more diverse background to campus.

“I would hope for the next president to just be open and accepting of everyone, no matter where they come from, their backgrounds or their ideals,” Edie Greenberg, sophomore from Louisville, Kentucky, said.

The Committee will meet again on March 4 to identify at least two candidates to recommend to the Board of Regents.

Interim President Bob Jackson will be among the finalists. The Board of Regents voted 7 to 4 at the Dec. 7 meeting to allow Jackson to be one of the finalists. Jackson submitted his application on Monday, Feb. 4.

“I did submit my application because this institution is very important to me and my family,” Jackson said. “I have enjoyed being interim president. This is my alma mater. I think I can do some good here and my work isn’t complete just yet, but that is ultimately up to the Board of Regents.”

The designated finalists will be asked to meet with the campus community for various forums, one being open to faculty, staff and students. A process will be structured to allow the Board of Regents to receive feedback on the clients from the forums to help in their decision.

“The elected president will have an opportunity to lead the University to higher levels of success, partnered with a dedicated group of faculty, staff and students and be active within the Murray State community,” according to Murray State’s website.

The newly-appointed president is expected to take office in summer 2019.