Murray State University Athletics
Nico Yantko Named Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year
7/17/2026 1:04:00 PM | General
Yantko is the youngest winner of the prestigious award in the Chamber’s 99-year history
Nico Yantko, whose bold vision and relentless optimism has transformed Murray State Athletics and elevated the community as a whole, was named the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year during the organization's 99th Annual Business Celebration.
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Yantko is the youngest recipient to ever win the prestigious award and is the first representative of Murray State Athletics to receive the honor since 2011.
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"Nico's selection as the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year is an incredible honor and a reflection of the lasting impact he has made both on our campus and throughout our community," Murray State University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "Since arriving at Murray State, Nico has demonstrated visionary leadership, a servant's heart and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the connection between our university and the people we serve. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized with this well-deserved honor, and we congratulate Nico on an achievement that truly embodies the Racer spirit."
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"Nico has quickly become one of those rare leaders who makes people believe in what's possible," President/CEO of the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Michelle Bundren said. "While his vision has elevated Murray State Athletics to new heights, his willingness to invest in our community, build partnerships, and lead with authenticity has made an equally lasting impact off the field. We are honored to recognize him as our 2026 Citizen of the Year."
Yantko led the charge to launch the $100 million Leading the Pack campaign, securing the university's largest-ever gift of $10 million and achieving consecutive record fundraising years of $21.5 million in 2024-25 and $31 million in 2025-26.
His ability to unite a community has not only led the unprecedented community growth, but is seeing him drive the future creation of Racer Entertainment Village — a mixed-use district featuring retail, hospitality, and upgraded facilities to support long-term growth.
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"This recognition is not about just one person, but about all of the remarkable people I have the privilege of working alongside every day at Murray State Athletics and throughout our community," Vice President & Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "Murray and Calloway County have embraced my family from the moment we returned home, and it has been a privilege to serve a community that is so passionate about making a difference and committed to long-term growth and success. Together, we have accomplished incredible things, and I believe the best is still ahead for Murray State and our entire community. I am truly thankful for this honor and proud to call Murray home."
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These investments have fueled sustained championship-level performance with NCAA postseason success in basketball and a College World Series appearance in baseball, while also overseeing Murray State's elevation to the Missouri Valley Conference and achieving the program's top finish in school history in the MVC All-Sports Trophy.
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He was also responsible for the launch of the Dennis Jackson Leadership Program, a comprehensive initiative focused on developing student-athletes beyond competition. The program has contributed to record-setting academic performance, including the highest GPAs and Graduation Success Rates (GSR) in school history, while helping set the school record for community service engagement and financial literacy education to prepare student-athletes for long-term success.
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Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics), and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
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Yantko is the youngest recipient to ever win the prestigious award and is the first representative of Murray State Athletics to receive the honor since 2011.
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"Nico's selection as the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year is an incredible honor and a reflection of the lasting impact he has made both on our campus and throughout our community," Murray State University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "Since arriving at Murray State, Nico has demonstrated visionary leadership, a servant's heart and an unwavering commitment to strengthening the connection between our university and the people we serve. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized with this well-deserved honor, and we congratulate Nico on an achievement that truly embodies the Racer spirit."
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"Nico has quickly become one of those rare leaders who makes people believe in what's possible," President/CEO of the Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Michelle Bundren said. "While his vision has elevated Murray State Athletics to new heights, his willingness to invest in our community, build partnerships, and lead with authenticity has made an equally lasting impact off the field. We are honored to recognize him as our 2026 Citizen of the Year."
Yantko led the charge to launch the $100 million Leading the Pack campaign, securing the university's largest-ever gift of $10 million and achieving consecutive record fundraising years of $21.5 million in 2024-25 and $31 million in 2025-26.
His ability to unite a community has not only led the unprecedented community growth, but is seeing him drive the future creation of Racer Entertainment Village — a mixed-use district featuring retail, hospitality, and upgraded facilities to support long-term growth.
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"This recognition is not about just one person, but about all of the remarkable people I have the privilege of working alongside every day at Murray State Athletics and throughout our community," Vice President & Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "Murray and Calloway County have embraced my family from the moment we returned home, and it has been a privilege to serve a community that is so passionate about making a difference and committed to long-term growth and success. Together, we have accomplished incredible things, and I believe the best is still ahead for Murray State and our entire community. I am truly thankful for this honor and proud to call Murray home."
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These investments have fueled sustained championship-level performance with NCAA postseason success in basketball and a College World Series appearance in baseball, while also overseeing Murray State's elevation to the Missouri Valley Conference and achieving the program's top finish in school history in the MVC All-Sports Trophy.
Â
He was also responsible for the launch of the Dennis Jackson Leadership Program, a comprehensive initiative focused on developing student-athletes beyond competition. The program has contributed to record-setting academic performance, including the highest GPAs and Graduation Success Rates (GSR) in school history, while helping set the school record for community service engagement and financial literacy education to prepare student-athletes for long-term success.
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Follow the Racers on X (@MSURacers), Instagram (@RacersAthletics), and Facebook to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Murray State Athletics.
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