The Murray State Board of Regents will launch a national search for a vice president of finance and administrative services to replace Jackie Dudley, who is retiring.

Ron Patterson, Murray State’s new president, asked Dudley to stand before the board at a special meeting on Friday. “I want to thank her for her resounding service to Murray State University, the community of Murray and western Kentucky,” Patterson said. “Thank you dearly for your commitment. Can we give her a round of applause?”

After the Board honored Dudley’s four decades of service, Patterson announced that a national search would be conducted for a new vice president of finance. He said the Board will decide on an executive search firm within two to three weeks to find candidates. 

Until then, Dudley will continue to serve as vice president of finance in a consulting manner during the transition period. 

“It has been a privilege to serve Murray State for many years, and I am grateful for so many opportunities afforded to me for personal and professional growth,” Dudley said in a University statement released Friday afternoon. “I have enjoyed a wonderful career and hope that I have contributed to the progress of the University.

In other business, the board approved a contract extension for Nico Yantko, athletic director, through 2030 and a four-year extension for baseball coach Dan Skirka. .