Breaking: Murray State University President Bob Jackson Sets Retirement Date
The Murray State University Board of Regents approved a contract Tuesday to help find candidates for the college’s next president.
After six years at the helm of Murray State University, President Bob Jackson plans to retire in June 2025.
The university in far Western Kentucky revealed Jackson’s upcoming retirement in a statement on Monday. An alumnus of MSU along with his wife, Karen, Jackson has been serving as the acting president since 2018 and officially took up the position permanently in 2019.
“Leading my alma mater as President has been a tremendous honor and the pinnacle of my career,” Jackson stated. “I am truly thankful for this opportunity. However, all things have their season, and Karen and I are eager to spend more time with family and friends, travel, and embrace our next chapter.”
Jackson earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Murray State University and has also completed graduate coursework there. He has been connected with the university for over 43 years.
Throughout his career, Jackson has worked extensively in higher education and served as a Democratic state Senator for nearly ten years, representing far Western Kentucky.
He has held multiple roles at the university, including president of the Murray State University Foundation and senior advisor for state and federal governmental relations.
During Jackson’s tenure, the university welcomed some of its largest freshman classes and made significant investments in campus infrastructure, including renovations of historic buildings like Lovett Auditorium and Wrather Hall, as well as the addition of new facilities such as an esports arena and the under-construction School of Nursing and Health Professions building.
Jackson also guided the university through the COVID-19 pandemic, managed the transition of the athletic program to the Missouri Valley Conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference, and played a key role during the institution’s centennial celebration.
“Dr. Jackson’s retirement signifies the conclusion of a significant era of leadership, change, and innovation for Murray State University,” remarked MSU Board of Regents Chair Leon Owens. “Dr. Jackson has made an enduring impact, and we are immensely grateful for his years of service.”
The university also announced that the Board of Regents will soon initiate a search for Jackson’s successor, with his retirement effective June 30, 2025. Following that, he is expected to continue at the university in the role of president emeritus, facilitating the transition and serving as a special advisor to the board.
Murray State Regents Hire Firm for Presidential Search
The Murray State University Board of Regents approved a contract with Academic Search Inc. to assist in finding candidates for the next president.
The announcement of Jackson’s retirement at the end of June 2025 also confirmed that he will remain in an advisory capacity until October 2025, holding the title of president emeritus.
The search firm will be compensated at a rate equivalent to 30% of the next president’s first-year salary.
In a letter to the board, Jackson—who has been at the university since 2018—expressed that serving his alma mater has been “the pinnacle” of his professional journey.