Murray State President Ron Patterson emphasized his dedication to the students of Murray State and widening access to higher education in his inaugural speech Tuesday in Lovett Auditorium.
Patterson, the 15th president of Murray State, announced the launch of the Student First Patterson Family Scholarship Endowment. The endowment will support students through their entire college career — from application to graduation.
“This new permanent endowment will remove barriers and allow students to follow their passion and complete their journey at Murray State University,” Patterson said. “It is our promise to race alongside you … from the moment they apply through graduation.”
Patterson said the precedent he wishes to define his presidency is the standard of intentionally putting students first. He said he comes to campus every day with the belief of “students first, Murray State always, Racers forever.”
“(Students) are the very reason that I am here, our faculty, our staff are here,” Patterson said. “Teaching, learning and undergraduate research must continue to be the tenets that drive our learning environment. Innovation, leadership, internships, experiential learning opportunities, study abroad opportunities, research and creative works are the framework in which we will provide a student experience that prepares them — instrumental yet monumental.”
Ali Khatib, SGA president, spoke during the ceremony, welcoming Patterson on behalf of the student body. He highlighted Patterson’s willingness to listen to students’ needs and concerns and take action on them.
“I still remember the first time I met Dr. Patterson,” Khatib said. “Like many students, I had a list of concerns, things I thought could be better. Things students were talking about, things that mattered to our day-to-day experience. When I told Dr. Patterson, he didn’t interpret, he didn’t brush them off, he reached for his notebook and started writing down.”
Another initiative Patterson laid down in his speech was the enhancement of Murray State’s regional campus to provide opportunities to more communities.
“We will enhance our regional campus by expanding access, strengthening our partnerships with local community and technical colleges in communities while ensuring those students are not denied opportunities because of geography or affordability, and align with local industry needs to prepare students for jobs of tomorrow today,” he said.
Gov. Andy Beshear attended the ceremony. In his speech, he remarked on the importance of access to education.
“As governor, I’m proud to build this education-first administration because education is how we break generational cycles of poverty and create lasting change throughout our Commonwealth,” Beshear said. “Our state universities play such an important role in making sure our people are ready to take advantage of the opportunities we have created together these last six years.”
The investiture included performances from student groups, including traditional South African music by Una Voce and “From Now On” from “The Greatest Showman” by Eq Blu.
