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Morehead State University names new president

Effective July 1

MOREHEAD, Ky. (March 29, 2017) — Dr. Joseph A. (Jay) Morgan has been named the 14th president of Morehead State University. Morgan will succeed Wayne D. Andrews. Andrews, who has bee president since Jan. 1, 2005, announced in April 2016 that he would retire on June 30.

From left, MSU President Dr. Wayne D. Andrews, Board of Regents Chair Paul C. Goodpaster and incoming President Dr. Joseph (Jay) Morgan.
From left, outgoing MSU President Dr. Wayne D. Andrews, Board of Regents Chair Paul C. Goodpaster and incoming President Dr. Joseph (Jay) Morgan.

Morgan’s contract is for a fouryear term, beginning July 1, and will be reviewed annually for any extensions. He also will hold the academic rank of professor based on his prior experience.

“My family and I are honored and excited to become a part of the Morehead State family. It is a tremendous privilege to be selected to lead MSU,” said Morgan. “I look forward to building on the work of President Andrews, the Board of Regents and the University’s outstanding students, faculty and staff.”

Morgan, 45, currently serves as the chief academic officer and vice president for academic affairs and student success for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. He provides leadership for statewide academic affairs, curriculum and programming, academic strategic planning, academic legislative and policy development, admission and enrollment requirements, diversity programming, student success/college readiness initiatives, e-learning, competency-based education, program evaluation and assessment, professional school contract placement, research and innovation, and federal and state grant administration.

Morgan holds a B.S. degree in agriculture science and business, and an M.S. degree in agriculture science from Murray State University. He earned his Ph.D. degree at Oklahoma State University in agricultural education with a minor in management and significant course work in educational administration.

Prior to Morgan’s term at the CPE, he served at Murray State University in a number of roles including provost and vice president for academic affairs, associate provost for graduate education and research, graduate program coordinator, and professor. He began teaching at Murray State in 1997. He is also a former high school teacher and coach.

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