In announcing the award, Michigan Capital Area Chapter President Gregg Guetschow noted Murray's long and varied career in public service.
Murray became president of Grand Valley State University July 1, 2001, following a two-decade career in state government and education. During his years in state government, he held the posts of state treasurer, state budget director, director of the Department of Management and Budget and acting director of the Family Independence Agency. As special policy adviser to the governor, Murray was responsible for a variety of initiatives aimed at K-12 public school reform. He directed the state's Merit Scholarship Award program. Murray was a member of the Board of Education for the City of Detroit. He also served as vice president for Finance and Administration at Michigan State University.
Named for former Michigan Attorney General Frank J. Kelley, the Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a long-term, sustained commitment to public service throughout much of their careers. Past recipients of the Distinguished Service Award include state Budget Director Mary Lannoye, former Michigan State University President M. Peter McPherson, former State Rep. H. Lynn Jondahl, and former Lansing Mayor David C. Hollister.
The Michigan Capital Area Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration is a non-profit organization of federal, state and local government administrators and public administration students and academics in the mid-Michigan area. The chapter serves its nearly 100 members by providing educational programs and networking opportunities. Through its annual awards program, the chapter recognizes and celebrates exemplary performance by individuals employed in government and academia. The Michigan Capital Area Chapter is one of 115 chapters affiliated with the American Society of Public Administration, which is dedicated to advancing the art, science, teaching, and practice of public and non-profit administration.
Grand Valley State University attracts more than 22,000 students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley is the comprehensive regional university for the states second largest metropolitan area and offers 69 undergraduate and 25 graduate degree programs. It has campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids, and Holland and centers in Muskegon and Traverse City. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience with research opportunities and business partnerships.
For additional information, contact Gregg Guetschow, president, Michigan Capital Area Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, at (989) 725-0568, or Grand Valley State Universitys News and Information Services office at (616) 331-2221.
