The Board of Regents voted in a unanimous decision to approve Ron Patterson as the next president of Murray State.

The decision followed an hour-long closed session meeting among the board members. Following a brief recess, board Chair Leon Owens made the announcement of the candidate and called the board to a vote.

“The recommendation is that the Board of Regents, upon the recommendation of the chair of the Board of Regents, approve the appointment of Dr. Ron Patterson as the 15th president of Murray State University,” Owens said.

With his approval, the Board of Regents will begin to negotiate an employment contract with Patterson for his first 4-year term as president. 

Patterson currently serves as the president for Chaudron State College in Nebraska. He has also served as a chief enrollment officer and vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of North Alabama. According to his curriculum vitae, Patterson has over 25 years of experience in higher education, specializing in outreach, strategic enrollment management and fundraising.

During his Feb. 27 town hall, Patterson spoke on a number of issues including legislative “attacks” on faculty tenure, his stance DEI and his approach to fixing campus infrastructure. 

Patterson’s presidential approval follows the retirement of current president Bob Jackson, who announced his intentions to retire on Sept. 30, 2024. Following the announcement, the Board of Regents formed a presidential search committee and eventually settled on four candidates. Each candidate held a town hall, where attendees could fill out a questionnaire on their opinions of the candidate for consideration.

Robbie Fitch, vice chair, said the board had made the right decision and that Patterson was a good pick for the role. 

“The board is committed to continued engagement in investment in our communities, students, faculty and staff,” Fitch said shortly before the announcement of president. “Our mission is to continue this progress with leadership that exemplifies the University’s commitment to excellence and service.” 

According to a news report from Chadron State College, Patterson, who did not attend the Board of Regents meeting, has accepted the position of president.