McMurry’s new president, Dr. Lynne Murray on her university vision

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – On January 10, 2025, Dr. Sandra Harper retired after 11 years as the President of McMurry University. Just three days into her tenure as the university’s 11th president, Dr. Lynne Murray sat down with KTAB/KRBC for a conversation about what she’s learned and what she looks forward to bringing to the university, students, and community.

“When I think about Dr. Sandra Harper and what she’s contributed to McMurry and this community, I first of all say thank you to her, and I say I won’t let you down,” Murray shared.

Murray moved to Abilene from Kansas, where she had served as the President of Baker University for 10 years. She discovered McMurry during the period when Harper announced her retirement and a national search was underway for her replacement. Murray said that when she learned more about the school, it felt like the perfect fit.

“I was looking for a change in my career, and I was looking for an institution with a great reputation, an institution that shared my values, and an institution committed to excellence because that’s what I believe in,” said Murray.

Building on that firm foundation, Murray shared she is excited to dive head first into the ongoing university programs as she works to grow the school’s offerings, presence, and reach. The new president speaks highly of the school’s recent partnerships with institutions such as the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing.

“My entire career has been in higher education for the most part. So I’ve come up through the ranks if you will. I’ve seen the evolution of higher education, and what I’ve noticed is those institutions, especially private institutions, that will succeed are going to be the ones that find the partnerships, that look to Cisco College, for example, or Texas Wesleyan. These are two partnerships that McMurry has just entered into,” Murray said.

Murray is also looking to broaden the impact of the school’s online and dual credit programs for high school students, continue to foster school-alumni relations and expand the school’s national presence. All these tasks, she says, wouldn’t be possible if not for the people and ideas that came before.

“I think here at McMurry, we are poised for greatness. I can say that with confidence because our enrollment is up. We’ve hit record enrollment, and we’ve had record fundraising. We’re coming off a one-hundred-year centennial celebration. I get to come in, and I get to work with the students and the faculty and staff for the next hundred years,” Murray said.

Murray is looking forward to getting to know the people of Abilene, along with the students, staff, and alumni who make McMurry so special. And, of course, she’s also excited to meet any prospective students down the line!

“I would like to say to the Abilene community I can’t wait to meet you. I think McMurry is in a great position. I want to meet you and be a partner with you,” said Murray. “To the students out there in high school, I would say don’t overlook us. We’re affordable, and we’re great. Just check out the website and you’ll see for yourselves. I chose McMurry, and I think you would too.”