Murray named Arts and Sciences dean

It was a cold and dreary day at ISU when John Murray, who was selected Tuesday as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, first interviewed as a finalist for the position.

Even on the most typical of winter days, Murray, currently chair of the psychology department at Georgia Southern University, said the beauty of ISU’s campus stood out.

When he returned last month for another visit, he found the campus even more appealing.

“It looks like a wonderful place for students to go to school,” Murray said from his office at the Statesboro, Ga.-based university, where he is also a professor of psychology.

Murray will assume his duties July 1, replacing current Arts and Sciences Dean Tom Sauer, who announced his retirement in the fall. Murray said he looks forward to meeting the ISU community and learning about its traditions.

Indiana is already a familiar place to Murray, who is a 1980 graduate of Pike High School in Indianapolis. He said he has fond memories of growing up in the Hoosier state.

“I love Indiana,” Murray said. “It’s just a place that feels comfort able. There are four seasons.”

C. Jack Maynard, ISU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Murray was the clear choice among all other finalists.

“His maturity, his experience, his human resources skills seems like a good fit for the campus,” Maynard said.

Maynard added that Murray’s experience as a clinical psychologist was also beneficial, particularly for overseeing the college’s various schools. Murray said his professorial background would quickly familiarize him with ISU’s Department of Psychology.

Murray joined Georgia Southern University in 1993 as an assistant professor of psychology, according to his résumé posted on the university’s Web site. He was promoted to associate professor of psychology and became chair of the department in 2005, according to biographical information provided by ISU.

He also has teaching experience at the Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Florida. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Purdue University in 1984, according to his resume.

Murray’s selection completed a search that began in October, when a committee chaired by Jay Gatrell, dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Professional Studies, began reviewing 60 candidates. Four finalists, including ISU political science chair Mike Chambers, were selected to interview on campus in February.