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1st President: John W. Carr (1923-26, 1st term) (1933-36, 2nd 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. -
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MSU Presidents
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Founder and 2nd President: Rainey T. Wells (1926-32)
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. -
3rd President: James H. Richmond (1936-45)
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. -
4th President: Ralph H. Woods (1945-68)
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 and faculty increased from 62 to 376 full-time professors. -
5th President: Harry M. Sparks (1968-73)
A teacher and coach hailing from Rockcastle, County, Kentucky, Dr. Harry M. 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 as a Lieutenant Junior grade but quickly advanced to Lieutenant Commander. After serving in the Navy, Sparks was honorably discharged and returned to education. -
6th President: Constantine W. Curris (1973-83)
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. -
7th President: Kala M. Stroup (1983-89)
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. -
8th President: Ronald J. Kurth (1990-94)
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. -
9th President: S. Kern Alexander (1994-01)
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. -
10th President: F. King Alexander (2001-05)
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. -
11th President: Randy J. Dunn (2006-2013)
Dr. Randy J. Dunn became President of Murray State University on December 1, 2006. 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.
