Dennis J. Murray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dr. Dennis J. Murray
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| President of Marist College | |
| In office 2019–2021 |
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| Preceded by | David N. Yellen |
| Succeeded by | Kevin Weinman |
| In office 1979–2016 |
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| Preceded by | Linus Richard Foy |
| Succeeded by | David N. Yellen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 24, 1946 Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | California State University, Long Beach (B.A.) University of Southern California (M.A., Ph.D.) |
Dennis J. Murray (born September 24, 1946) is an American academic leader. He was the President of Marist College for many years. He served two times: first from 1979 to 2016, and then again from 2019 to 2021. As a college president, he was in charge of the entire school.
Early Life and Education
Murray was born in Los Angeles, California. He went to California State University, Long Beach. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in political science. This is the study of how governments work. Later, he earned his master's degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. A Ph.D. is a very high-level degree.
Dennis Murray's Career
Before becoming a college president, Dennis Murray worked at California State University, Long Beach. He helped manage the university's public relations. He also worked closely with the university's president.
In 1972, Murray took a break from his job. He decided to run for a seat in the United States Congress. He was a candidate for the Democratic Party in California. However, he did not win the election. The Republican Party candidate won that race.
Murray also taught at the University of Southern California. He later became a Vice President at Whittier College. At Whittier, he helped raise $8 million for the college. This money included funds for a new student activities center.
Leading Marist College
In 1979, Dennis Murray was chosen to be the third President of Marist College. He led the college for a very long time. In February 2015, he announced he would step down. His first time as president ended on June 30, 2016. He served for 37 years. After this, he became the college's President Emeritus. This means he held an honorary title after his retirement.
During his time as president, Marist College grew a lot. The number of students more than doubled. The college also added 16 new study programs. Many new buildings for classes and student housing were built. The college's land also grew to about 180 acres.
After Murray's first retirement, David N. Yellen became the new president. However, President Yellen resigned three years later. Dennis Murray then returned to Marist College. He served as the interim president. This means he was a temporary leader.
Murray's second time as president was from June 19, 2019, to October 2021. After that, Kevin Weinman became the fifth President of Marist College.
Honors and Awards
Dennis Murray has received several special honors for his work:
- Franciscan Award from the Sisters of St. Francis
- Americanism Award from the Anti-Defamation League
- Eleanor Roosevelt Val-Kill Medal, 1996
