On Thursday, the new President of Gadsden State Community College – Dr. Kathy Murphy – joined WEIS Radio Morning Show host Jerry Baker for a telephone interview which covered a wide variety of topics, including her extensive background in education – both immediate and long-term goals for the college – and motivating students thorough highly-professional, yet caring relationships – providing both encouragement, and support – for each and every student, every step of the way.

Her upbeat approach to teaching, and learning, is infectious:

Dr. Murphy became the new President of Gadsden State on January 4th (2021).

The first day of the Spring Semester was Monday of this week (January 11th) – with classes being offered in-person, hybrid and on-line.

Murphy said that two-year colleges are strategically positioned to do well, despite the state of the economy and the challenges of a pandemic, adding that Gadsden State is in a place to support those wanting to come to college to earn a certificate or credential that will better themselves and earn them gainful employment; she also stressed that GSCC can provide the student with a credential for less cost in a short amount of time:

Dr. Murphy went on to say “This is really the time for two-year colleges to show everything we have to offer – and I want Gadsden State to lead the pack.”  Increasing the enrollment at Gadsden State is a priority for the new president and Gadsden State leadership; and as such Dr Murphy said they’ll appeal to prospective students by serving them well through quality instruction in an innovative, cutting-edge environment.

“We have made improvements to our infrastructure at the college with recent renovation and construction projects but we need to do more,” she said. “We want to provide students with facilities and opportunities that are enticing to them. There are so many possibilities that could include a new student center, a new gymnasium or a new fitness center. We want to give our students a place to belong and facilities they can be proud of. We will give them a positive student experience so that Gadsden State is exciting and pivotal to them.”

Murphy started her career in public education as a junior high physical education teacher in Auburn in 1984. Then, she worked as an assistant professor at Judson College and the University of West Georgia collectively for eight years. She also served as the chair of the Physical Education Department at Judson College.

In 1993, she began her career in public school administration as the principal at Greenville Middle School. She went on to serve as principal at Greenville High School and Charles Henderson High School in Troy as well as an administrator for the superintendent at Butler County Schools.  She was promoted to superintendent of Monroe County Schools, a position she held for four years. Just prior to taking on the role of Gadsden State’s president, Murphy spent five years as the superintendent of the Hoover City Schools.

A native of Butler County, Murphy attended Troy University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1981. From Auburn University, Murphy received a Master of Education in 1982, a Doctor of Education in Program in 1987 and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 1994. In 1995, she earned the Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from AUM.

Murphy has held many leadership roles on committees as well as state and national organizations. For 10 years, she served on the board of directors for the National Beta Club, where she was the first female to serve on the national board and the first female elected as the chairperson. She was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness as well as to the Governor’s Congress on School Leadership.  She has served on many Alabama State Department of Education Committees, including most recently, the Course of Study Committees for Physical Education and Health Education. In higher education, she served on the Dean’s Education Advisory Councils at Troy University, Judson College and Samford University.

Murphy’s many honors and recognitions include 2019 Outstanding Administrator by the Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; the 2019 District 5 Superintendent of the Year by the School Superintendents of Alabama; the Outstanding Leadership in School and Community Relations Award by the Alabama School Public Relations Association; and the Distinguished Service Outside the Profession Award by the Alabama Art Education Association.

To hear Thursday’s interview in its entirety, simply click on the link provided