The Jackson Purchase Historical Society will begin its 65th year of service to the people of the Jackson Purchase region on January 28 with a program on the program on the Centennial history of Murray State University presented by Dr. Robert L. (Bob) Jackson, president of Murray State. The meeting will be held in Room 208 of Faculty Hall on the Murray State Campus.
In addition to the live program in Faculty Hall, the program will be available via Zoom for those unable to attend in person and a recording of the program will be on the Jackson Purchase Historical Society website shortly after the program.
Details for Zoom meeting.
When: Jan 28, 2023 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting (only needed for Zoom):
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvdu6rpzsqH9xzoIeynrMg49vNpERwMs_Z
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
A parking permit is required to park on campus. It is free. Registration Link: https://murraystate.nupark.com/v2/portal/eventregister/948b846d-d6ee-4c82-9077-465c3ca9b150#/events/registration/
If one were to make a list of important institutions in the history of the Jackson Purchase region. Murray State University would be high on that list. While not the first state normal school, as teacher training institutions were known in the early 20th century, Murray was established by the legislature and began holding classes in the early 1920s. Over the years a very significant percentage of teachers in the region were trained at Murray State and honed their skills in more advanced classes at the graduate level. Over time Murray grew from a normal and agricultural school to a multi-faceted University offering a broad range of courses through the doctoral level. The story of Murray State is deeply woven into the history of our region and is something we all should celebrate. whether we are Murray State alumni or members of the community who benefit from the University’s many contributions.
Dr. Jackson worked with Dr. Jeff McLaughlin, who serves as director of exhibits and public programs for the University Libraries, and Sarah Marie Owens, a staff member of the Forrest C. Pogue Library at MSU, in writing the book. Centennial histories can be tricky to execute because there is a strong urge to celebrate and focus on positive achievements. However, history is more than simply celebrating positive achievements, but also involves looking at challenges and even the occasional misstep along the way. The centennial history of Murray State, The Finest Place We Know, balances these competing interests and objectives extremely well. The authors, collectively, have done a superb job. Dr. Jackson will discuss the book and some of the other centennial activities that took place at the University during this milestone year. We are grateful to him taking the time to join us and are sorry that his co-authors were unable to join us due to scheduling issues.
Dr. Jackson has a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Murray State University. He has completed graduate courses in finance at Murray State University and doctoral courses at the University of Leicester (UK). He holds a Master of Arts degree in higher education administration from Antioch University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Western Kentucky University. Jackson has served Murray State University in several capacities over the last decade before the Board of regents selected him to be President, including as the president and chief executive officer of the Murray State University Foundation, Inc. where he managed the ~$180 million foundation. He was also the senior advisor to the University for state and federal governmental relations. From 1997 to 2004, Jackson served the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a State Senator and served in Senate Leadership. He has worked successfully on many state and federal governmental projects and has been recognized for his public service. In addition, he has worked in corporate finance and as a senior executive in investment banking.
The Finest Place We Know is published by the University Press of Kentucky, which is offering a discount to JPHS members and others who order it through their website. Promo code JPHS23. It will be effective January 9 through May 15, 2023, will receive 30% off and free media mail shipping: https://www.kentuckypress.com/.
While the society was not able to meet during the coronavirus situation, a full schedule is planned for 2023. Articles are welcome for the 2023 Journal and can be sent to the editor, Jim Humphreys, at jhumphreys@murraystate.edu. The editor would also welcome inquiries about topics, books for review, or offers to review a book. Single copies of the Journal are available from the Jackson Purchase Historical Society, PO Box 531, Murray, KY 42071. The cost is $15.90 including postage and sales tax. Anyone interested in Jackson Purchase history is welcome to join the JPHS.
