(MURRAY, Ky.) — Murray State University officially opened the Robert L. and Karen Miller Jackson College of Nursing and Health Sciences Building, known as Jackson Hall, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 1.
The new building on 16th Street gives nursing students expanded lab space, larger classrooms, simulation areas, collaboration and study spaces, and the campus health clinic.
University leaders say the facility will help meet growing demand for health care professionals in west Kentucky and beyond.
“Jackson Hall will allow Murray State University to continue preparing graduates who provide compassionate, evidence-based care,” said Dr. Dina Byers, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. “We are extremely thankful to all who made this possible.”
Three spaces inside the building were dedicated in honor of individuals: the Dr. Michael Muscarella Classroom for Assisted Care and Rehabilitation, the Dr. Elizabeth Garrison Johnson Simulation Studios, and the Oleta E. Burkeen Essential Skills Lab.
The Kentucky General Assembly approved funding for construction in 2023. The Board of Regents announced the following year that the building would be named for Dr. Bob Jackson and his wife, Karen. Dr. Jackson served as Murray State’s 14th president from 2018 through 2025. Karen Jackson is a second-generation Murray State graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and worked in pediatrics and intensive care.
“Jackson Hall represents an important investment in the future of health care education,” said Murray State President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. He added that it is “especially meaningful” the building carries the Jacksons’ names.
The Jacksons said they were humbled and grateful for the honor, and that the building will help educate the next generation of nursing and health care professionals.
Murray State is seeing record enrollment in several College of Nursing and Health Sciences programs. Offerings include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN to BSN (online), MSN to DNP (online) and BSN to DNP, with nurse anesthetist and family nurse practitioner specializations
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Master of Science in Nutrition, with dietetic internship and online non-internship options
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, with dietetics and nutrition and foods tracks
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy (online)
- Bachelor of Science in Public and Community Health
For more information, visit murraystate.edu/nursing.
