Nervousness, uncertainty and the fear of the unknown are all things that have crept into the thoughts of students stepping foot on campus at Murray State for the very first time. It’s not just you. I was once right where you are now. 

Three years ago I left my hometown of Marion, Illinois, and began the next chapter in my life at Murray State. I arrived in Murray, Kentucky, only knowing one other person coming to the University and had millions of thoughts racing through my mind.

What does the future hold for me? Am I going to be able to make any friends? How much harder are classes going to be? Can I balance everything I want to do along with academics?

You won’t find the answer to all these questions right away, but don’t worry, the future is bright and full of opportunities. 

The best way to discover these opportunities is to get involved. During my freshman year, some editors from The Murray State News spoke to my transitions class and presented me with the idea of getting paid to write and gain experience in a career field I was getting ready to jump into. 

Taking heed of that opportunity was one of the greatest decisions I could’ve made. Through The Murray State News I’ve been able to gain valuable experience in my career field and create relationships and friendships that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

There are an abundance of ways to get involved on campus. From fraternities and sororities, to clubs, intramural sports and many other things, Murray State is the place to be to continue this next chapter of your life.

The friendships you’ll create and the memories you will make will be things that you will always remember and mean more to you than you could possibly know as time goes on. 

There will be some hard times. I’d be lying if I said that there won’t be an adjustment period and there won’t be stressful times during your journey at college. 

However, the hardships you will face along with all the times of laughter and memories that will always live with you are what makes us human and what will make your time at Murray State so memorable.

Welcome to Murray State and I hope that you have a seamless transition into adulthood here! Also, be prepared to consume a lot of Chick-fil-A.

Go Racers!

Gage Johnson

Murray State News Editor-in-Chief

Students: 

Welcome to Murray State University! 

I am pleased to officially welcome you to Murray State University for the start of the Fall 2020 Semester. 

When I first came to Murray State as an undergraduate student, I immediately connected with the attractive campus and warm, friendly atmosphere of this great University. Much has changed at Murray State since I was a student, but the core values of our University have remained the same. Murray State continues to thrive on a beautiful, historic campus where students engage in a rich legacy of academic excellence provided by world-class faculty and staff in a caring, family-like atmosphere. As the 14th President of Murray State University and a proud alumnus, it is my sincere hope that every student will take the time to enjoy the multitude of opportunities our University has to offer. 

Students, I hope you take full advantage of all the opportunities provided to you during your time at Murray State – from the Student Government Association and Residential College Association to Greek Life, to Racer Band, to athletics – or one of the other 180 campus organizations. 

Murray State is an exceptional University and will provide you with many opportunities to learn and create a pathway in order to reach your goals. If you are a traditional first-time freshman, or transferring from a community college or another university or a non-traditional student, Murray State has developed programs and structures to meet your needs. We pride ourselves on focusing on our students to help ensure their success. Please be sure to take advantage of all these opportunities. 

Let’s make it a great semester! 

GO RACERS! 

Bob Jackson, Ed.D. President 

Greetings Fellow Racers,

I am so excited to welcome you to Murray State University! My name is Warren Norman and I’m honored to serve you as the Student Government Association President and Student Regent for the 2020-2021 school year. My goal is to continue to mold Murray into the best College Campus and University in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Student Government Association, commonly known as SGA, is not only a large part of campus, but a huge tradition of Murray State. SGA is made up of five different branches, the Judicial Board (J-Board), Campus Activities Board (CAB), the Residential College Association (RCA), and the Student Senate. These essential entities make up the system of students that ensure each student is heard, treated fairly, and shown the Racer experience we all deserve.

If you are interested in being a part of SGA, please go to the Center for Student Involvement located on the first floor of the Curris Center, down the hallway beside the Chick-fil-a entrance. My office, as well as the Executive Board offices are located there, along with Mrs. Jeanie Morgan who is the Advisor for SGA and Student Organizations. If you are wanting to learn more about how to get involved, or join one of the over 170 student organizations, we would love to help you in your journey.

A few simple tips for helping any new or incoming transfer students are:

1. GO TO CLASS! I cannot stress this enough.  Making it to every class, day in and day out dramatically increases your chance of passing and doing well in all University courses.
2. MAKE GOOD DECISIONS! I always tell future Racers who are touring our campus, just because your parents aren’t with you, does not mean you should plan to run wild. Be the respectable person your parents or guardian have raised you to be.
3. GET INVOLVED! In college, your number one responsibility is your education, but after that, you should be able to learn and grow through experiencing campus life. Outside of your college education, which is your main focus, you should try something new.  Again, being a Racer means that you have lots of opportunities to get involved in campus life. 

As your SGA President, my number one priority is to be the voice of our campus, being here to bridge the gap between the university and the student body. Please feel free to come see me in the Center for Student Involvement or email me at wnorman@murraystate.edu. I am here to advocate on your behalf, so please contact me anytime. Our weekly SGA meetings are open to the public, and we welcome student opinions on any topic dealing with issues regarding our campus or Murray State University in general. Senate meetings are located in the Barkley room, on the third floor of the Curris Center each Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 P.M.  Please join us!

In closing, when you arrive here in the fall, put your best foot forward. Give Murray State your all and make a commitment to be involved with campus life. Make Murray your home, and grow each and every very day that you are here. Lastly, this university is here to help you achieve your dreams, succeed, and grow because together we are more than just the greatest college in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, WE ARE RACERS!

Go Racers, and as always Shoes Up!

Warren C. Norman

Student Government Association President

and Student Regent