When Dr. James Winford Hunt helped establish McMurry College 100 years ago, he had big dreams and bigger plans for this West Texas educational institution. What would he think about how far we’ve come in the last 100 years?
Never in a million years would Dr. Hunt have predicted technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cellular phones, or supercomputers that have propelled us forward into the new millennium and changed how we interact with each other and the world. However, he’d be happy to find that the spirit and dedication of our students, professors, and leadership have flourished over the past 100 years, helping ensure that his vision of making the institution a beacon of educational opportunity for all remains a steadfast reality.
Nothing demonstrates how far we’ve come since 1923 more than the resounding success of our Centennial year at McMurry University that culminated in the most highly regarded and successful Homecoming celebration in history. McMurry hosted more than 1,200 guests over Homecoming weekend – a 152% increase over the record-breaking attendance set in 2022. McMurry welcomed alumni from 27 different states and as far away as Nova Scotia, showing what enthusiasm former students have when it comes to celebrating their alma mater and this defining moment in McMurry’s history. Nine decades of McMurry alumni celebrated alongside current students, faculty, staff, and friends, showing the dedication and commitment McMurry inspires across the generations.
Over 800 people attended the McMurry Centennial Gala, an extraordinary night dedicated to honoring those who have worked hard to make McMurry what it is today. Decades of experience, perseverance, and McMurry spirit gathered under one roof — colleagues, friends, and classmates sharing memories of the past and looking ahead to the future with great optimism for McMurry.
For 100 years, McMurry has come together, enduring challenging times and rejoicing in the happy ones. McMurry has not merely persisted but prospered as an institution of higher learning and spiritual development.
Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Dr. Hunt, building upon past achievements, and propelled by a fresh strategic plan, McMurry is poised to continue its resilience and prosperity into the future. As we embark on this exciting journey into our 10th decade, McMurry remains committed to shaping students’ lives through a diverse learning environment, fostering empowerment rooted in the principles of Christian faith, excellence, and service.
McMurry students have always been held to a high standard. Still, professional excellence and personal responsibility will continue to be the cornerstones on which the next 100 years at McMurry are built, contributing to an increase in outstanding academic and athletic performance, increased student enrollment, and graduates who continue our long tradition of becoming servant leaders and lifelong learners.
The next 100 years will also be a time for the institution to advance its academic programs and expand educational opportunities to its students, striving to improve communication and critical thinking skills, ethical judgment, and the real-world application of these and other skills. McMurry will continue to cultivate and expand positive relationships and partnerships with other institutions and organizations to open more opportunities to McMurry students. Advancing the institution’s academic agenda also means exploring new undergraduate and graduate programs to help attract new students and meet the needs of a changing workforce and economic landscape.
We’ve come a long way in 100 years. We also have a long road ahead. The only thing we can know for sure is that right here, right now — McMurry University is still a beacon for students in Texas and across the globe looking for academic, athletic, and spiritual excellence.