[su_heading size=”20″]Maggi Murdock takes on interim pres’s former responsibilities over winter break [/su_heading]
The gap that Dr. Dick McGinity left when he assumed the role of Interim President was temporarily filled over winter break. Maggi Murdock, an employee of the University of Wyoming for 38 years, accepted the position of Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Murdock’s temporary position lasts six months, but she says she is willing to work whichever position the University asks of her.
Murdock never sought the job though, and never suspected the appointment. However, “if it’s something that helps the university, I would be interested in that,” Murdock said.
Murdock’s career with UW began in 1975 as a professor when she returned from her doctorate program at Tufts University to her home state. Murdock worked in the political science department at the Laramie campus before moving up to Casper in 1977 to continue teaching through the university’s outreach programs.
After 13 years of teaching in Casper, Murdock served as Dean of the UW/Casper College Center from 1990 to 2000. Following that, she returned to Laramie to work as Dean of the Outreach School until 2013.
The decision to appoint Murdock as the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs surprised her. She received the call while on sabbatical.
“I wouldn’t use the term thrown through a loop, but I was surprised,” Murdock says.
The Interim Vice President of Student Affairs void opened when former President Bob Sternberg resigned from his position and the Board of Trustees appointed McGinity.
When asked about McGinity’s appointment to the position, Murdock said, “I was surprised, not because he’s not capable, but he’s not held that kind of position before. He was a great choice because he has a varied and accomplished background.”
Murdock’s job description includes working alongside academic deans and directors, faculty committees and other campus organizations to develop and plan various policies.
