McMurry is excited to announce new leadership at the Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business (JSOB) and the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN). Dr. Martha Cruz Zuniga joins McMurry as dean of the Johnson School of Business, where she will help drive innovation, foster partnerships, and build on the University’s growing momentum. After several years of dedicated service at the Shelton School of Nursing, the University promoted Dr. Marcia Straughn to dean, and she will continue to guide the school with her proven leadership and vision.
Dr. Cruz Zuniga obtained her Ph.D. in Economics from Western Michigan University. She also holds an M.A. in Economics from Western Michigan University and a B.S. in Economics from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is a citizen of the United States and Ecuador. Dr. Cruz Zuniga spent 16 years at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, as a professor of economics. For the past 10 years, she was the chair of the Department of Economics, and for the last year, she was the interim chair of the Department of Sociology. She brings over 20 years of experience working in academia and the private sector. Her research areas are in open macroeconomics and international development, including exchange rates, global transmission of stocks, artificial intelligence, capacity building, training, agriculture, sustainability, and education. Her geographical research experience includes field work in Asian, African, and Latin American countries. She has collaborated with well-known organizations, such as the MacArthur Foundation, Organization of American States, Inter-American Development Bank, World Vision, and Catholic Relief Services.
Dr. Straughn previously served as professor and programs director for PHSSN and, before that, as dean of the Abilene Christian University School of Nursing. She earned her PhD, MSN, and BSN from Texas Woman’s University and is a 2018 Leadership for Academic Nursing Programs Fellow. An active member of the professional nursing and academic communities, Dr. Straughn belongs to the Texas Organization of Deans and Directors of Professional Nursing Programs, the Texas Organization of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Education, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the Texas Nurses Association, the National League for Nursing, and the American Nurses Association. As programs director for PHSSN, Dr. Straughan was key in ensuring a smooth transition when McMurry University assumed sole ownership of the nursing school earlier this year. McMurry is grateful for her years of dedicated service and looks forward to the continued growth of her leadership and influence as dean.
“Dr. Cruz Zuniga and Dr. Straughn are exceptional leaders who bring vision, expertise, and a passion for student success,” said McMurry University President Dr. Lynne Murray. “Their leadership will be instrumental in advancing our academic programs and supporting the University’s continued growth and impact.”
Contact
Nicholas Ocheltree, Director of Integrated Communications
ocheltree.nick@mcm.edu
325-793-3800, ext.1013