|
|
|
|
|
|
Murray
State University Dr. F. King Alexander, President of MSU, says, "Murray has always been a high-quality university. The recent high honors verify that Murray is truly a great university at a great price." Located in the far western region of Kentucky, Murray State is a public university of Kentucky and is home to 10,100 students. Along with a record fall 2003 enrollment, MSU also boasted its largest graduating class ever at the 2004 Spring Commencement. Between 1998 and 2003, the university's graduation rate rose from 38.5 percent to 56.3 percent, a rate that places it among the nation's leaders in graduation rate improvement and illustrates the significant strides that MSU has made in the retention of students. Since Alexander stepped on board and took the helm as MSU's 10th president in 2001, he has numerous accomplishments and successes to his credit. Growth in student enrollment and the number of graduates comes in succession to other visible changes in the university's physical appearance. In addition to a one-of-a-kind Alumni Center that opened its doors this past fall for MSU's more than 50,000 alumni to call home, other monumental structures are well underway on the western edge and northern area of the MSU Campus. A new Science Complex, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, the Regional Center for Emerging Technologies, and the recently completed Winslow Dining Hall renovation are illustrative of the physical campus changes. In addition to the visible changes, the community of Murray joined hands with their university to promote this progress and growth through the collaborative Town and Gown Partnership that was initiated by Alexander last year. This partnership was formed between Murray State University and local community businesses to enhance the quality of life and learning through cooperation. Through this mutual support, a stronger university and a stronger business community are being built. As a beacon to west Kentucky since 1923 and currently ranked as the number-one employer in the area, the university serves a major role in the economic life of the Murray-Calloway County community. Alexander says, "Continuing this economic growth across the community is the main focus of the Town and Gown Partnership." Tab Brockman, Executive Director of the Murray Calloway County Chamber of Commerce, says it is virtually impossible to separate Murray and Calloway County from Murray State University. "MSU's success has been well-documented for 80 years. Generally, what is good for the university is good for the community, and what is good for the community is good for the university." For the 14th consecutive year, U.S.News & World Report has selected Murray State University among the nation's best academic institutions. This latest top-tier rating pays tribute to Murray's commitment to academic excellence. Kaplan College Guide and the prestigious Princeton Review have also honored Murray with top rankings. U.S.News & World Report also places Murray State in the elite category of "Top Public Universities." In "Best Values," Murray ranked first among all of the nation's public, master's-level universities. The 2004 Kaplan College Guide agrees that Murray State University is a national leader when it comes to academic quality and affordability. Following a national survey of high school guidance counselors that weighed quality of education versus cost, Kaplan College Guide placed Murray among the best America has to offer. In the 2004 Kaplan College Guide's review of the 328 "Most Interesting Colleges," MSU's reputation for academic excellence passed the competitive test. Murray joined a select list of collegiate heavyweights that included Duke, Michigan, Rice, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Virginia and Wisconsin. Murray ranked 38th overall among both public and private universities following an unbiased professional survey by Market Measurement, a national market research firm. In 2002, Kiplinger added its respected name to the list of companies that have given Murray State University the highest marks. This year, Murray was honored by The Princeton Review, which included MSU in its first edition of The Best Southeastern Colleges. The new book recognized Murray for both academic quality and personal service. MSU's continually high national rankings have given the community as well as the university reason for pride. The Town and Gown Partnership builds upon these shared achievements. Alexander says the term "Town and Gown" derives from the age-old relationship between the people of a "town" where a university is located and university faculty, typified by their "gowns" or academic robes. "Our Town and Gown Partnership is our most valuable relationship with the community. It gives us an opportunity to exchange information and provide the community with in-depth insight into the issues that directly impact MSU and Murray," Alexander says. Membership is open to all businesses in Murray and Calloway County. Building on the current base of 24 charter members, they are working toward a goal of 100 businesses in the partnership. Town and Gown decals representing this partnership can be seen in many windows of businesses throughout the community. These decals are indicative of a mutual commitment to work together to promote Murray as an ideal learning and living environment. Since the implementation of the partnership, one of the initiatives undertaken by the MSU Career Services Office on behalf of the Town and Gown Partnership has produced over 30 new full-time and part-time jobs and summer internships and co-ops with 20 different local employers for students. Ross Meloan, Director of MSU Career Services, says the Town and Gown initiative provides the best of both worlds to this community. "MSU students who are eager to find employment can do so right here in the community," he notes. "In addition, the local businesses have access to a pool of capable and eager- to-work students. This is definitely a 'win-win' scenario." Through this program, business members will be able to interact with the university in various ways, including participating in forums and collaborative projects, serving on an advisory committee or focus group on Town and Gown issues, and providing guidance and suggestions to Alexander and the university's administrative council. In addition, Town and Gown members will be able to take advantage of other benefits that include membership in a president's breakfast club and listings in publications for students and faculty. Alexander says Murray State University plays an important role in growth, and the town's people and businesses also compliment progress that occurs throughout the community with the success that MSU fosters. "The Town and Gown partnership also provides us with a venue to learn about the Murray community and business needs that we can collaboratively work to effectively address." For
more information on the Town and Gown Partnership
|
||||||||||||
