“I am honored to serve as the 14th president of Murray State University and greatly appreciate the support and confidence of the Board of Regents,” Jackson said. “We have an important duty to this region and state and I look forward to the work ahead. The students and families of this region are counting on us to make a positive difference in their lives and to enhance the economic well-being of this area.”
“Today is an important day in the history of Murray State University and this Board has determined that Dr. Jackson is the person we need at this time,” said Murray State Board of Regents Chair Susan Guess. “We have many challenges before us and we believe in him and his ability to lead us.”
MSU said in a press release that during his 6-month tenure as interim president, Jackson’s institutional leadership and support has been seen through consistent meetings, collaborations and interactions with various groups both within and outside the University including students, faculty and staff as well as alumni, elected officials, industry leaders, community partners and others who hold relationships with Murray State.
From 1997 to 2004, Jackson served the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a state senator and in Senate leadership. He has served on numerous committees and task forces during his tenure, including education, appropriations and revenue, economic development, capital projects and bond oversight, among others. Jackson has worked successfully on many state and federal governmental projects and has been recognized at the state and national levels for his public service. In addition, he has worked in corporate finance and as a senior executive in investment banking, municipal finance and investment management.
Jackson has a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Murray State. He has completed graduate courses in finance at Murray State 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.
He has served as president of the Murray State University Alumni Association Board of Governors, a member of the Murray State University Foundation Board of Trustees and he regularly teaches finance and other courses.
Jackson is married to the former Karen Miller, a Murray State alumna and registered nurse; they are the parents of two children, Nolan and Mariel.
