MANSFIELD, PA— J. Dennis “Denny” Murray, professor emeritus of Psychology, will be the speaker at Mansfield University’s 153rd Commencement on Saturday,
December 16 at 11 a.m. in Decker Gymnasium.
“Dr. Murray has a deep and lasting connection to Mansfield University,” MU Interim President Scott Barton said in making the announcement. “As a professor, mentor, and friend, Denny has touched the lives of countless Mansfield University students, faculty, and staff. We are fortunate to have him as our commencement speaker, and we look forward to the advice and guidance he offers to our newest graduates.”
Murray retired in 2015 after serving on the Mansfield faculty for 37 years. As a professor, he taught courses in counseling, leadership studies, rural community psychology, prevention of mental illness, death and dying studies, and student professional development. In addition, Murray placed and supervised students conducting internships in over 200 schools and community organizations.
He was chairperson of the Department of Psychology for 10 years and interim provost, then associate provost, for the 2000-2001 academic year.
Murray served and continues to serve in numerous leadership roles professionally and in the community. He has been president of the National Association for Rural Mental Health, vice chairperson of the Board of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, and chairperson of the Academic Division of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. For over 30 years, Murray has been an elected director of health care organizations serving our region. He has chaired the Board of the Laurel Health System and is currently on the boards of the Laurel Health Foundation and the newly formed UPMC Susquehanna health system and its affiliates.
Murray earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rochester, and he is a fellow of the American Psychological Association. Before coming to Mansfield, he taught at the University of North Dakota for four years. His scholarly work includes research on mental health needs and services in rural communities, and he has published and presented extensively in that area. Murray has also studied and speaks on a variety of topics of great personal and professional interest, including peer support and counseling; community, organizational, and ethical leadership; conflict resolution; and death and dying.