Legacy and Community

Since its founding in 1923, McMurry University has upheld a tradition of academic excellence, fostering a nurturing environment where students thrive both intellectually and personally. Affiliated with The United Methodist Church, McMurry has grown into a vibrant institution that emphasizes close-knit relationships and a strong sense of community.

At McMurry, students are part of a welcoming and supportive campus where personalized, interactive learning is at the forefront. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, students enjoy intimate classroom experiences and individualized mentorship. Courses are taught exclusively by experienced faculty—87 Full-time (69% of full-time faculty held a doctorate or highest degree in their field)—ensuring students receive the highest quality instruction.

With an enrollment of over 1,100 students, McMurry offers a nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences education that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance. Our graduates leave prepared not just for a career, but for leadership, service, and lifelong learning. At McMurry, you’ll be challenged to think critically, communicate clearly, and engage deeply—with your studies, your peers, and the world around you.

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 Dr. Lynne Murray

McMurry University 11th

Grounded in History, Soaring to the Future

The Second Century 2023 – 2030 Strategic Plan

In September 2023, the Board of Trustees at McMurry University adopted a new strategic plan called The Second Century. This plan will serve as a guide to steer McMurry towards its future and ensure that all stakeholders work together towards a common goal over the next seven years. The plan will facilitate collaborative planning and informed decision-making, which will lead to a more effective and productive institution that we can all take pride in.

The plan outlines our identity, Vision 2030, and the five pillars of The Second Century. These pillars are crucial as they will be the focus of all activities from 2023 until 2030, playing a significant role in achieving our common goal.

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.

Vision 2030

Transforming lives through Christian faith, learning, excellence, and service, McMurry University exists to empower students for lives of purpose and impact.

To fulfill this enduring mission by 2030, McMurry will:

  • Exhibit Christian values that affirm the inherent worth of every individual, uphold the dignity of learning, and foster an environment where students thrive and reach their full potential.

  • Expand academic programs and degree options to consistently enroll at least 2,645 full-time equivalent (FTE) students.

  • Be recognized for the excellence and integrity of its academics and athletics, along with the professional success of its students, graduates, faculty, and staff.

  • Establish its reputation as the leading small private university of the University Plains through transformational work in social mobility and a strong commitment to advancing educational opportunity.

McMurry students will meet high standards of professional excellence, personal responsibility, and discipline, while engaging in high-impact practices throughout their college careers. McMurry employees will embody the core value of excellence by pursuing outstanding performance, supporting one another, and adapting with flexibility and resilience to change and challenge. McMurry graduates will serve as lifelong learners and servant leaders, dedicated to striving for excellence and contributing meaningfully to society.

By pursuing this vision, McMurry will inspire its constituencies to sustain and strengthen the University into its second century.

Work at McMurry

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