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MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� The Murray State University Board of Regents, during a special-called meeting on Sept. 19, approved the naming of the Michael Muscarella Classroom for Assisted Care and Rehabilitation in the new School of Nursing and Health Professions Building, Jackson Hall. The honor recognizes Dr. Muscarella, of Baptist Health Paducah, for his longstanding dedication to healthcare education and his deep support of Murray State鈥檚 efforts in the field.

The board commended Muscarella for strengthening ties between the University and regional healthcare partners鈥攅specially in allied health and rehabilitation sciences鈥攁nd for his decades of service to both Murray State and the broader community. He has been a key advocate in promoting the University to prospective students, connecting them with the healthcare profession, and supporting faculty collaboration. His service includes participation on several advisory boards, such as the Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and the Occupational Therapy admissions committee. His leadership has directly influenced curriculum development and program outcomes that benefit students and the region鈥檚 healthcare system.

In approving the naming, the board emphasized that this recognition not only celebrates Muscarella鈥檚 impact and legacy but also reflects the University鈥檚 gratitude for his selfless commitment to education, service and community. The classroom will stand as a lasting symbol of inspiration for future generations of students.

鈥淭he approval of the naming of the Assisted Care/Rehabilitation Classroom in Jackson Hall as the Michael Muscarella Classroom for Assisted Care and Rehabilitation brings me great joy,鈥� said Dr. Dina Byers, dean of Murray State鈥檚 School of Nursing and Health Professions. 鈥淒r. Muscarella has consistently advocated for the University in professional and community settings, encouraging young individuals to consider Murray State鈥檚 programs for their academic and career aspirations. He has supported the School of Nursing and Health Professions in many ways. This naming opportunity will serve as a way to honor Dr. Muscarella and his commitment and support to Murray State University for many years to come."

In his current role as executive director of ambulatory services for Baptist Health Paducah, Muscarella oversees rehabilitation services, respiratory care, palliative care, neurodiagnostics, the wound care center and the advance care planning. He has worked at Baptist Health since 1991, previously as director of rehabilitation, and is also responsible for the hospital鈥檚 community health needs assessment. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Kentucky (UK) and a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy from Old Dominion University. He has served as an adjunct faculty member for UK鈥檚 Doctor of Physical Therapy program for 13 years. He has also served as president of the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association and the Rotary Club of Paducah. Currently, he is the advisory board chair for the Purchase Area Health Education Center at Murray State University and serves as the chair of the Kentucky AHEC Advisory Board. He is also a member of the advisory boards for Western Kentucky University鈥檚 Center for Gifted Studies, Gatton Math and Science Academy, and DPT program, University of Evansville鈥檚 DPT program, and Murray State鈥檚 Occupational Therapy program. Additionally, Muscarella chairs Healthy Paducah, McCracken County鈥檚 community health coalition. 

Responding to his recognition by the Murray State Board of Regents, Muscarella said, 鈥淢urray State University is the keystone educational institution in our community. It offers access to stellar degrees in needed areas of service for our region for students enrolling from high school, West Kentucky Community and Technical College, and other universities. I have been fortunate to volunteer and assist our faculty in directing our students to health career programs including occupational therapy, exercise science, premed and speech language pathology, to name a few. This last year alone, 14 students were accepted to medical school, and four students were accepted to dental school from Murray State. This reflects the power and strength of our faculty to equip our students to succeed. It is an honor to help Murray State pathway our scholars toward the career of their dreams.鈥�

鈥淒r. Michael Muscarella embodies the virtues of dedication to his profession, commitment to students and education, work in service of others, and giving back to his community,鈥� said Murray State University President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. 鈥淲e greatly appreciate his many years of support of Murray State students and his efforts to promote the quality of their education and ability to go on and successfully serve the community after graduation. This naming will honor his commendable legacy for years to come.鈥�

Murray State anticipates an expected completion of Jackson Hall by the summer of 2026, with its doors opening for students in the fall 2026 semester. In 2023, the Kentucky General Assembly approved $45.5 million in funding for the construction of the building. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Dec. 8, 2023, at the location on North 16th Street where construction on the building is now taking place. 

The new building will offer Murray State University鈥檚 nursing students state-of-the-art technology, expanded space for labs, larger classrooms, simulation areas, spaces for student and faculty collaboration and study and the campus health clinic. The University now offers several prestigious naming opportunities for donors and corporate partners to invest in the future of healthcare education in the region. Gift commitments can be made over a period of up to five years and will support the purchase of new technology and teaching equipment. The University鈥檚 goal is to raise $5 million for this initiative. The private funds will be utilized for added equipment and additional enhancements to the building in order to provide students and healthcare partners a state-of-the-art teaching, learning, and experiential facility. Details about the design of the new building and naming opportunities can be found at.