Murrah named department head of Educational Foundations, Leadership and Technology

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 faculty research and work, integrating unique department functions and aligning department goals with Auburn’s land-grant mission.

“Our department is a bit different from some others in that we have traditional academic programs but we also have professional programs in which 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 best tell our story and advocate for the important work our faculty and staff are doing.”

With a focus on student, staff and faculty success, Murrah will continue collaborating with others in the college and throughout campus to support and amplify the work of the department.

“We have talented faculty and staff who are passionate about what they do. They’re working with other faculty throughout the college and campus on significant research and outreach,” he said. “I’m excited about our potential and the opportunity to continue doing great things as we support each other and work together to advance the college and university.”

In his new role, Murrah will assist the dean and other leaders in strengthening the department’s identity and role in the college, as well as the impact it has throughout the larger campus community.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Murrah into 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 experience in the department, talents, research focus, and the 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 degree 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 academic achievement. He also has an established record of promoting shared governance and diversity through his work on the college governance and diversity committees.