MURRAY, Ky. – In celebration of 100 years of Agriculture at Murray State University, the Murray State University Alumni Association (MSUAA) is proud to announce that 1980 graduate Eddie Melton, president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau and a Webster County farmer, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Homecoming Parade. Murray State Homecoming is Oct. 30-Nov. 1, with the parade taking place along Main Street on Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m.
Melton, a lifelong resident of Sebree, Kentucky, was recently elected president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) for a second term after serving on the organization’s executive committee for the past 16 years. A respected leader in Kentucky agriculture, Melton operates a diversified farm producing corn, soybeans and beef cattle in Webster County.
A former President of Webster County Farm Bureau, Melton is the past chair of the KFB State Resolutions Committee and past president of the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Center for Agriculture & Rural Development. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company and the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Melton credits his Murray State education for instilling in him the leadership skills that led him to where he is today.
“During my tenure at Murray State, professors like Dr. Bill Payne and others taught us to take ownership of the decisions that we make,” Melton said. “So many professors over the years had an impact, not only on me, but all of the students I knew.”
Melton also gained another something special from his time at Murray State – his wife, Regina, `81, a Murray native.
“I went grocery shopping with a friend at Jim Adams IGA,” remembers Melton. “One of my friends knew Regina and the rest is history.”
They have one daughter, Lindsey Melton Hicklin, `05, who carried on the Racer Legacy. Lindsey and her husband, Nathan, `06, are also graduates.
A detailed schedule of events regarding Murray State’s Homecoming activities can be found at murraystate.edu/homecoming.
Highlights include:
- A Taste of the Arts – Thursday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. (a ticketed event)
- Racer Spirit Volunteer Summit – Thursday, Oct. 30 and Friday, Oct. 31. (pre-registration was required)
- Biannual Meeting of the MSUAA Board of Governors – Friday, Oct. 31 at 8:30 a.m.
- Racer Baseball Blue & Gold Scrimmage – Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m.
- Homecoming Parade – Saturday, Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m. The theme is “Lights, Camera, Racers.”
- MSUAA Tent City – Saturday, Nov. 1 at 12 p.m.
- Annual Student Government Association Homecoming Photo – Saturday, Oct. 31 at 3:20 p.m. under the scoreboard. (Open to anyone who has been involved with SGA both past and present)
- Coronation of the Homecoming King and Queen – Saturday, Oct. 31 prior to kick-off.
- Murray State football vs. Southern Illinois University – Saturday, Oct. 31 at 4 p.m.
This year’s 2025 Homecoming Court includes:
Queen Candidates – Emily Warren, Karrington Edwards, Janie Pagel, Haliyah Martin and Maggie White
King Candidates – Jawaun Northington, Timothy Melton, Karsen Starks, Levi Lucas and Jared Juenger
Tickets for the Homecoming game are available at goracers.com or by calling 270-809-3000.
For questions, please contact the Murray State University Office of Alumni Relations at 270-809-5600.
For more information about Murray State University Homecoming 2025, including the full schedule of events, visit murraystate.edu/homecoming.
Photo: In celebration of 100 years of Agriculture at Murray State University, the Murray State University Alumni Association (MSUAA) is proud to announce that 1980 graduate Eddie Melton, president of the Kentucky Farm Bureau and a Webster County farmer, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Homecoming Parade. Murray State Homecoming is Oct. 30-Nov. 1, with the parade taking place along Main Street on Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m.