Morehead State’s President Dr. Jay Morgan Spearheads Efforts to Revitalize MSU’s Campus

Morehead State University is a top-ranked university, and as part of its commitment to academic and student success, the institution is seeing numerous improvements. MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan is leading efforts to enhance the campus for faculty, staff, current and prospective students.

“Morehead State is pushing forward – academically, athletically, and now with our facilities,” Dr. Morgan said.

Through strategic budgeting, state funding and some generous private gifts, renovation projects will improve the campus experience for faculty, staff and students. Completed, current and future projects include:

• Construction of a new $98 million Science & Engineering Building
• Renovation of the MSU Baseball Stadium.
• Renovations to transition the Eagle Center tennis courts into an indoor turf facility by adding field turf, lighting, painting, graphics and support equipment.
• Replacement of the basketball court at the Academic-Athletic Center (AAC).
• Renovations to the MSU Post Office and eSports Lounge in the Adron Doran University Center.
• Renovations to the ground floor of Alumni Tower for new on-campus housing for students in the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics.
• Installation of new lockers and new seating in Duncan Recital Hall located in Baird Music Hall.
• Improvements to stairs, windows and flooring in Baird Music Hall, in consultation with staff in the building.
• Multiple new roofs & HVAC Units

Other projects planned in the future are improvements to the MSU Recruit Walk across campus, including new flower beds, concrete stairs, sidewalk repairs and painting.

In the 2022 Kentucky Legislative Session, MSU was approved for significant Asset Preservation Funds. The University received approximately $20 million in the 2022-23 academic year, with another $20 million forthcoming for the 2023-24 academic year.

“These funds are wonderful investments into state assets and our students,” Dr. Morgan added.

Kim Oatman, chief facilities and operations officer with MSU is excited about the many projects lined up to make these campus improvements. "We already have a good start on these projects, and we are roughly 25% complete. The remainder of the projects are either in the planning, design or construction phase and expected to be completed in 2024," Oatman said. "These projects will improve the living and learning environments across campus by providing more reliable and comfortable air quality and temperatures as well as helping to keep spaces safe, dry and appealing."

MSU will also utilize state funding to construct a new Science & Engineering facility to help prepare students for the 21st-century job market and contribute to the economic transformation of the region. The new facility will significantly impact science and engineering at MSU which are already very strong programs. The University is in the preliminary planning phase for this project which will have a 3- to 4-year design/construction duration.

President Morgan said these concerted efforts to improve the overall MSU experience are just another example of MSU valuing its students and prioritizing their success. "We are on our way to doing great things for our students."

To learn more about Morehead State University, visit moreheadstate.edu.