McMurry University president to retire after 40+ years of leadership in higher education

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – After more than four decades in higher education, and 11 impactful years as the 10th president of McMurry University, Dr. Sandra S. Harper is set to retire on Friday, leaving behind a legacy of growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to McMurry’s success.

Harper’s journey in higher education spans more than four decades, filled with many milestones. She started as a faculty member at McMurry from 1985 to 1995, where she was instrumental in guiding the transition from McMurry College to McMurry University. Over the years, Harper took on roles like vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma City University and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at McMurry University, leaving a lasting impact on every institution she served.

From 1998 to 2006, Harper held the dual title of provost and vice president for academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She then took the helm as president of Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, serving until 2013. That same year, she joined the McMurry University Board of Trustees. On October 1, 2013, Harper stepped into the role of president at McMurry University.

“During her presidency, McMurry celebrated achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts, from excelling in undergraduate research and playwriting competitions to securing a historic co-championship football title—the first in over 40 years. Dr. Harper also navigated McMurry through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas Freeze of 2021, and significant transformations in higher education,” the university shared.

During her presidency, Harper achieved several major milestones that have left a lasting legacy at McMurry University. She spearheaded two strategic initiatives—McMurry Momentum and The Second Century—that set the course for the institution’s future. Her tenure also saw record-breaking fundraising that fueled notable advancements, including enrollment growth and infrastructure projects. Among these are the reimagined and expanded Garrison United Methodist Campus Center, the state-of-the-art Edwards Field softball stadium, and Centennial Commons, a modern apartment complex.

At her inauguration, McMurry University established the Dr. Sandra S. Harper Women’s Leadership Scholarship. This scholarship, celebrating exceptional female students, has awarded 19 $5,000 scholarships to date. The funds are raised annually through the Women’s Leadership Luncheon, an annual event held during Women’s History Month.

Harper’s contributions to higher education and leadership have earned her distinguished awards, including:

• AAUW Abilene Branch Women of Outstanding Achievement Award
• Management Excellence Award from the Society for the Advancement of Management
• Y Women in Careers Award from the Corpus Christi YWCA
• Outstanding Faculty Award and the Outstanding Administrator Award from McMurry
• Carol A. Luthman Meritorious Service Award by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Abilene Chamber of Commerce Pathfinder Award

In retirement, Harper and her husband, Dave, look forward to dividing their time between Abilene and northeast Texas, relishing precious moments with their two adult sons, their daughters-in-law, and their six grandchildren.

Dr. Lynne Murray is set to carry forward the legacy of progress and excellence that Dr. Harper established, beginning her tenure on Friday, January 10, 2025.