By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Speaking at Thursday’s “Donuts With The Director” event at the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Murray State University Interim President Dr. Robert Jackson stressed the importance Paris and Henry County hold for the university.
“Paris and Henry County are very important to us,” he said, noting that 1,000 MSU alumni live in the county. “Murray State is a special place and it’s your university, too.”
Jackson noted that the state and county lines don’t matter in the relationship between Henry County and Murray State. “We’re your regional university. We’ve served many of you and beyond quite well over the decades.”
That cooperation will be even more evident with the completion of the Hwy. 641 widening project, he said. “That will be an important economic development asset for the whole region,” he said.
Murray State can boast a growing number of degree programs that will enhance the local workforce, he said, including telecommunications, cybersecurity, hospitality and tourism management and more.
Jackson was accompanied to the meeting by Dr. Tim Todd, Dean of the College of Business, and Jordan Smith, Director of governmental and institutional relations at the university.
“We need to do a better job of market ourselves,” Jackson said. “We have a lot to sell and a lot to talk about that we’re doing at Murray State.”
Jackson was introduced by Paris City Commissioner Sam Tharpe, who noted, “Murray State is so important to this area. It gives us a competitive edge to attract jobs here.”
In photo, Tharpe introduces Jackson, seated at left, with Todd and Smith seated next to him. (Shannon McFarlin photo).