Dean Murphy Moves On

Jerome T. Murphy, Ed.D. ’73, announced June 5 that he will step down as dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education in June 2001. After a year’s sabbatical, Murphy—who joined the faculty in 1974 and has served as dean since 1992—will return to the school and resume teaching as the Howe professor of education. The search for his successor is expected to begin in the fall.

During his tenure as dean, the school has developed seven new master’s programs involving such subjects as the arts, brain sciences, and school leadership. Murphy created the Askwith Education Forum speaker series, which brings in scholars, activists, artists, and policymakers to address topics related to education and learning; and established an office that works with Massachusetts public-school systems, applying the education school’s research to current practice. He also led the school’s capital campaign (part of the University Campaign), which raised $102 million and tripled the number of endowed professorships.

“Dean Murphy has been at the center of the national debate on school reform, and he has encouraged active engagement by faculty and students with critical issues in the field of education,” said President Neil L. Rudenstine. “Jerry has brought vigor and insight to the school, and I am personally grateful to him for the exceptional ability and collegial spirit with which he has served Harvard and the School of Education.”

Murphy, a specialist in the politics of education, said the school “is playing a pivotal role in the pursuit of public goals and the rapid increase in knowledge about learning and development. More than ever before, the nation needs to harness this knowledge to benefit children, particularly those who are poor.”