About Murray State

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.

Cady Stribling

Features Editor

cstribling1@murraystate.edu

Traditions are what make Murray State unique, giving the community that sense of Racer Pride and memories that last a lifetime. Many traditions have only been around for a few years while others have been active for many decades.

Great Beginnings, a tradition designed solely for helping new students, has been ongoing for 26 years. Kate Johnson, coordinator for student engagement and success, describes it as an opportunity to become acquainted with campus, the community and other services provided by Murray State.

“When new students get to campus we want the transition to Murray State to be as easy and smooth as possible so that is why we offer programming and support starting with move-in day,” Johnson said.

After training on how to provide this support as best as possible, Great Beginnings Leaders help students move into residential colleges, find their classes and serve as mentors to create a welcoming environment.

More exciting events include Explore Murray, where businesses around the community showcase all they have to offer with giveaways, and hypnotist Tom Deluca who performs for the student body.

“We want our new students to feel part of the Racer tradition right when they arrive on campus,” Johnson said. “There is always someone there willing to help!”

First year students also have the opportunity to rush the football field in what is known as the Gold Rush before the first home football game. The beloved water balloon fight is another recent campus tradition that takes place at the beginning of the school year. Thousands of students throw thousands of water balloons at one another on the football field for a fun night.

The Shoe Tree started as a tradition in the 1960s and is one of Murray State’s most recognizable marks. You can find pairs of shoes of “sole” mates, and even a few children’s shoes, hung on the tree of love.

Murray community members love showing their football spirit with another long-standing tradition of cheering on Racer One. Since 1976, each touchdown at Roy Stewart Stadium has been celebrated with a loud “Clear the track!” and a victory lap by Racer One.

Aside from our football-centered traditions, Murray State loves to celebrate with spectacular shows. Since 1938, Campus Lights is nationally recognized as one of the longest running student-produced musicals in the south. Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the men’s music fraternity, started the tradition and Racers have enjoyed it ever since.

All Campus Sing, a fan favorite since 1958, has incorporated the community, faculty and staff, students and family for a fun day in the Quad. The entire town shows up to support different student organizations from Greek to residential colleges as they showcase their prepared song and dance at this much anticipated performance.

Each year, alumni and current students come together with the rest of the community to celebrate Homecoming Weekend, one of the biggest Murray State traditions. Director of Alumni Relations Carrie McGinnis estimates that 9,000 people come to town for the Homecoming events.

“Thousands of Racer alumni and friends from all over the country and all over the world so fondly remember their Murray State experience and the way it made them feel,” McGinnis said. “It is not just an institution or where they went to college. It is home.”

During the week leading up to the football game, Murray State hosts long-lived traditions such as A Taste of the Arts dinner and auction, banquets and reunions. Racer Band kicks off the Homecoming Parade with the newly elected Homecoming king and queen, and Greek life displays dozens of decorative floats.

Tailgating at Tent City, a tradition started in the ‘80s, takes place prior to the football game. The much anticipated event consists of all student organizations and clubs setting up tents around the football field while alumni and the community visit with one another. School pride is strong as people grill out and get ready for the game.

McGinnis said Homecoming Weekend and everyone coming together at the game is a great time for students to network with alumni and make incredible connections who might provide opportunities for them after graduation.

“To see the past, present and future all connected by a common bond and shared experience, that is what makes Murray State Homecoming special,” McGinnis said.

From Homecoming to the superstitions of rubbing Rainey T. Well’s diploma for good luck to midnight breakfast before finals week, Murray State has the best traditions.

Daniella Tebib

News Editor

dtebib@murraystate.edu

Transitioning into college can be scary, but Murray State offers many resources to help students with their mental health.

Angie Trzepacz, director of university counseling services, said freshmen don’t necessarily struggle more than other students, but they deal with different issues. 

“For many students, this is their first time being away from home and being independent and in charge of their own schedule,” Trezpacz said. “Some students love that, but others struggle at first. It’s not uncommon for freshmen to feel homesick or lonely or overwhelmed by the workload in college or wonder where they fit in on campus or how to meet new people. Those are all things that counselors can help with.”

To help students, faculty and staff on campus, Murray State provides a variety of free counseling services including individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy. The services are provided by licensed mental health professionals in three different centers: the Counseling Center, the Psychological Center and the Counseling and Assessment Center. Clients are typically seen on a biweekly basis, but if clients are in a crisis, they can be seen weekly on a short-term basis.

However, counseling services do not perform court-ordered or court-mandated counseling or assessment. The center also does not provide primary substance-abuse treatment, prescription services, or letters for students seeking emotional support animals. 

The Counseling Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday The University also has a counselor on call from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year to meet with walk-in clients or help with crisis situations. 

All staff members in the Counseling Center adhere to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act to ensure all discussions with counselors and completed paperwork is treated confidentially. 

Common issues students can utilize counseling services for are adjusting to new situations, depression, managing stress, homesickness, anxiety, poor anger control, grief, eating and body image issues, relationship issues, social issues, family problems, Asperger’s Disorder, crisis intervention, suicidal thoughts, trauma recovery, diversity and cultural issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns, self-awareness, self-care and public speaking anxiety management, according to Murray State’s Counseling Center’s website.

Trzepacz said she encourages students to come forward about their mental health if they are dealing with issues.

“If you need to talk to a counselor, that is nothing to be ashamed of or feel bad about,” Trzepacz said. “We are here to help, and it doesn’t mean you are a failure if you can’t do it on your own. If you have a cavity, you don’t try to fill it on your own—you go to a dentist, because they are trained to fix your cavity properly and safely. If you are anxious or depressed, and your mental health issues are interfering with your ability to function and participate in your normal activities, it’s time to contact a mental health professional and ask for assistance.”

When getting situated into a new lifestyle, Trzepacz said it’s important to establish a schedule and routine. 

“Even if you aren’t leaving the house and don’t have any scheduled activities for the day, try to get up at a reasonable hour, take a shower, eat breakfast and make a list of what you want to accomplish during the day,” Trzepacz said. “Some days that list might include homework or cleaning your room or going to work, and other days the list might include going for a walk, calling a friend and playing with your dog. And then try to go to bed at a reasonable hour as well, so that your schedule doesn’t get completely off track.”

For more information, visit murraystate.edu/counselingcenter.

Josh Embry

Sports Editor

jembry3@murraystate.edu

With a new school year comes a new year of Murray State athletics, so here is a recap of the past season and preview of every Murray State sport for the 2020-21 academic year.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many different scenarios that can happen for all college sports. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, the following is written as if all sports will begin and end at their normal times.

Men’s Basketball

Following a close loss at the hands of Belmont in the OVC Championship game, the Murray State men’s basketball team will look to get back to their championship winning ways this season. With seniors Darnell Cowart, Jaiveon Eaves and Anthony Smith graduating and Jason Holiday and Noah Kamba transferring, Head Coach Matt McMahon bolstered the roster with five new recruits for the upcoming season. Despite the roster turnover, some key players will be returning for 2020-21, such as guards Tevin Brown, DaQuan Smith and Chico Carter Jr. and forwards such as KJ Williams, Demond Robinson and Devin Gilmore. McMahon will look to guide the Racers to a fourth consecutive OVC Championship game appearance.

Women’s Basketball

Murray State women’s basketball Head Coach Rechelle Turner is heading into next season with a slew of fresh faces, with the 2020-21 recruiting class having seven recruits. This added depth will hopefully make life easier for the Racers, as depth issues were prevalent throughout the majority of the season and was a contributor in their first round loss in the OVC Tournament. The Racers had no seniors and only had four players transfer (Sadie Hill, Ashley Hunter, Lauren Jackson and Sarah Sutton). With the same core coming back of guards Macey Turley and Lex Mayes along with forwards Alexis Burpo, Maci Gibson and Laci Hawthorne, Turner hopes to send the Racers back to the OVC Tournament and hopefully make a deep run.

Football

The Murray State football team finished the 2019 season with a 4-8 record. Since the 2015 season, the Racers have a combined record of 19-37. However, new Head Coach Dean Hood will try to change that, as he was hired as the head football coach following the 2019 season. Hood was the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach at the University of Kentucky and held that position from 2017 to 2019. Hood said he wants to change the culture at Murray State to a winning culture and believes the team has the chance to do that this season. 

Volleyball

Murray State volleyball Head Coach David Schwepker is going into this season with high aspirations following a successful 19-11 season that ended at the hands of No. 2 ranked SEMO in the OVC Tournament. The 2020 squad has big shoes to fill with the graduation of standout Rachel Giustino, who secured many Murray State records as well as OVC records in her illustrious career. However, the Racers have key players returning as well, like seniors Ashley McBee and Becca Fernandez.

Baseball

Before the season was cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Murray State men’s baseball team was off to one of its best seasons of the last few years with a 10-7 record. Senior Jordan Cozart led the team with 25 hits while senior Brock Anderson led the team with eight home runs. Head Coach Dan Skirka will look to carry the momentum they had from this partial season into next season in the hopes of making a deep run in the OVC Tournament.

Softball

The Murray State softball team was set to make its home series debut at Racer Field on March 13, but was not able to get on the field before the season was canceled. Before then, the Racers had compiled a 12-10 record and were looking to bounce back from a rough series where they went 1-4 against the likes of No. 14 ranked Oklahoma State University and No. 6 ranked University of Oklahoma. Head Coach Kara Amundson will go into her ninth season at the helm of the Racers with high hopes for 2021.

Rifle

The Murray State rifle team finished second in the OVC Rifle Championship and qualified for the NCAA Rifle Championship. Unfortunately, the NCAA Rifle Championship was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. One bright spot was Finland native Matias Kiuru, who joined the team following the new calendar year and helped propel the squad to finishing the season ranked sixth in the country. Head Coach Alan Lollar enters his 13th season as head coach and will look to guide the Racers to an NCAA Championship.

Women’s Soccer

Before being upset in the semifinals of the OVC Tournament against Belmont, the Murray State women’s soccer team finished the regular season 11-8 and finished with the second best record in the OVC (8-2). The Racers graduated five seniors, most notably standout forward Miyah Watford, who set the Murray State record for goals in a season. Head Coach Matt Lodge enters the 2020 season with hopes of securing an OVC Championship.

Men’s and Women’s Golf

Both the Murray State men’s and women’s golf teams played the majority of their respective tournaments before the season’s cancellation. Despite the cancellation, both squads found success on the green in the many tournaments they competed in. The men’s team had the most success in the Austin Peay Intercollegiate, where they placed third out of 11 teams. The women’s team had their best finish when they earned second place out of 11 universities in the Chris Bannister Classic. The men’s and women’s teams will look to carry their positive momentum into this upcoming season.

Women’s Tennis

Just like all spring sports, the Murray State women’s tennis team saw its season canceled prematurely. The Racers had compiled an 8-5 record prior to the season’s cancellation but had yet to compete in OVC play. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, there were bright spots in the season, especially with the play of Marit Kreugel, who went 11-2 in singles play and 11-0 in doubles. Although the future of seniors Claire Chang and twins Anja and Sara Loncarevic at Murray State remains uncertain, Head Coach Jorge Caetano was able to recruit four new players for the 2020-21 season. 

Men’s and Women’s Cross Country

Both the Murray State men’s and women’s cross country teams found success this past season and will look to build on that success going into this season. The men’s team placed sixth and the women’s team eighth in the OVC Cross Country Championships. Both squads qualified for the NCAA Southeast Regional, with the men’s team finishing 33rd and the women’s team 31st. The two squads will look to improve their play from last season in the fall.

Women’s Track and Field

While the Murray State women’s track and field was not able to compete in the OVC Outdoor Championships before the season’s cancellation, they were able to compete in the OVC Indoor Championships, where the team placed second. Head Coach Adam Kiesler will look to carry over success into this season.

Daniella Tebib

News Editor

dtebib@murraystate.edu

To ensure the safety of students, Murray State has implemented several safety measures on campus.

The Murray State Police Department is always available for students in trouble. They are staffed 24/7 with 16 sworn officers and 24 support staff. MSU PD can be reached by calling (270) 809-2222. 

If students find themselves in an emergency on campus, they can reach the police department by activating a nearby call box. 

On campus, there are a total of 40 emergency call boxes including two different types: yellow call boxes and blue light call boxes. Both types are directly linked to the Murray State police dispatch. 

The blue light emergency call boxes found on campus are the posts with the solar panels and a blue light on top. The word “emergency” is written on the post. 

Should an emergency occur, students can activate the call box by pressing the emergency button on the box. Once activated, the blue light on top of the post will start flashing. An officer will then be dispatched and receive the location of the call box immediately.

The yellow call boxes also offer a direct line of communication with the Murray State Police Department. However, they do not flash a light when activated. They can be found on the sides of buildings and poles on campus, such as the residential colleges.

Jamie Herring, Murray State chief of police, said students, faculty and staff should also download LiveSafe on their phones.

“LiveSafe is the official safety app of the University,” Herring said. “All members of our community should have this app on their phones. This app provides quick access to text messages or call the Murray State Police Department, emergency procedures and Safe Walk options.”

The app offers several features to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff while walking around on campus.

The SafeWalk feature allows students to let their friends make sure they safely arrive at their destination as well as contact the police department in the case of an emergency.

The GoSafe feature allows students to contact Racer Patrol for an on-campus escort. 

In addition to LiveSafe, Herring said students should ensure they keep their cell phone information updated on myGate to receive Racer Alert notifications. MSU PD uses Racer Alert to notify the community of emergencies, like tornadoes, via text, email, social media and sirens..

Herring said to ensure the safety of students, it’s important for parents to talk to their children about the importance of safety before leaving for college.

“We always ask parents to reinforce that after students leave the house, they become largely responsible for their own safety,” Herring said. “It is a change of mindset. We are there to help, but the students have to take responsibility for securing their property and being alert to any threats to their personal safety. Encourage them to use the LiveSafe app and to take advantage of the Safe Walk and walking escort service.”

For more information, visit murraystate.edu/police.