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Ron K. Patterson

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Ron K. Patterson
Patterson in 2025
President of Murray State University
Incumbent
Assumed office
July 1, 2025
Preceded byBob Jackson
President of Chadron State College
In office
July 1, 2023 – June 9, 2025
Preceded byRandy Rhine
Personal details
Born
Corinth, MS
SpouseJenny Patterson
Children2
Alma mater
OccupationUniversity administration

Ron K. Patterson is an American university administrator. Since 2025 he has been the president of Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky; he was previously the president of Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska.

Early life and education

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Patterson was raised in Corinth, Mississippi and has two younger sisters.[1] A first generation college student, he transferred from Northeast Mississippi Community College to complete his bachelor's degree in human services at the University of Tennessee Southern, and later earned an education specialist degree with a concentration in community college administration from Arkansas State University. In 2002, he earned a master's degree in education from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio.[2][3] In 2022 he earned a Doctor of Education degree in the Interdisciplinary Leadership program at Creighton University.[2][3][4]

Career

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Patterson began his career coaching basketball and golf at Tusculum College in Tusculum, Tennessee and Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio.[2][5] He then changed careers to become an administrator, first as an admissions counselor at Christian Brothers University in Memphis and subsequently as vice president for enrollment management at Marietta College, as director of admissions and enrollment services at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, and at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. He then served for six years as associate vice president at the University of North Alabama in Florence, for the last two years as the university's first vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion.[1][3][4][5][6]

In 2023, after completing his doctorate, he became President of Chadron State College,[4][6][7] where he spearheaded a new five-year plan.[5] In 2025 he was appointed president of Murray State University, beginning his term that July.[2][5][8][9] Soon after his appointment, he conducted a listening and learning tour with almost 40 stops across the multi-state region.[8][10]A series of special events took place on April 13-14, 2026 for Patterson's inauguration, including the investiture ceremony as the 15th President of Murray State University. [8][11][12]

Personal life

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Patterson and his wife Jenny have two children.[2][7]

References

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  1. 1 2 Freundschuh, Brooke J. (February 16, 2023). "Who is Dr.Ron Patterson?". The Flor-Ala. University of North Alabama. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Teague, Hawkins (March 11, 2025) [March 10, 2025]. "Paterson chosen as next Murray State president". Murray Ledger & Times. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 Grefer, Francis (February 28, 2025). "Getting to know Murray State University presidential candidate: Ron K. Patterson". WKMS. Murray State University. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
  4. 1 2 3 Nyatawa, Jon (September 19, 2024). "'A leader for all': What Chadron State's president gained from Creighton's EdD program". Alumni and Friends. Creighton University. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Murray State University names Ron Patterson president". The Lane Report. March 11, 2025. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  6. 1 2 Kyaw, Arrman (April 20, 2023). "Dr. Ron K. Patterson Appointed President of Chadron State College". The EDU Ledger. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  7. 1 2 Cook, Tena L. (April 20, 2023). "Patterson named CSC's 12th president". Chadron State College. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  8. 1 2 3 "President Dr. Ron Patterson to launch the Racer Spirit Listening and Learning Tour". Murray State University. July 22, 2025. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Ron Patterson Appointed President of Murray State University". Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. March 17, 2025. Retrieved October 13, 2025.
  10. ↑ Marlowe, Edward (August 27, 2025). "MSU's Dr. Patterson Brings Listening Tour To Cadiz". WDKZ radio. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  11. ↑ Teague, Hawkins (April 14, 2026). "Patterson inaugurated as 15th MSU president". Murray Ledger and Times. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
  12. ↑ Beatty, Ainsley (April 15, 2026). "Murray State celebrates President Patterson's first year". Murray State News. Retrieved April 17, 2026.
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