Our History

McMurry University is a vibrant and comprehensive higher-education institution with outstanding academics. At McMurry, you’ll find a welcoming, friendly, and supportive campus community. You’ll experience personalized and interactive learning while growing personally and gaining independence. Friendships will be developed that will last a lifetime.

McMurry is celebrating its Centennial in 2023, founded in 1923 as a Methodist institution affiliated with what is now The United Methodist Church. McMurry enrolls more than 1,100+ students with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. No graduate assistants teach courses, and 77% of our professors have achieved the highest degree in their academic discipline. You’ll experience nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences education while preparing for a fulfilling career and a life of purpose.

Our Mission

Shaped by Christian principles, McMurry University challenges students to examine our complex world from multiple perspectives in preparation for lives of leadership, service, and professional success.

Core Values

CHRISTIAN FAITH as the Foundation of Life

PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS as the Catalyst for Life

LEARNING as the Journey of Life

EXCELLENCE as the Goal of Life

SERVICE as the Measure of Life

Excellence in Leadership

President Sandra S. Harper

McMurry University 10th
and First Woman President

Grounded in History, Soaring to the Future

STRATEGIC PLAN -
The Second Century at McMurry University 2023

The Second Century is the strategic plan of McMurry University that will provide direction for McMurry as it embarks upon its second century of education.  Specifically, the plan will inform decision-making during the years 2023-2030. The plan identifies several macrotrends—demography, the value proposition of higher education, and the challenges of maintaining financial stability – that are permeating through the higher education environment in 2023.

The plan describes the planning process, the McMurry Identity, Vision 2030, and the Second Century Pillars.  The five Second Century Pillars, upon which all activity for the next seven years will be focused are the following:

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023
  • I. Enhance institutional self-esteem and community perception by increasing the frequency and the quality of internal and external messaging.
  • II. Advance Academic Program Development that is mindful of vital skills (specifically oral communication, critical thinking, ethical judgment, working effectively in teams, working independently, self-motivation, written communication, servant leadership, cultural competence and real-world application of skills and knowledge) needed for the 21st century workplace leading to the professional success of McMurry graduates.
  • III. Recruit, Retain, and Graduate a diverse student body by developing engaged learners with the propensity to connect proactively in their communities.
  • IV. Recruit, Retain, and Advance/Develop a diverse and engaged McMurry faculty, staff, and administration by investing in employee talent attraction, alignment, and a culture of belonging.
  • V. Enhance McMurry’s financial stability and long-term viability through investment, development and acquisition of traditional and alternative revenue streams, and intentional acquisition and management of its physical and technical resources.

Work at McMurry

Interested in joining the McMurry University team? View current positions for students, faculty, staff, and adjuncts.