CHADRON – Dr. Ron K. Patterson has announced his intent to resign as Chadron State College’s President to become the next President of Murray State University. Murray State University’s Board of Regents made the announcement during a public meeting Monday.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Chadron State College’s 12th president,” Patterson said. “When people say that Chadron and Chadron State College are special places, they mean it. The dedication I’ve seen from faculty, staff, students, and our community is second to none. CSC and Chadron will always have a special place in my heart and I’m proud of the work we accomplished together.”

Highlights of Patterson’s tenure as President included the launch of a Presidential Listening Tour, development of a campus-wide strategic plan, the establishment of several partnerships to boost enrollment, launched new workforce ready academic programs and technology to support student success and retention, including a laptop program for students who did not have access to technology, and forged 2+2 pathways for both transfer and current students to institutions and academic health science centers.

Patterson, who was appointed as CSC’s president in April 2023, came to Chadron State College from the University of North Alabama in Florence where he advanced from Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management to Chief Enrollment Officer and Special Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion.

Prior to joining the University of North Alabama, Patterson served for 14 years as an administrator at Marietta College in Ohio, University of Central Arkansas, and University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Christian Brothers University in Memphis. He also spent four years as an assistant men’s basketball coach and head men’s golf coach at Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tennessee, and Marietta College.

In a letter to campus announcing his decision, Patterson expressed confidence in CSC’s leadership and the Nebraska State College System to guide the institution through a leadership transition, emphasizing that CSC thrives because of its dedicated faculty, staff, students, and supporters.

Nebraska State College System Chancellor Paul Turman echoed those sentiments and plans to share information, when available, to the campus.

“I will collaborate with the Board of Trustees to develop a comprehensive plan that ensures stability and continued progress for Chadron State. This process will include assessing leadership needs and identifying the best path forward for the institution’s next chapter. We are committed to a smooth transition and will share further details as they become available,” Turman said.