Murray State University names Morgan as provost

Posted: Wednesday, May 1, 2013 6:00 pm

The Messenger 05.01.13 Dr. Joseph “Jay” Morgan has been selected to serve as Murray (Ky.) State University’s next provost by Dr. Randy J. Dunn, MSU president. He was selected from a national pool of 84 candidates and was one of four finalists who interviewed for the position. The search began in November 2012. A 17-member search committee included representatives from each academic college and school, constituent groups, the Dean’s Council, professional staff, student affairs and athletics. Dr. Jack Rose chaired the group. “Much appreciation is due to Dr. Jack Rose for his leadership and members of the search committee for their excellent work in conducting a national search for our next provost. The finalists were exceptional candidates, but in the end Dr. Morgan proved to be the best choice — demonstrating once again the caliber of leadership on our campus. I am confident that Jay’s institutional knowledge, as well as his vision for the future, will bring continued success for our academic programs at Murray State University,” Dunn said. Morgan, who is a graduate of Murray State and has spent much of his career on campus, is eager to take on this new opportunity. “I am humbled by the university community’s confidence in me to serve as the next provost. MSU has a high-quality faculty and staff, as well as great students and a loyal alumni base. I very much look forward to working collaboratively with everyone within the university and with all areas of the service region,” Morgan said. Morgan holds a bachelor of science degree in agriculture science and business and a master of science degree in agriculture science from MSU. He earned his Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University in agricultural education. He has been the associate provost for graduate education and research at Murray State since 2010. Morgan began teaching at MSU in 1997 in the Hutson School of Agriculture. He worked his way through the academic ranks, becoming a full professor in 2008. He also served as graduate coordinator for agriculture for six years and was the director of the Agriculture Leadership Development Program for nearly a decade. Prior to beginning his career at MSU, Morgan spent several years teaching and coaching at the high school level. An advocate for study abroad experiences, Morgan most recently led a delegation to Qingdao University in China to explore an international M.B.A. program agreement. He has directed study abroad programs and led delegations researching special projects around the globe, including Puerto Rico, Hungary, Mexico, England, Italy, Ecuador, France, Germany, Brazil and a number of other countries. Morgan has participated in many grants at Murray State, with an award total of more than $1.4 million. His scholarly activity includes a number of published articles and presentations. Additionally, Morgan is active in a number of university, regional and community leadership roles. He was the faculty regent at MSU from 2007-10 and has contributed service to a number of university committees, MSU’s fundraising efforts and professional organizations. He also served on the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System board of trustees as well as a number of other high profile boards and commissions. Current provost Dr. Bonnie Higginson has held the position since 2010. She is retiring from the provost’s office on June 30. Morgan will begin his new duties on July 1.

, ,