MURRAY, Ky. (KFVS) - Murray State University and the community celebrated the inauguration of their 15th president, Dr. Ron K. Patterson.
Special events were held on April 13 and 14.
They hosted a Presidential Panel and Faculty Synposium. This was an opportunity to learn about the student organizations and residential colleges at the university.
They also held a First Lady cookout and ice cream social, t-shirt toss and a student scavenger hunt.
The investiture ceremony was held inside Lovett Auditorium’s Trustees Hall, featuring remarks from several speakers.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Hope and optimism fills this auditorium and our hearts,” Patterson shared in his address. “The future of Murray State is not something we wait for; it is something we create. So let’s race with purpose, let’s race with passion, and let’s race together. Because when we remain focused on what matters – Students First. Murray State Always. Racers Forever – there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
A reception inside Pogue Library’s Wells T. Lovett Grand Reading Room was held after the ceremony.
In the evening, a Presidential Investiture Gala held at Lovett Auditorium raised financial support for the Students First Patterson Family Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund raised more than $45K during the inauguration events.
You can watch a video recap of the inauguration events.
Click here to learn more about Murray State University.
Copyright 2026 KFVS. All rights reserved.