[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S2948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

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                         TRIBUTE TO BOB JACKSON

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Dr. Robert 
``Bob'' Jackson, the 14th president of Murray State University, who 
will be stepping down from the helm after more than 6 years of 
leadership. Dr. Jackson is a true public servant who has devoted much 
of his career to serving Kentuckians through his efforts to transform 
Murray State University and improve higher education across the 
Commonwealth. I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating 
my friend Bob on a well-deserved retirement.
  After graduating from LaRue County High School, Bob began his journey 
at Murray State University 43 years ago last fall. He studied finance 
and quickly developed an affinity for the institution, joining Pi Kappa 
Alpha Fraternity and meeting his wife Karen. Together, the couple 
shared fond memories of Greek life, attending Racer sporting events and 
competing in ``All Campus Sing'' on the steps of the Pogue Library. No 
doubt, Bob and Karen's time as students instilled in them a strong 
sense of pride for Murray State. Both have used their exceptional 
talents to give back to the university and community.
  Corporate finance and investment banking are part of Bob's diverse 
work background, but his passion for higher education in Kentucky is 
evident by the public service that fills his resume. Bob was elected to 
the Kentucky State Senate in 1997 and used his term in Frankfort to 
focus on postsecondary education and pension reform, garnering praise 
from legislators on both sides of the aisle. In another role, his deep 
knowledge of State and Federal policy allowed him the opportunity to 
advocate for Murray State University as its senior adviser for 
government relations. Bob also served as the head of the Murray State 
University Foundation before being tapped to lead his alma mater as 
interim president in 2018. Less than a year later, Bob was officially 
appointed president, and his tenure has been nothing short of pure 
excellence.
  Nearly every aspect of Murray State University has seen generational 
change under Bob's leadership. The university shifted its focus toward 
recruitment and retention during his administration, leading to an 
overall increase in enrollment of 5 percent between 2018 and 2024. 
Working with six board chairs and 26 regents, Bob helped solicit some 
of the largest private donations in school history, while cementing the 
planned additions of a new school of nursing, veterinary sciences 
building, and residential hall on campus. Success has been abundant for 
Bob even amidst significant obstacles like the pandemic, during which I 
was proud to work with him to help secure over $6 million in Federal 
funding for Murray State. Bob showed tremendous resilience shepherding 
the university through this difficult time, and for that, we are all 
grateful.
  Bob's vision for Murray State has always focused on putting the 
success of its students first. His selfless demeanor in each task at 
hand is a testament to his character, always giving credit where it is 
due. Optimism drives Bob's leadership as he often says, ``Our best days 
are ahead of us.'' While this may be true, the days of his presidency 
will be hard to beat. I wish Bob well in his retirement and know he 
will enjoy spending more time with family and traveling to new places. 
Again, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Dr. Bob Jackson's 
career of public service.

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