MURRAY, KY - Murray State University, which is currently hosting one of Kentucky’s three Governor’s Scholars Programs (GSP), has just been selected to continue as a GSP site for three more years — 2013 through 2015. Murray was chosen through a competitive bid process that is open to all public and private universities in Kentucky. 

Alice Sparks, chair of the Governor’s Scholars Program, sent the news of the selection to Dr. Randy J. Dunn, MSU president, saying, “Murray’s proposal was extremely competitive. From our past experiences on Murray’s campus, we know that the university always strives to accommodate the program’s needs and provides excellent administrative support. We genuinely appreciate Murray’s commitment to the program and look forward to spending three wonderful summers on the Murray campus.” 

The Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program originated in 1983. Its mission is the enhancement of the next generation of civic and economic leaders, while creating models of educational excellence for teachers and students. The program provides academic and personal growth through the balance of a strong liberal arts program and a full co-curricular and residential life experience. 

Students compete from across the state for a select number of slots. ACT scores, recommendations from their high schools and written applications are used as the judging criteria. Governor’s Scholars are recognized at most of the in-state schools with significant scholarship offers. The five-week program is state-funded, with no cost to the students. 

Having top Kentucky students on-site provides MSU with an opportunity to introduce them to the campus — an important tool in student recruitment. In addition to the academic experience GSP provides, the students also become familiar with Murray State as home through the library, dining hall, residential colleges and wellness center. They receive the total student experience on campus. 

“We’re very excited to learn that Murray State University will host Governor’s Scholars students for another three-year cycle, through the summer of 2015,” Dunn said. “We welcome this ongoing opportunity to showcase our beautiful campus and to provide a stimulating, college-level learning environment for these exceptional high school students. Of course, we certainly hope many of them will decide to attend Murray State University as a result of their experiences here. I’m grateful to Vice President Don Robertson, MSU Honors Director Warren Edminster, Dan Lavitt, Jim Baurer and others on our team for coordinating our successful application.”