SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ACADEMICS
Three distinguished women are leading the way in shaping the future of academics at McMurry University. Dr. Cynthia Martin has been appointed Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, following her exemplary service in the interim role since July 2024. Dr. Martha Cruz Zuniga joins the Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business as dean, bringing a vision for innovation and collaboration. Additionally, Dr. Marcia Straughn has been promoted to dean of the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN), furthering her impactful leadership and commitment to excellence.
Dr. Cindy Martin
Dr. Martin has served McMurry University with distinction for over 20 years and now leads as Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty. She earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics from Texas Tech University and her Bachelor of Science from Howard Payne University. Since joining McMurry in 2003, she has held key leadership roles that support teaching excellence, student success, and academic innovation. Prior to her current role, Dr. Martin served as associate vice president for Academic Affairs, focusing on student success, and directed McMurry’s First-Year Experience program. A passionate educator and advocate for student achievement, she continues to champion academic excellence across the University.
Dr. Martha Cruz Zuniga
Dr. Cruz Zuniga joins McMurry as dean of the Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business, bringing more than two decades of experience in academia and the private sector. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in economics from Western Michigan University, as well as a B.S. in Economics from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Before coming to McMurry, she spent 16 years at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she chaired the Department of Economics and later served as interim chair of the Sociology Department. Her research focuses on open macroeconomics and international development, with fieldwork across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. She has collaborated with major global organizations, including the MacArthur Foundation, the Inter-American Development Bank, and Catholic Relief Services.
Dr. Marcia Straughn
Recently appointed dean of the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Dr. Straughn brings exceptional academic leadership and a commitment to nursing education. She earned her Ph.D., M.S.N., and B.S.N. from Texas Woman’s University and is a 2018 Leadership for Academic Nursing Programs Fellow. Dr. Straughn previously served as professor and programs director for PHSSN and as dean of the Abilene Christian University School of Nursing. She is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the Texas Organization of Deans and Directors of Professional Nursing Programs, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the American Nurses Association. Her leadership was instrumental in ensuring a seamless transition as McMurry assumed sole ownership of PHSSN in early 2025.