Greetings for this week.

Though I've written about this topic before, I want to use my column once more this week to remind the Campus Community--particularly our University Staff members--about what is transpiring with our long-awaited Staff Compensation Study. The Study allowed us to take a wide-ranging look at the appropriateness and currency of job categories, as well as the pay targets and grades to support those jobs according to market rates. Every regular, hourly, full- and part-time job--whether paid for by General University Funds, Auxiliary (e.g., Housing, Dining, etc.) Funds, Grants and Sponsored Funds, or the Foundation--was included in the analysis.


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Thirteen educators from Ballard, Graves, Hickman, Marshall, McCracken and Paducah Independent Schools will participate in the McCracken County Area Cohort of the Regional Partnership for Principal Preparation. The Cohort is coordinated by Murray State University in partnership with these area school districts with selection based upon leadership and instructional expertise of applicants as evidenced through documentation and interviews with a panel of MSU faculty and school district administrators. All participants will complete a 30-hour program of study over the next five semesters that will culminate with a Masters degree in Education Administration and possible PK-12 School Principal certification. The Regional Partnership for Principal Preparation is a School-University Partnership program based at Murray State University. Through the partnership and collaborative approach, the school district and university will provide intensive and authentic leadership experiences in schools, as well as build leadership capacity for the districts. This is the third cohort of the Partnership Program.

Thanks to the President’s Office, the Office of Finance and Administrative Services, and Food Services for an excellent Staff Appreciation Luncheon on August 5. Congratulations to Years of Service Recipients, Retirees, and Staff Excellence Award Winners. Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville also enjoyed an Appreciation Luncheon on Aug. 10. Ask Dr. Brannon why the white coats were necessary!

When I first started working at MSU, (15 years ago) I was pretty shocked by the pay scale. I had just relocated from Central/Northern Ohio where Admins were paid at the level that most MA’s start at here. So there’s no wonder that my giving took a while to kick in. Once I got the hang of the reduced cost of living in W KY and realized all the benefits I receive from MSU, I wanted to give back. To the best of my recollection, I gave first to United Way ($2.50) per pay period. And what most people don’t know is that you, the donor, can choose which charity or organization receives your United Way donations. Every year UW would contact me to ask me to give (again) until I finally told them ‘indefinitely’ for as long as I’m here (at MSU), you can continue my auto deduction.



Continue reading "MSU Faculty and Staff Giving Spotlight: “Hold Thy Banner High” in the College of Business"

Murray State University President Randy J. Dunn joined college and university presidents from across Kentucky in signing a resolution pledging their commitment to be full partners with the Kentucky Department of Education in preparing high school graduates to be college and career ready. Kentucky data shows that students who are prepared for postsecondary education graduate college at twice the rate of those who are not.


Continue reading "Governor declares September College and Career Readiness Month"

Emerging Leaders
This is a free program offered to FRESHMEN. Students will learn about leadership styles and personalities. This class will meet for 2 hours per month and students will receive a leadership certificate upon completion. The deadline to apply is September 3 and applications can be found on our website.

Leadership Murray State
This is a free program offered to UPPERCLASSMEN. Students will meet current campus leaders about leadership issues. This class will meet for 2 hours per month and students will receive a leadership certificate upon completion. The deadline to apply is September 3 and applications are available online.

Leadership Workshop Series
LWS is a free workshop available to all students on campus. This is a weekly workshop that meets on Tuesdays from 5-6pm in the Curris Center. The topic changes each week and includes topics such as internships, leadership opportunities, money management, and creativity. A complete list of topics and locations can be found on our website.

Dr. Alexey Arkov from Department of Biological Sciences and his colleague, Andres Ramos from MRC National Institute for Medical Research, London, UK published in August issue of a high profile peer-reviewed scientific journal ‘Trends in Cell Biology.’ ‘Trends in Cell Biology published by Cell Press is a leading review journal in molecular and cell biology.’ Their article discusses the molecular mechanisms and structures that govern development of special class of stem cells called germ cells. These cells eventually give rise to egg and sperm cells responsible for the next generation. Abstract of Dr. Arkov’s article can be accessed online.


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The MSU chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is sponsoring an information session for anyone interested in pursuing medical school. A panel of undergraduate students (across majors), who just applied to medical school, will share their diverse experiences on the pre-med path and provide important information for students interested in medical school. The panel session will be from 5-6 PM on September 7th in the Mississippi Room of the Curris Center. For more information, please contact Alexandria Piedmonte (alexandria.piedmonte@murraystate.edu).

Most people would agree that the middle school year can be very difficult. That is why ten years ago the Murray State Women's Center began the G.R.O.W. program. This mentoring program pairs a selected group of college women with a selected group of middle school girls and endevers to devolp better seld-confidence and leadership skills. We are hoping that you will help us find a great group of college women for this years mentoring program. Interested or wanting to learn more? Please attend one of two informational meetings in the Curris Center Theater, Wednesday, September 8, 3:30-4:30 p.m. and Thursday, September 9, 3:30-4:30 p.m. For more information call the Women’s Center at 809-3140 or email msu.grow@murraystate.edu.

The 2009-2010 Fact Book is available for view online at http://www.murraystate.edu/factbook. Scroll down and this link is the first in the list of Fact Book links. Print copies are being distributed. As always, we encourage any feedback on the Fact Book. Feel free to contact us at msu.oir@murraystate.edu.

Family financial restraints kept the late Paul E. Porter from pursuing a secondary education as a child but the hard-working Navy veteran of World War II never forgot the value of higher education. Because of the love that Porter and his late wife, Jean, had for education, Paul decided to establish the Paul E. and Jean Reeves Porter Memorial Scholarship.


Continue reading "Memorial scholarship assists Crittenden County and Livingston County High School graduates"

Sharron Townsend sat in Dr. Julie Lovin’s classroom in the early 1970’s and was inspired by the professor’s love of people, knowledge of social work best practices, humility and concern for others. The impact the MSU professor made on Townsend has stuck with her for more than 35 years and in honor of her inspirational teacher, Townsend has established the Dr. Julie Lovins Renewable Scholarship in Social Work.


Continue reading "Sharron Townsend honors former professor by establishing scholarship in social work"

The Murray State University chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma has been named a Premier Chapter for the 2009-10 year. To be named a Premier Chapter of the international business honor society at least 85 percent of all those qualifying for membership at both the undergraduate and graduate level must have accepted the invitation to become lifetime members of Beta Gamma Sigma. The honor of a Premier rating allows the chapter to participate in and receive $500 in the BGS matching funds scholarship program next year. The recipient of this year’s $1,000 scholarship is Pallavi Phadhani, a graduate student in the MBA program. In addition, the chapter will be invited to nominate an advisor for the 2011 Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award and to apply for the 2011 Outstanding Chapter Award. If selected as an Outstanding Chapter, additional scholarships are awarded. Linda Johnsonius, director of the center for undergraduate business advising, serves as the advisor for the MSU chapter.