The Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees has announced its designation of the next person to lead the university. Mark Murray, currently treasurer of the State of Michigan, was selected on Wednesday, bringing to a close the five-month-long nationwide search.
Effective July 1, 2001, Murray will be the third person in GVSU's 41-year history to assume the presidency of the institution. He will follow President Arend D. Lubbers, whose retirement after 32 years at GVSU's helm becomes effective June 30.
In his final interview Wednesday, Murray cited his vast experience with large, complex organizations and his in-depth knowledge of people in Lansing and throughout the state as two of his major strengths. I've had good strong leadership skills, he said. I believe those skills apply to a public university.
He said he welcomed the opportunity to lead an institution that has the mission of helping young people take a profoundly important step toward building their lives and becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
Grand Valley in particular, I believe, is an under-known asset to the greater state of Michigan, Murray said. I think the people of West Michigan have come to realize what a great school this is, but as this outstanding liberal arts, undergraduate, and professional masters program-focused institution continues to grow, the opportunity to expand the service region throughout the state and the Midwest is there. I would be pleased and, I believe, successful in helping lead the institution in that direction.
Murray, 46, was one of two finalists at Grand Valley on Wednesday for a final round of interviews before the GVSU Board of Trustees. Also interviewed was Owen Cargol, president of The University of Maine, Augusta. Both interviews and board deliberations were open to the public.
The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to offer the position to Murray.
He has managerial skills with very complex organizations combined with a passion for leadership, knowledge of the area and of the university, said Chairwoman Donna Brooks. She also named his experience in directing and developing resources as making him the number one choice for the president of the university.
Board member and former Speaker of the Michigan House Paul Hillegonds, who worked with Murray in Lansing, praised Murray's confidence, leadership skills, and promise to commit himself to Grand Valley for a substantial period of time. I've seen him as a builder of organizations he has led, Hillegonds said.
Murray has held his present post ¿ state treasurer and education policy advisor to Gov. John Engler ¿ since 1999. Prior to his appointment to that office, the lifelong Michigan resident spent more than 20 years in various state government leadership positions, including state budget director from 1994-98 and deputy budget director from 1991-94, and posts in the departments of Social Services, Commerce, and Management.
His background in education matters includes serving as vice president for finance and operation at Michigan State University from 1998-99. As education policy advisor to Gov. Engler, he spearheaded the implementation of the Michigan Merit Award for high-school seniors continuing on to higher education, directs the Michigan Education Assessment Program testing, and is an appointed member of the Detroit Public School Board.
The GVSU Board of Trustees announced its selection of three finalists for the position on February 23. The three candidates then visited the campuses and met with students, staff, faculty, alumni, board members, and the general community. Ronald Applbaum, president of Kean University in Union, New Jersey, withdrew from consideration, citing his decision to remain at his present post.
