By Loretta Fulton

McMurry University welcomed its 11th president, Dr. Lynne Murray, at a news conference and reception Friday, Sept. 27.

She will take office in January. Murray was introduced by Dr. Sandra Harper, current McMurry president who will retire at the end of the year. David Bailey, chair of the search committee, and Kathi Edwards, chair of the board of trustees, led the search, Bailey said it quickly became clear that Murray was the search committee’s choice to be the next president of McMurry.

“Her resume alone was enough to have her as our top choice,” he said.

Her resume includes a bachelor’s degree in English from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a master’s degree in marketing from Johns Hopkins University, and a doctorate in special education administration from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. 

Most recently, she served as president of Baker University in Kansas, which, like McMurry, is a small liberal arts university with United Methodist roots. As president of Baker University since 2014, Murray led the $41 million Forever Orange campaign, setting a record for the largest campaign in the institution’s history. 

Dr. Lynne Murray greets guests at her introductory news conference at McMurry University, where she will become the 11th president.

Murray said she grew up in Kansas and wasn’t thrilled about going to school at nearby St. Mary’s College, but it turned out to be a great choice, positioning her to be where she is today. As president of McMurry, she said she wants to provide access and opportunity for students to get a college education and lead successful and significant lives. She said she was asked why she decided to accept the presidency of McMurry.

“Because I believe I can authentically and enthusiastically represent you,” she said. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene