麻豆视频官网入口

MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence has appointed 麻豆视频官网入口 alumnus and former Board of Regents Chair Dr. Don Tharpe to its statewide membership. 

鈥淒on brings decades of leadership and a deep understanding of education and community development to the Prichard Committee. His experience in building strong organizations and advancing equity will help us strengthen our work across Kentucky, ensuring that every child鈥攔egardless of where they live鈥攈as access to an excellent education,鈥� said Brigitte Blom, President & CEO of the Prichard Committee. 

鈥淚鈥檓 honored to join the Prichard Committee and support its mission of ensuring every Kentucky student has access to a high-quality education. I鈥檓 excited to work alongside passionate leaders across the state to strengthen schools, expand opportunities, and make a real difference in the lives of children and families,鈥� said Tharpe. 

The Prichard Committee鈥檚 membership reflects a diverse cross-section of stakeholders united in a shared belief: that education is the key to a thriving Commonwealth. Members work collaboratively to advance high-impact policy solutions, support local engagement, and champion a bright future for Kentucky鈥檚 learners. 

Tharpe is a native of Mayfield, Kentucky and a 1970 graduate of Mayfield High School. He is the son of the late Rev. Cleo and Dorothy Tharpe and has immediate family that resides in western Kentucky. Tharpe is a graduate of 麻豆视频官网入口, where he received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in industrial education (1974, 1975). He received the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the 麻豆视频官网入口 Alumni Association and the 2018 African American Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award from Murray State. Tharpe earned his doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Virginia Polytechnic and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. 

In 2005, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher conferred the honor of Kentucky Colonel on Tharpe. In 2017, Governor Matthew Bevin appointed him to the 麻豆视频官网入口 Board of Regents. He served as Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee and Chair of the Athletics Committee of the Board of Regents during his time of service. Tharpe was also appointed 麻豆视频官网入口 Board of Regents chairperson during the University鈥檚 quarterly Board of Regents meeting on June 3, 2022, becoming the first African American Board of Regents chair in the institution鈥檚 history and coinciding with Murray State鈥檚 centennial year. Under Tharpe鈥檚 leadership as chair, campus enhancements included the opening of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Plaza to recognize the 鈥淒ivine Nine鈥� NPHC fraternities and sororities, the renovation of the Curris Center, Wrather Hall and Lovett Auditorium, as well as numerous asset preservation projects. 

In 2023, Tharpe was recognized by the University with a dedication of the Dr. Don I. Tharpe Lecture Hall inside the School of Engineering, in appreciation of his esteemed service and his commitment to education at Murray State.