Board of Regents Minutes
September 2, 1994

Mission Statement, approved

Mr. Lovett stated that the mission statement for Murray State University was designed to refine references to the geographic region, institutional admission standards, degree levels, strategic directions/ program priorities, enhancement of instruction, research, and service functions, collaborative ventures, and efficiency/effectiveness.

For the joint committees, Mr. Lovett moved that the Board of Regents, upon the recommendation of the President of the University, approve the attached Mission Statement for Murray State University, as approved by the Governor's Higher Education Review Commission and the Council on Higher Education.

Mrs. Jones seconded and discussion followed.

In response to Mr. Burich's question regarding changing the mission statement, President Alexander responded that the Council on Higher Education (CHE) had developed the mission statement and it had been approved by the Governor's Higher Education Review Commission (HERC). Any changes in the mission statement would require approval from the CHE.

Mr. Burich expressed his discomfort with issues in the mission statement.

Provost Jim Booth pointed out that the mission statement has two purposes: to preserve Murray State's historic mission, and to ensure V that new areas developed over the years were included in our mission statement. There was concern because we had two mission statements, one that was given to the university through statutory authority by the CHE and one that was developed and adopted by the Board of Regents. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) reaffirmation committee, recommended that the university have one single mission statement. At about the same time, the CHE adopted the attached mission statement for Murray State University. This will be our mission statement, but it does not preclude the Board from developing a modification to it. However, any modification would put the university in jeopardy again with SACS who says Murray State needs one mission statement.

Dr. Booth expressed his personal feeling that the mission statement is broad enough to allow us to assume several initiatives in areas talked about in the past. He does not see the mission statement as being particularly restrictive.

Dr. Alexander pointed out that the HERC and CHE had delegated international education to MSU in the mission statement. This component provides the University with the authority to do things that the old mission statement did not allow. He pointed out that even though there are some parts of the mission statement more restrictive than others, the proposed statement does accurately define Murray State's mission.