(Story courtesy of McMurry University Communications)

ABILENE, Texas -- Dr. Lynne Murray, who currently serves as president of Baker University, has been unanimously elected as the 11th president of McMurry University by its Board of Trustees and will begin her new role on January 10, 2025, succeeding Dr. Sandra S. Harper. 

Dr. Murray holds 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. Her selection comes after a comprehensive six-month nationwide search led by a presidential search committee comprised of trustees, alumni, faculty, and staff and supported by EFL Associates search firm.  

As president of Baker University since 2014, Dr. Murray led the $41 million Forever Orange campaign, setting a record for the largest campaign in the institution’s history. Her career has been marked by successful initiatives to enhance the national and international profiles of educational and nonprofit institutions, spearheading fundraising efforts, and generating increased revenue. As McMurry’s second female president since its founding in 1923, she will also be the second woman to lead an Abilene-based university. 

“Dr. Murray is joining McMurry at a pivotal time, following our recent Centennial, two straight years of record enrollment, and two of our highest consecutive years of fundraising,” said Kathi Edwards, chair of the McMurry Board of Trustees and co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “We sought a leader who could build on this momentum, and we are confident that Dr. Murray’s accomplishments and strategic approach align superbly with the qualities outlined in our presidential job prospectus. We believe she will not only sustain our progress but also guide McMurry into a new era of growth and achievement.” 

“From a competitive pool of more than 100 highly qualified applicants, Dr. Murray emerged as the standout choice due to her impressive achievements, exceptional leadership, and vision,” noted David Bailey ’04 co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee and chair-elect for the Board of Trustees. “She is the ideal leader for McMurry University, and I look forward to working with her to drive the future growth and success of this great institution.” 

“I am blessed to join the team of dedicated and accomplished faculty and staff at McMurry University and to build on the legacy of President Harper,” said Dr. Lynne Murray. “To join the legions of supportive alumni and friends of the university at this pivotal time is exciting. While the interview process allowed me to meet so many impressive individuals, I must say that my time with the students is what really made this decision easy for me. I am honored to serve as McMurry’s next President and work with all of you in the coming years to build on your recent successes and take us to even greater heights.”   



Before her role at Baker University, Dr. Murray served as the vice president for development, international and alumni relations at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. — the first school for the advanced education of deaf and hard of hearing students. She also worked as senior director for advancement at Georgetown University and in corporate and community relations at Johns Hopkins University. 

Originally from the East Coast and most recently based in Kansas, Dr. Murray and her husband, Jeff, are excited to make West Texas their new home. Jeff brings over 25 years of experience in technology from his time at Gallaudet University and has a distinguished background in the U.S. Air Force, with service in Colorado, Texas, Greenland, and Greece. With Abilene being home to Dyess Air Force Base, Jeff is eager to become part of a community that shares his military heritage. 

A press conference introducing Dr. Murray to the McMurry and Abilene communities will take place on September 27 at 2:30 p.m. in the Garrison United Methodist Campus Center Mabee Room. Following the press conference, there will be a reception where attendees can meet Dr. Murray and her husband, Jeff. 

McMurry would especially like to thank Steve Waldron and Edith Ketay of EFL Associates, Kansas City, MO, for their expert guidance throughout the search process.