Miranda Carpenter
Staff Writer
mcarpenter4@murraystate.edu
Murray State’s residential college concept was implemented by former president S. Kern Alexander in 1996 to make students feel more connected with the University.
“The vision was to make eight smaller versions of Murray State, to allow people to feel more involved and connected,” Don Robertson, vice president of student affairs, said.
Robertson also said the goal of residential colleges is to not to be viewed solely as a place to live.
“Residential college is the concept of this living learning community, having a variety of members that are assigned to that particular college,” Robertson said. “As the residential hall is the place where some of the members of that college live. With that being said, for example, Hester Hall is the home for Hester College.”
Every faculty, staff or student is assigned to one of the eight residential colleges when they come to Murray State, whether or not they live on campus.
There are currently eight residential colleges on campus: Lee Clark, Elizabeth, Hart, Hester, Regents, Old Richmond, Springer-Franklin and White.
Each residential college has its own history and was previously named after important members of the Murray State community, including previous professors, former presidents and Board of Regents members. With the transition from residential hall to residential college in 1996, the names remained the same, according to the Murray State website.
“We want students to know, the college is more than just a building, it is a way to become involved with students from all majors and seek great leadership opportunities,” Robertson said. “We hope by assigning commuter students to a college, it would help them become more involved on campus and feel more apart of campus.”
Some students have said residential college are a great way to get to know people and encourage students to step out of their comfort zone.
“My overall experience on campus has been a major growth period and change,” Ryan Ackermann, freshman from Louisville, Kentucky, said. “I was forced out of my comfort zone and discovered campus a day at a time. Every day is different and has new possibilities of connection and rewarding experiences.”
For some students living on campus, the process of moving away from home becomes easier.
“Instead of feeling alone and confused, it was great to come to Murray, knowing that I wouldn’t have to worry about finding friends or being social,” Residential Advisor, Jordan Moore, sophomore from Madisonville, Kentucky, said. “I was able to focus more on the reason I am here, to get an education. With so many residential colleges, there really is a community for everyone on campus. Everyone should take the time to find that out.”
Robertson said residential colleges are a great way to feel like you’re at home again and be part of something much bigger.
“The message is get involved with the members of your residential college, take advantage of all the opportunities, which will result in a more meaningful college experience,” Robertson said.
