William “Hank” Murrah, an associate professor in Auburn’s College of Education, was named head of the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, or EFLT, last month.
Murrah plans to focus on empowering faculty through shared governance, finding synergies in research and faculty work, integrating unique departmental functions and aligning the department’s goals with its mission. given in the land of Auburn.
“Our department is a little bit different than others because we have traditional academic programs but we also have professional programs where we train students to be teachers and administrators,” Murrah said. “We don’t always fit the typical department mold so it’s my job to align our work and mission so we can tell our story and advocate for the important work our faculty and staff do.”
With a focus on student, staff and faculty success, Murrah will continue to collaborate with others in the college and across campus to support and expand the work of the department.
“We have talented faculty and staff who are passionate about what they do. They work with other faculty across the college and campus on important research and outreach,” he said. “I’m excited about our potential and opportunity to continue to do great things as we support each other and work together to improve the college and university.”
In his new role, Murrah will assist the dean and other leaders in strengthening the identity and role of the college department, as well as its impact on the entire campus community.
“I am delighted to welcome Murrah to the role of department head for the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology,” said Jeffrey T. Fairbrother, dean of Auburn’s College of Education and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor. “His departmental experience, talents, research focus, and respect from his colleagues make him the right person at the right time for this important leadership position.”
Murrah joined the EFLT faculty in 2016 after completing his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama, and his doctorate in educational psychology and post-doctorate work at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In addition to his previous research experience, Murrah is a co-founder of the Quantitative Methods in Educational Research, or QMER, learning community, and conducts research focused on identifying skills that promote of academic success. He also has an established record of promoting shared governance and diversity through his work on college governance and diversity committees.