Campus News

April 14th, 2026

Murphy honored by GC Board of Trustees

Recently retired grounds/shop supervisor's stellar service recognized

Randy Murphy, who recently retired as Garrett College's grounds and shop supervisor, is the 2026 winner of the Garrett College Board of Trustees Award for Outstanding Contributions.

"I thought I'd be working with some of the smartest people in the area," Murphy said of his decision to become a College employee. "I was hoping I could be there for a long time."

Murphy – who was working locally building engines at the time – was approached by GC Assistant Facilities Director John Furr about joining the College as a mechanic in 1996. A decade later, Murphy was promoted to security and transportation coordinator, playing a pivotal role in establishing the College's Campus Security Department.

"The College was building Laker Hall and needed 24/7 security coverage," recalled Murphy, who had considered a law enforcement career before coming to the College. "It was a big undertaking."

"This critical project was accomplished with a very small budget during a time when campus safety was under national scrutiny following the Virginia Tech tragedy," said Board of Trustees Chair Jason Rush. "Randy's foresight and leadership during this time contributed directly to a safer and more secure campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors."

Murphy transitioned to transportation coordinator in 2010, and became grounds and shop supervisor in 2011. In that role, he was usually the first facilities person on campus when bad weather hit.

"I don't sleep a whole lot – only about two hours a night – and I enjoyed plowing snow," Murphy said. "I'd usually get in early and get started between 3:30 or 4 o'clock. I'd have one or two parking lots done before anyone else got to campus."

Murphy turned down opportunities to move into administration for very practical reasons.

"I liked being outside," he said. "I didn't want to sit behind my desk at a computer all day or have to go to meetings. I enjoyed going to work – it wasn't a job that way."

Trustee Kurt Heckman, who chaired the trustees' Board Award subcommittee, praised Murphy's commitment to mentorship.

"He consistently mentored new employees in the facilities department and helped shape not only the physical environment of Garrett College but also the culture of care, respect, and teamwork that make the College so special," said Heckman.

Murphy was nominated for the award by current Director of Compliance Shelley Menear, herself a former winner of the Board Award for Outstanding Contributions.

"His legacy is evident in the safety infrastructure he helped build, the beautiful campus environment he sustained, and the countless individuals he supported and uplifted throughout his tenure," said Menear.

Notes: The Board Award publicly recognizes an individual or organization that has significantly and positively impacted Garrett College's mission and educational goals. Created in 1982, the award has been given to 35 individuals and six groups.