(MURRAY, Ky.) — Murray State University is now the only public university in Kentucky designated a Purple Heart University, after President Dr. Ron K. Patterson signed a proclamation making it official.
About 70 people gathered Aug. 19 in the Veterans Lounge of Blackburn Science Building to mark the occasion. Fewer than 20 public universities nationwide hold the distinction, according to Murray State Director of Veteran and Military Student Success Joshua Williams.
Williams, an Army veteran, called the designation personal.
“I carry with me the memory of those who didn’t come home the same way they left, and those who didn’t come home at all,” Williams said, adding that the honor tells combat-wounded veterans “their service matters here.”
He said the recognition belongs to every Purple Heart recipient who has passed through the university’s doors — past, present and future.
Patterson said the designation reflects the university’s responsibility to its veterans, active-duty members and military families.
“We are proud to be the first public university in Kentucky to receive this distinction, and we will continue working to ensure Murray State remains a place where those who have served can learn, grow and succeed,” Patterson said.
The proclamation comes alongside a second honor: U.S. Veterans Magazine named Murray State a 2026 “Top Yellow Ribbon School” for its support of veterans and military-connected students. The magazine named Murray State a “Top Veteran School” in 2025.
Other recent recognitions include a 2026-2027 gold-level Military Friendly® School designation with a top-10 ranking among large schools, second place nationally among schools for military spouses, and a No. 6 ranking among regional universities in the South on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best College for Veterans” list.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Student Success Dr. Don Robertson said military-connected students make significant sacrifices and that the honors are a tribute to their service.
Murray State offers military-connected students personalized advising, career planning, flexible scheduling for active-duty service members, disability services, free counseling, and access to a psychological center. The university also provides tuition discounts for service members using Federal Tuition Assistance, along with waived fees, free graduation cords for veterans, textbook discounts and free admission applications.
“Murray State University has always been a place that honors service, and as a veteran who walked these halls myself, I can say that with certainty,” Williams said.
