MSU announces naming of Dr. John Kleber Conference Room

A longtime Morehead State University professor, administrator and Kentucky historian who helped shape the institution for generations will now be permanently recognized with a campus space bearing his name.

The MSU Board of Regents has approved the naming of the Dr. John Kleber Conference Room located on the 3rd floor of Rader Hall.

Dr. John Kleber is one of Kentucky's most distinguished historians, scholars, and educators, whose service to Morehead State University spans decades of leadership, teaching, and academic excellence. Kleber came to MSU as a history professor in 1968 at the age of 27. In addition to being interim dean of the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Kleber served for 15 years as director of MSU's academic honors program.

After retiring from MSU in 1996, Kleber spent two decades at the University of Louisville's McConnell Center for Political Leadership (now simply known as the McConnell Center). He recently retired from the nonpartisan Center as a senior fellow. He is also a Kentucky Historian Laureate and the author of “The Kentucky Encyclopedia” and “The Encyclopedia of Louisville.”

Kleber, who visited campus in September as a featured speaker for Constitution Week and the McBrayer Presidential Lecture Series, was formally recognized during Tuesday's lecture by noted historian, author and McConnell Center Director Dr. Gary Gregg. Gregg's presentation explored the American presidency and the enduring legacy of George Washington, the subject of his latest book, “George Washington: Citizen, Soldier, Statesman.” During the event, Allison Caudill (Class of 2005, 2009), vice president for university advancement and CEO of the Morehead State University Foundation, presented Kleber with the honor.

This naming opportunity recognizes his lasting contributions as a history professor, director of the Honors Program, interim dean, and professor emeritus, as well as his statewide impact through scholarship, authorship, and public history.

“Through a lifetime of philanthropic commitment to Morehead State University, coupled with a generous, planned gift that will support future generations of students, Dr. Kleber has demonstrated an enduring belief in the University's mission and future,” said Caudill. “Naming this space in his honor provides a lasting tribute to his contributions as an educator, historian, philanthropist, and champion of Morehead State University.”

For more information on potential naming opportunities, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations & Development at 606-783-2033 or email giving@moreheadstate.edu.