Welcome to another all-digital version of The Messenger! As the temperatures heat up and we all transition into the summer months, it’s easy to forget just what an amazing time our first post-Centennial semester was here at McMurry. It’s clear to me now that our collective efforts over the past few years – as we updated and added buildings to campus, managed our operations around the COVID-19 pandemic, and formed strategies designed to increase enrollment – are paying off for the McMurry campus community.
By now you’ve probably heard about the rededication of the reimagined Garrison United Methodist Campus Center and seen the impact of this wonderful, transformative new campus “living room.” This iconic building, which we worked tirelessly to build over two years, is already making a significant difference in the lives of our students. It’s not just a building but a symbol of our commitment to providing a conducive learning environment. Students began using the new Campus Center soon after the start of the spring 2024 semester, and we hosted a wonderful ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony during Spring Alumni Weekend in late April.
In March, we held the 11th Women’s Leadership Luncheon, a significant event honoring the accomplishments of current and emerging women leaders in the Abilene community. We also awarded scholarships to two rising stars that have demonstrated their capacity for leadership in their time as students here on campus. Retired U.S. Air Force General Lori Robinson spoke to our students and the community about the critical importance of long-term sacrifice and perseverance through challenges as the foundation of her success. Her powerful message resonated with us all, inspiring deep reflection on our own approaches to leadership.
You’ll find those two stories in this issue, along with many others! I also want to congratulate my colleague Larry Dockery on his appointment to the role of director of athletics, after serving as interim director for the better part of a year. You’ll enjoy hearing about Coach Dockery’s story in this edition as well.
Finally, I wanted to formally let our readers know that this next semester, fall 2024, will be my last as president of McMurry University. I have decided, after over 40 years of work as a professional educator, to make the end of 2024 my last stop on what has been a truly rewarding ride of a lifetime. I began my work as an assistant professor of communication at McMurry in 1985, where I learned so much about the prominence of the student-professor relationship. I returned to McMurry as your president in 2013, and the past 11 years have been the most challenging, soul-enriching experience of my life. Thank you for helping me serve this wonderful community.
The search process for a new president is already well underway, and we’ll have more to share in the fall. For now, I invite you to visit campus and explore our wonderful Garrison Campus Center, and see all the fantastic things our McMurry community is achieving.
Dr. Sandra S. Harper
President
Ala Cumba!