Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus wishes Dr. Michael Murders the best as he transitions into a new role starting January 2019 at South Arkansas Community College.
Dr. Michael Murders assumes the duties and responsibilities of Vice President of Academic Affairs. Murders has served as the chief academic officer at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus in Ozark, AR since 2014.
Prior, Murders was a full-time instructor in math, computer science, business technology, and logistics management at ATU-Ozark in 2010-2014, and an assistant professor of aerospace science at University of Arkansas in 2005-2009. He retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service during multiple combat deployments.
Murders is a 2017 graduate of the University of Arkansas, earning a doctorate in Higher Education with a specialization in Faculty Leadership. He is a 1999 graduate of Troy State University of Montgomery in Montgomery, AL, earning a master’s degree in computer information science; and a 1995 graduate of Park University earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He is also a 2018 graduate of the Harvard Institute for Management and Leadership in Education program.
Additionally, Murders has been active in his community as president and grant lead of the Ozark Rotary Club, member of Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce Education Board, volunteer for multiple community food bank programs, and foster parent for seven years supporting over 40 foster children. Murders and his wife, Leslie, have three daughters, three son-in-laws, and eight grandchildren.
“Dr. Murders worked very hard to make sure that our academic programs were relevant in response to industry demands. He was also an advocate for the faculty members that he led. He will be missed by everyone at the Ozark Campus and we wish him luck as he begins the next chapter of his career,” stated Richard Harris, Chief Student Officer.
The ATU-Ozark team thanks Dr. Murders for his dedication and passion for the students at ATU-Ozark and wish him the best in future endeavors.
