MOREHEAD, Ky.—-Officials of Morehead State University along with members of its Board of Regents, local and state legislators today (Tuesday, June 20) honored a distinguished Eagle alumnus, Rocky J. Adkins, who says, he is an Eagle from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet.
The group dedicated the new dining commons facility “The Rocky Adkins Dining Commons.”
“I can’t think of anyone else that deserves this more that Rocky,” said Dr. Wayne D. Andrews, MSU president. “What he has given to and means to this University, is an outstanding legacy.”
Adkins is humbled, but glad that MSU students will have a chance to take advantage of the new facility.
“This is all about our students. This will give them a place to study, eat and socialize with their classmates and friends,” said Adkins. “MSU has played a pivotal role in my life and I am very honored to have my name placed on this building. It also adds to the beauty of our campus.”
“The Rock” was built on the site of the former Waterfield Hall. The 25,000 square foot dining commons overlooks the central residential community. The project was designed by EOP Architects, Lexington.
The cost of it and the parking garage and dining complex was $22.8 million. The parking and dining facility is being funded from private funds and from student fees for housing, parking and dining services.
“This is a great day at Morehead State. This is for our students,” said Paul C. Goodpaster, Board of Regents chair. “This new dining area will serve future generations of Eagles.”
Rep. Adkins received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from MSU.
In 1986, he was elected to serve in the Kentucky legislature. The Sandy Hook native served as the House Majority Floor Leader from 2003-16 and is currently serves as Minority Floor Leader.
During his time in the legislature, he has remained a staunch supporter of education in eastern Kentucky.
A more than 20-year survivor of cancer, he actively raises funds for research by sponsoring an annual golf tournament, “Rocky Adkins Charity Golf Outing – Cure for Cancer” which has raised more than $2.3 million since its inception in 1995.
Rep. Adkins was inducted into the MSU Alumni Hall of Fame in 2004 and named the recipient of the 2012 Founders Award for University Service.
He has been honored for his public service by many organizations and considered a leader in the field of energy independence and has introduced several ground-breaking pieces of legislation.
Adkins was the starting point guard on the 1982-83 OVC Champion Eagles basketball teams.
