ÂÜŔňÂŇÂ×

R. Thomas Waldrop, Jr. graduated cum laude from the University of Kentucky in 1977 with a degree in Agricultural Economics and immediately began his real estate career as he joined his father Ralph T. Waldrop, Sr., (B.S. MSU 1949) in the firm founded by the late H.C. Waldrop in 1922. The firm has evolved over the decades into a multi-disciplinary organization offering residential and commercial real estate brokerage, appraisal, management, leasing, development and consulting services across three states. He earned the coveted Member Appraisal Institute (MAI) designation from the Appraisal Institute in 1988 and is a Certified General Real Property appraiser in Kentucky and Tennessee.

From 2016-19, Tom served as a member of the Kentucky Real Estate Commission and has served terms as a Board officer of the West Kentucky Regional Multiple Listing (MLS) Service, helping 100 firms and 550 agents. Currently, Mr. Waldrop is a Managing Partner and Principal Broker at Trifecta Real Estate Services and focuses on all aspects of commercial real estate.

Currently, Tom serves as Chair of the Graves County Democratic Executive Committee and served as delegate to the 1st Congressional District and Kentucky State Democratic conventions in 2016 and 2021. After a 23-year tenure as a Mayfield City Council member, he serves as Chair of the City of Mayfield’s Telecommunications Authority, officer of the Graves County Industrial Development Board and an officer of the Graves County Industrial Authority.

About his new position, Mr. Waldrop says, “It is very humbling for Governor Andy Beshear to entrust me with this vital position guiding the honored and admired traditions at Murray State University. I look forward to working with Regents, staff, faculty, students and the citizen stakeholders to promote the growth, mission and excellence of the University.”

In his free time, Mr. Waldrop enjoys his 41-year career as a Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) high school football official, past President and active member of the Purchase Players Community Theatre, active member of Mayfield First United Methodist Church where he serves as a member of the Board of Trustees, as Chair of Missions and Chair of the 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2019 Jamaica Missions Teams. Tom was the founding Chair of the W. H. Fuller YMCA Wellness Center in Mayfield.

Tom resides in Mayfield. His daughter, Clarke, graduated from Transylvania University in 2014 and is currently looking forward to a post-covid return to working and living her dream in New York City. Mr. Waldrop’s term on the Board of Regents ends June 30, 2027.