Murray State University to host ribbon cutting ceremony for new College of Nursing and Health Sciences Building

Murray State University will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication for the new Robert L and Karen Miller Jackson College of Nursing and Health Sciences Building, which will be called “Jackson Hall,” on October 1, 2026 at 3pm. The building is to be named after Dr. Jackson, who served as the university’s 14th President from 2018 through 2025, and Mrs. Jackson, who holds a nursing degree from the university and made many contributions to the nursing program and the university as a whole.

According to an article on Murray State University’s website, Murray State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson is quoted as saying of the new building and its namesakes, “Jackson Hall is a powerful reflection of what is possible when a university, its alumni, supporters and public partners come together around a shared vision for the future. This remarkable facility honors the enduring legacy of Dr. Robert Jackson and Karen Jackson while creating new opportunities for our students to learn, innovate and prepare to serve the health care needs of our region and beyond. We are grateful for their leadership and commitment to Murray State, and we are proud to dedicate this extraordinary building in their honor.”

Construction on the new building began at the end of 2024. A beam-topping ceremony was held on October 30, 2025, and now, in the fall of 2026, the building will open to nursing students. Jackson Hall features larger classrooms, expanded simulation spaces, an exercise physiology lab, new technology and equipment, a virtual reality lab, and the campus health clinic. 

Dr. Dina Byers, who serves as the dean of Murray State’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, said, “Jackson Hall represents more than a new building; it represents our commitment to student learning and to preparing the next generation of health care providers. Every classroom, laboratory and learning space was designed with our students in mind—giving them opportunities to learn, practice, collaborate and grow into confident professionals who will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in this project—from our University leadership and donors to our architects, contractors, faculty, staff and countless others who contributed their time, expertise and support. We are proud of this building, but even more proud of the students and graduates who will give it purpose.”

During Dr. Jackson’s time as university president, which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the university through growth and innovation. Among his accomplishments are the spearheading of state-funded projects like the Veterinary Sciences building, Learning Commons/Residence Hall, and a new College of Nursing and Health Sciences building; the preservation and improvement of historic campus facilities like Lovett Auditorium, Wrather Hall, and the Curris Center; steered the university through the challenging pandemic years; transitioned its athletic programs to the Missouri Valley Conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference; and oversaw the Be Bold: Forever Blue and Gold campaign.

Mrs. Jackson is a nurse who spent her clinical years in pediatrics and intensive care nursing. She devoted herself to the regional vaccination clinic held on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was honored with a COVID-19 Hero Award in 2021 by the College of Education and Human Services.

Inside the new Jackson Hall facility, several indoor spaces are being named after notable alumni and donors, including the Dr. Elizabeth Garrison Johnson Simulation Studios, the Dr. Michael Muscarella Classroom for Assisted Care and Rehabilitation, the Oleta E. Burkeen Essential Skills Lab, and the Dr. Jesse D. Jones Faculty Lounge. 

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the facilities.

For more information about Murray State University, visit the school’s website.