ABOUT MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Harry M. Sparks becam e the fifth president of Murray State University in Jam!ary of 1968. He succeeds Dr. Ralph H. Woods, who served for 23 years and who is now president emeri tus

Previous presidents include Dr. John W. Carr, 19231926 and 1933-1936, Dr. Rainey T. Wells, 1926-1932 , and Dr. James H. Richmond, 19 36- 1945.

Founded in 1922 as Murr ay Normal School by the General Assembly of Kentucky, Murray State is one of five stare colleges and universiries, which, along with the University of Kentucky, make up the system of staresupported higher educations in Kentucky.

The name of the institution was changed in 1926 to Murray Stare Normal School and Teachers College, and the power ro confer degrees granted. In 1930, the name was changed to Murray Stare Teachers College, and the college began ro offer liberal arrs and pre-professional courses

In 1948, by act of th e state legislature , the name was changed to Murray State College, giving increased emphasis to the broad scope of the program and services. The General Assembly granted the school university status in 1966.