鶹Ƶ hosts 337 rising seniors from Governor’s Scholars Program
By MSU Public Relations | Aug 10, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — 鶹Ƶ welcomed 337 scholars representing 89 counties across the Commonwealth for the Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP) June 21-July 25.
The Governor’s Scholars Program is a five-week summer residential program for outstanding high school students in Kentucky who are rising seniors as part of an effort to enhance the state's next generation of civic and economic leaders.
Established in 1983, the program provides academic and personal growth through the balance of a strong liberal arts program with full co-curricular and residential life experiences. Students must complete an application and compete with others from across the state. Those selected attend the program free of charge.
There were 18 different focus areas represented on campus. Scholars also took a general studies class—in which faculty members determined the overall theme of the course—and a leadership seminar course. Scholars also participated in a weekly talent show called Showcase, the July 4 Freedom Fest celebration, the classic film series and more.
“We had a wonderful program at Murray State this summer,” said GSP-Murray Campus Director Steve Easley. “Our scholars were incredibly engaged in class activities and we got lots of positive feedback from them about the program and Murray State. The GSP has a wonderful relationship with both Murray State and the Murray community at large, and we always feel so welcomed by local businesses, guest speakers and all the Murray State employees we interact with. We're excited for many more summers to come at Murray State and will start planning soon for next summer!”
Four other Murray State faculty members taught at GSP-Murray this summer: Professor of Voice Dr. Tana Field-Bartholomew, Professor of Agronomy Dr. Iin Handayani and Professor, Graduate Program Director of Journalism and Mass Communications Dr. Bella Ezumah and Instructor of Painting and Drawing April Webb.
Murray State is scheduled to be a host site for GSP through at least summer 2028. Murray State's successful bid to be one of three host institutions to Governor's Scholars means that students from all around the Commonwealth experience far western Kentucky and the lovely campus and culture of 鶹Ƶ.