-
John W. Carr (1923-26, 1st term)
-
Period: to
John W. Carr (first term)
Born in Lawrence County, Indiana, on December 13, 1859, John W. Carr was a high school principal and Superintendent of Schools in Indiana, Tennessee and New Jersey before becoming Murray State Normal School’s first president from August, 1923, until May 1, 1926. After his presidency, Carr served as Dean of the institution until January 1933. He served as President again from January 1933 until January 1936 and immediately after as Dean of Murray State Teachers College until June 30, 1940. -
Rainey T. Wells (1926-32)
-
Period: to
Rainey T. Wells
A native of Murray, Kentucky, Rainey T. Wells led many efforts in establishing educational institutions in Kentucky – the first of which was a normal school in Kirksey, Kentucky. As a member of the General Assembly from 1902-1923, he was a dominant and influential force in creating a State Normal School Commission and establishing two normal schools – one in Murray and the other in Morehead. From May 1, 1926, until December 31, 1932, Wells was President of Murray State Teachers College. -
Period: to
John W Carr (second term)
This was the second term of first president, John W. Carr. -
James H. Richmond (1936-45)
-
Period: to
James H. Richmond
Originally from Ewing, Virginia, Dr. James H. Richmond became the third president of Murray State Teachers College in 1936, after being the Chair of the Board of Regents. Before coming to Murray, Richmond was elected High School Supervisor for the Kentucky State Department of Education and then became State Superintendent of Public Instruction from 1932 until 1936. Richmond also taught in various places and capacities in Texas, Tennessee and Kentucky. -
M. O. Wrather
-
Period: to
Acting President: M. O. Rather
Raised in Calloway County, Dr. M. O. Wrather stayed close to home and attended Murray State Normal School and was among the first class to graduate from the newly-recognized four-year college. Wrather became Director of Public Relations and Secretary of the Alumni Association at the school. He served as Acting President when former President Dr. Richmond passed away in July 1945, where he remained until October 1945. -
Ralph H. Woods (1945-68)
-
Period: to
Ralph H. Woods
The longest term held by any University President, Dr. Ralph H. Woods began November 1, 1945, and maintained his role until June 30, 1968, when he retired after a terminal leave. Woods, however, remained President Emeritus of Murray State University. During his 23 years of service, the institution improved a great deal – enrollment increased from 565 to 7,000 students; faculty increased from 62 to 376 full-time professors; buildings increased from 10 to 51. -
Harry M. Sparks (1968-73)
-
Period: to
Harry M. Sparks
Sparks served as the Superintendent of Irvington County Schools before becoming Principal of Russell Kentucky High School. Taking a break from education, Sparks joined the Navy. After serving, Sparks was honorably discharged and returned to education, becoming Principal of Mayfield High School. He then became a professor at Murray State College in September 1948. In 1959 he became President of the Kentucky Education Association. -
Constantine W. Curris (1973-83)
-
Period: to
Constantine W. Curris
Dr. Constantine W. Curris is a strong advocate for public higher education and its students and a proponent of the qualitative strengthening of higher education institutions in order to meet public needs and expectations in the 21st century. Curris has been associated with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) since 1973 and has served as a member of several Association committees, its Board of Directors and in 1995 as recently retired as AASCU President. -
Kala M. Stroup (1983-89)
-
Period: to
Kala M. Stroup
As the first female President of Murray State University Dr. Kala M. Stroup oversaw the opening of the National Scouting Museum of the Boy Scouts of America on Murray’s campus. -
James L. Booth (1989-90)
-
Period: to
Acting President: James L. Booth
-
Ronald J. Kurth (1990-94)
-
Period: to
Ronald J. Kurth
Dr. Ronald J. Kurth served as President of Murray State University for four years. During his tenure the Martha Layne Collins Center for Industry and Technology was completed. -
S. Kern Alexander (1994-01)
-
Period: to
S. Kern Alexander
Dr. S. Kern Alexander oversaw many changes throughout his presidency at Murray State University. Under his guidance, the Residential College system began at the University, which had a goal of drawing students into the “total” university life. The Regional Special Events Center was erected in 1998, work began on the Science Complex, and a new wing – aptly named Alexander Hall - was added to the College of Education. -
F. King Alexander (2001-05)
-
Period: to
F. King Alexander
Son to his predecessor, S. Kern Alexander, Dr. F. King Alexander equally made many contributions to Murray State University. Under his presidency, the Alexander Hall Education Building reached completion, the Thoroughbrewed Cafes were completed and the Susan E. Bauernfeind Student Recreation and Wellness Center was constructed. -
Randy J. Dunn (2006-2013)
-
Period: to
Randy J. Dunn
Prior to coming to Murray State, Dunn served as the State Superintendent of Education for the Illinois State Board of Education. During his tenure at Murray State Dunn successfully completed the largest fundraising campaign in the institution's history, Hold Thy Banner High: The Campaign for the Students of Murray State University, eclipsing the original goal of $60 million to finish with over $71 million raised. Dunn also completed construction and renovations on a number of campus facilities -
Interim President: Thomas I. Miller (2013 – present)
