Dr. Debbie Murray was recently awarded the rank of “Distinguished Professor of Education” by the Lee University board of directors.

Murray is one of three professors in Lee’s history to be awarded this title.

“We are very pleased that the board has honored Dr. Murray’s excellence and commitment in this way,” said Dr. Paul Conn, Lee’s president.

The Helen DeVos College of Education held a reception in honor of Murray’s accomplishment.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized for doing something that I love so much. It is such a privilege to work with the faculty and staff in the College of Education. If I am ‘distinguished’ it is because of their work and the excellence of our students.”

Joining the faculty in 1980, Murray has served in the Helen DeVos College of Education for 30 years. In addition to teaching, she has also served as department chair, director of Teacher Education Programs and director of Graduate Programs in Education.

Under her leadership as dean, the program has enjoyed sustained success and growth, and throughout her tenure, she has set an example for all as a superb classroom teacher and mentor to several generations of students.

Murray earned her education doctorate and master’s of science at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and her bachelor of science from Lee College.

She was named Lee’s Alumnus of the Year in 1997 from the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.