Forum
Aug. 29, 2003

After 15 years at DCE, Dean Murphy is stepping down

On Sept. 1, 2003, Dean William Murphy will complete 15 successful years of leadership in the Division of Continuing Education. On that date, Bill will be stepping down from his position as DCE’s first dean in order to take on new challenges in the university and then enjoy a well-deserved leave. This fall, Bill will be working closely with me on some special projects that will benefit from his expertise, and then he will begin a professional development leave at the end of the semester.

I had the privilege of chairing the search committee that led to Bill’s appointment in 1988. At that time, we knew that DCE needed a new kind of leadership to help us achieve our expanded ambitions for continuing education at UNH. Bill proved to be the answer to our hopes. Over the years, DCE has played a key role in making the university’s resources available to the state and region, through credit and noncredit programs, professional seminars and conferences, summer session offerings, and the world-renowned Interhostel program. Challenged by shrinking resources, a fickle economy, periodic interruptions affecting summer session, and increasing competition from other institutions, Bill has worked tirelessly to help the university fulfill its access and outreach missions. During this time, Bill took on additional assignments such as serving as the University Registrar from 1995 to 1997. As a member of the Board of Directors of the University Continuing Education Association, Bill has been a leader in national conversations about continuing education.

This transition in DCE necessitates an intensive planning process that will occur this fall and next spring, under the leadership of Julie Williams, associate vice president for research and outreach scholarship; Nancy Hamer, acting director of DCE; and Jim Varn, assistant provost. This planning effort will build on the recent review of DCE sponsored by this office and include representatives of the Faculty Senate, DCE staff and other stakeholders. The primary goal of the planning process will be to align DCE’s mission and activities with the University Academic Plan, assure that the organization and staffing of DCE are both effective and efficient, and identify the characteristics and qualifications of the next leader of DCE. We hope that the new leader will be in place by next summer.

I hope you will join me in wishing Bill well as he enters this next phase of his professional life. He has been a dedicated citizen of our community, and he has earned our deepest appreciation.

Bruce L. Mallory, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs