Murray State University chosen to host Governor’s Scholars Program

Murray State University will continue to host the summer Governor’s Scholars Program, as the university was recently chosen to host the program for the summers of 2026, 2027, and 2028. The university is hosting the program this summer as well, with the program coming to a close for the year on July 26. The Governor’s Scholars Program is a residential program for rising high school seniors in Kentucky that introduces teens to leadership, civics, and residential college life. 

According to an article on Murray State University’s website, Ashley Ireland, who serves as the university’s Assistant Provost and Director of Online Learning and was instrumental in the university’s proposal to host the program for the next three years, was quoted as saying, “Murray State is proud to host Governor's Scholars on our lovely campus this summer, and for the next three years. This prestigious program brings some of Kentucky's best and brightest rising senior high school students to the Finest Place We Know for several weeks each summer. We hope this long standing relationship continues into the next decade and beyond.”

The Governor’s Scholars Program was established in 1983 and is a free program that rising seniors in Kentucky high schools can apply to participate in to have a summerlong residential college experience, complete with academics and extracurricular activities, and learn about leadership, civics, and personal growth. The goal of the program is to provide the next generation of the state’s leaders with a well-rounded civic and liberal arts education.

The program’s curriculum each summer allows students to pick one subject they would like to focus on in a small group of other students, as well as general courses that will instruct students on service-learning and community leadership, and a seminar focusing on careers, interpersonal relationships, and values. The program also features lectures from prominent community members, field trips, and a film series.

This summer, from June 22 to July 26, the university is hosting 347 high school seniors for the program. Faculty members teaching for the summer program include professor of voice Dr. Tana Field-Bartholomew, professor of agronomy Dr. Iin Handayani, professor and Graduate Program Director of Journalism and Mass Communications Dr. Bella Ezumah, and Dr. Melony Shemberger, professor of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Shemberger said, “I am excited to have the magic of the Governor’s Scholars Program at Murray State University again this summer. These students are bright, kind and energetic. I am eager to see the scholars work together to build a positive learning and living community. These students already are leaders in their schools and communities, but I am confident that they will shine as the next economic and civic leaders of Kentucky.”

For more information about Murray State University, visit the school’s website.