Murray State Board of Regents Discusses Raising Employee Salaries, Raising Tuition, Extending President’s Contract
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – The Murray State University Board of Trustees discussed several topics, including a salary increase for all regular employees and an increase in tuition and compulsory fees for undergraduates. undergraduate and graduates.
The board met for its quarterly meeting on June 3 at the Pogue Library.
According to a statement from the university, its 2022-23 budget includes a 3% salary increase for all regular employees.
The university said it was its biggest across-the-board pay rise since 2013-14.
The budget also does not provide for an increase in health insurance costs for regular employees.
According to the university, a 1.95% increase in undergraduate and graduate tuition and compulsory fees was also included in the budget.
They said the average annual tuition increase over the past four years was 0.63% as the university continues to prioritize access, affordability and quality for students. and their families.
The board also unanimously approved the contract extension of Murray State Chairman Dr. Bob Jackson through June 30, 2026.
Other topics discussed at the board meeting include:
- The Murray State Board of Trustees voted unanimously to authorize university president Dr. Bob Jackson to sign a pre-development services agreement with Rise Development, LLC for further development new student accommodations and restaurants to improve student recruitment and retention.
- Progress continues with plans and the use of approximately $60 million in funds for deferred maintenance and campus improvement projects, including the upcoming completion of major renovations to Lovett Auditorium as well as current improvements to the Curris Center and Wrather Hall, among several other projects to happen in the coming months
- Discussions continue with progress toward the construction of a new Nursing and Health Professions building on campus. The project, estimated at $45.5 million, will be funded by the state as part of Kentucky’s 2022-24 biennial budget.
- A transformational gift from former student Karen Jones Squires and her husband, Jim Squires has been announced. The donation will benefit the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology with full scholarships in preference to female student recipients, who are pursuing a degree in engineering, engineering technology, industrial technology, or cybersecurity and network management.
- Newly elected officers include Dr. Don Tharpe as Chairman of the Board and Leon Owens as Vice Chairman of the Board. Tharpe replaces Eric Crigler, who served as President while Owens replaces the position Tharpe held as Vice President
- The university will host the prestigious Governor’s Scholars program next summer in the summer of 2025
- Resolutions of recognition and appreciation were given to outgoing board members Eric Crigler, Lisa Rudolph and Ian Puckett, as well as retiring faculty and staff, coach Kara Amundson and team women’s softball, coach Adam Kiesler and track team, and women’s golf coach Velvet Milkman
- Revisions and improvements have been made to the university’s bereavement policy for employees
“I am very grateful to our Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and students for a positive meeting on June 3,” the Jackson University president said. “All of these individuals, along with our alumni, friends, supporters, and legislators, continue to work hard to advance Murray State University in its important mission to serve our students, as well as this region and this state. It is a special place and our best days lie ahead.
Those interested in enrolling for the upcoming fall and 2022-23 academic year can learn more, schedule a campus visit or virtual tour, and apply for admission at admissions.murraystate.edu.
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