Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Names Mark Murphy Director of Athletics
5/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | General
News Conference Transcript
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May 21, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - Mark H. Murphy, director of the division of physical education, recreation and athletics at Colgate University, has been named director of intercollegiate athletics and recreation at Northwestern University, effective June 16, 2003, President Henry S. Bienen announced today.
A former professional football player who holds both a law degree and an MBA, Murphy brings a record of success both on and off the field during his 11 years as athletic director at Colgate, a member of the Division I Patriot League. During his tenure, Colgate's football program went from 0-11 in 1995 to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA I-AA playoffs and the men's basketball team has twice advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The Colgate women's soccer team has captured eight Patriot League championships and made three NCAA tournament appearances while the women's volleyball team has been to the NCAA tournament twice. In addition, the softball and men's ice hockey teams also made appearances in the NCAA tournament.
During that same time, Colgate -- like Northwestern -- had some of the highest graduation rates for student-athletes in Division I athletics. Northwestern's graduation rates for student-athletes are perennially among the best in Division I-A while Colgate also has been in the top 10.
"Mark understands our goals and values at Northwestern: to maintain the highest academic standards while competing at the highest level on the field and providing outstanding recreational opportunities for our students," said President Bienen. "We are confident that, under his direction, Northwestern's athletics will continue their recent track record of success and our club sports and recreational offerings will be enhanced even further for the entire Northwestern community."
Murphy, who will become Northwestern's 20th athletic director, succeeds Charles F. (Rick) Taylor, who will retire Aug. 31 after 10 years at Northwestern.
A 1977 graduate of Colgate, where he was captain of both the football and baseball teams, Murphy brings a varied background to the position. He holds a master's in business administration from American University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He worked on his MBA in the off-seasons while a player for the Washington Redskins pro football team.
Murphy was a safety for Washington from 1977 to 1985, co-captain of the team from 1980 to 1985, co-captain of two Super Bowl teams and a first-team Pro Bowl player in 1983. When he completed his playing career, he served as assistant executive director of the National Football League Players Association.
After receiving his law degree, Murphy was a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice. He also served as a radio commentator for NPR for 10 years, analyzing football games and commenting on other sports issues.
"I'm very much looking forward to joining Northwestern. I view this as a tremendous opportunity professionally," Murphy said. "The combination of outstanding athletics with academics at the highest level, which is somewhat unique in college athletics, is both exciting and challenging."
Murphy became Colgate's athletic director in 1992. Since that time, he significantly improved the school's athletic facilities, including a new fitness center, an Astroturf stadium for field hockey and lacrosse, a cross-country trail, and improvements to numerous other athletic facilities.
"I would like to thank the members of the search committee and all others who participated in the hiring process," President Bienen said. "We were fortunate to have a strong field of candidates. Mark's varied background, his management and budget skills and his record of success at an institution with similar values make him a perfect choice for Northwestern. We look forward to having him as a member of our team."
"I also particularly want to thank Rick Taylor for his years of service as Northwestern's athletic director," President Bienen added. "When I came in as a new president, he convinced me of the need to improve Northwestern's athletic and recreation facilities and provide additional resources for our sports and recreation programs. The entire campus has benefited from Rick's vision and leadership."
Murphy and his wife, Laurie, who is also a Colgate graduate, have four children.
"I'm honored to follow in the footsteps of Rick Taylor, a person for whom I have great professional respect. I was fortunate enough to serve on the NCAA Division I football issues committee with Rick. I'm grateful to President Bienen for this opportunity," Murphy said. "Colgate will always have special meaning for me, but Northwestern represents a unique career opportunity at this time in my life."
