Michele C. Murray has been named the new vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the College of the Holy Cross. The announcement was made today by Rev. Philip L. Boroughs, S.J., president of Holy Cross. She will succeed Jacqueline D. Peterson, who is retiring after serving the College for 20 years.
"We are delighted that Michele will join our executive team at Holy Cross in this important role," said Fr. Boroughs. "She has served Jesuit higher education for 21 years, and brings deep experience in leading a diverse and dedicated team within the increasingly complex landscape of higher education. We look forward to her leadership in working with our students and their families as well as with our faculty and staff to further our Holy Cross mission of developing our students intellectually, socially and spiritually."
Since 2006, Murray has served as vice president of the Division of Student Development at Seattle University. In addition to her administrative work, Murray has also served as a member of the faculty, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership and student development. She moved to Seattle from Loyola College in Maryland, where she worked as director of leadership and new student programs from 1998 – 2006 and assistant director of student activities from 1996 – 98. Prior to starting a career in Jesuit education, she held roles in residential life and multicultural affairs at the University of Vermont and served as director of external affairs for the Oakcrest School for Girls in Washington, D.C.
"I am thrilled to be joining the Holy Cross community," Murray said. "From my first interaction with the search committee and throughout my campus visit, the pride that students, faculty and staff feel for the College was evident. I have long admired Holy Cross, its commitment to excellence and its dedication to holistic student development, and I can't imagine a better place to continue serving Jesuit higher education."
Murray holds a B.A. in rhetoric and communication studies and psychology from the University of Virginia, a M.Ed. in higher education and student affairs administration from the University of Vermont, and a Ph.D. in education policy and leadership in higher education from the University of Maryland. She has served on the executive boards of the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators (JASPA) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Center for Women.
Assuming her duties on July 17, Murray will serve as a member of the College's senior executive team and report directly to Fr. Boroughs.
Media Coverage
- Worcester Business Journal, April 26: Holy Cross names new VP of student affairs
