Destinee Marking
Senior writer
dmarking@murraystate.edu
Interim President Bob Jackson believes Murray State’s best days are ahead… but who is he?
A 1985 graduate of Murray State, Jackson took over as Interim President on Aug. 16.
The News sat down with Jackson to discuss his history at Murray State and what he hopes to accomplish during his presidency.
Early life and family
Jackson grew up in Magnolia, Kentucky, which is a fact he said most people don’t know about him.
“Most people think I grew up here [in Murray] because I’ve been here so long,” Jackson said. “I’ve done so many things here.”
In the fall of 1981, at 19 years old, Jackson moved from his hometown to attend Murray State. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
“Of all the schools I looked at, big and small, private and public, this was just the perfect fit,” Jackson said.
Since the 1980s, Jackson said a lot has changed, but Murray State’s core characteristics are still here.
“The look and design and feel of campus has changed,” Jackson said. “We haven’t lost the attributes of the personal touch, student-centered approach, caring world-class faculty, small classes… This place is different. It really is and I’ve been at big universities and small colleges, and this place is different. I suspect that’s why others came here too.”
Jackson’s wife, Karen, also graduated from Murray State. After graduation, Jackson and his wife put roots down in Murray, raising their two children here.
Though, Jackson said he did not initially see himself staying in Murray and raising his family. He said he has had opportunities to leave but he has not taken them.
“We love it here,” Jackson said. “It’s a great place to live. The quality of life is extremely good. It’s a wonderful caring community just like the university.”
Now, their son works as an attorney in Lexington and their daughter works in communications in Washington, D.C.
Jackson said he and his wife enjoy partaking in campus activities in their free time.
“Living in a college town provides some unique opportunities, so we try to take advantage of all that,” Jackson said.
Life before presidency
After graduating college, Jackson worked many different jobs. Among his corporate jobs, he worked in finance, investment banking and financial advising.
Jackson also served as the Kentucky 1st District state senator from 1997-2004.
“That’s a tough duty,” Jackson said. “When you serve in the legislature in this part of the state, that’s a tough duty, so I admire all of my former colleagues and current colleagues who do that service. It’s important to Murray State. It’s important to this region.”
Following his work in the state senate, Jackson shifted his focus to Murray State. Since 2004 he has served Murray State in a number of different ways including as the senior adviser to the University for state and federal governmental relations and as the president and chief executive officer of the Murray State University Foundation.
From 2006 to 2013, Jackson was the director of a major fundraising campaign at Murray State, which raised more than $71.7 million.
In 2014 and 2015, he co-chaired a committee to create a strategic enrollment plan in order for Murray State to become a university of choice.
Stepping into presidency
Jackson was named interim university president in August following Bob Davies’ departure.
Even before he entered the role of interim, Jackson said it is his goal to leave any of his positions better off than when he started.
“Anyone, in any job, they should say that and they should believe that,” Jackson said.
In this new role, Jackson said he believes he has multiple strengths.
“I’ve been here so I know most everybody on campus and they know me,” Jackson said. “There’s probably a level of comfort and understanding. That’s an advantage.”
He said another advantage is his experience in state government and understanding the processes that affect the university.
He also said being connected to supporters of the university gives him an edge.
“I know our alumni,” Jackson said. “I know our donors. I know personally, and I know well, a lot of the big supporters of the institution who are willing to help this place, so that’s an advantage.”
Even with his many strengths, he said no one can do this job alone.
“We have great people here that want success just like you do and I do,” Jackson said. “They’re willing to help make that happen. That’s where we’re really fortunate.”
A message on Greek Life- it’s not all negative
The Murray State Greek life social suspension was lifted in August but it still remains a topic on the minds of many.
“I believe in Greek life,” Jackson said. “I was Greek when I was here. I was president of my fraternity, so it’s important to me.”
While most Greek organizations are making a positive impact on its members, he said they have steps to take to restore their positive image.
“Greek life should be about building young men and young women, character building and preparing them for the world,” Jackson said. “That’s the message we all need to carry in regard to that.”
To the students of Murray State
Looking ahead, Jackson’s early ties to Murray State inspire him to appreciate this opportunity.
“I love this place and I owe it a lot,” Jackson said. “I owe it more than I could ever repay it. I look forward to working hard and leaving what I’ve been given better than I found it. I think that’s the real key.”
He said he urges students to do well here and get involved outside their comfort zones.
“This is a wonderful exposure to the world, your four years here,” Jackson said. “It’s the best period of time in your life. I promise.”