McMurry University logo

McMurry University

Abilene, TX

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Cultivating Leadership Excellence and Virtue... Every Student, Every Day.

1923
Founded
Private university
Type
40 acres
Campus
4,144
Undergrad
$95M
Endowment
(2019)
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Dr. Lynne Murray

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About McMurry University

McMurry University: Cultivating leadership and virtue in a private university setting since 1923.

McMurry University, a distinguished private institution nestled in Abilene, Texas, is dedicated to shaping future leaders grounded in strong ethical principles. Its inspiring motto, "Cultivating Leadership Excellence and Virtue... Every Student, Every Day," serves as a guiding light, emphasizing a commitment to holistic student development that extends beyond academics.

Established through the vision of Methodist minister James Winfred Hunt and the Northwest Texas Conference of the Methodist Church, McMurry College first opened its doors on September 20, 1923. Over the decades, it grew in stature and influence, proudly achieving university status in 1990, which further expanded its academic reach and community impact.

Today, students at McMurry are part of a vibrant campus that honors its rich history while embracing progress and innovation. The university fosters a supportive and engaging environment where intellectual growth and character building go hand-in-hand, preparing graduates to embark on successful careers and make a meaningful difference in the world around them. It's a place where traditions are cherished, and every student is empowered to lead with excellence and integrity.

A notable part of McMurry's journey includes its thoughtful evolution regarding its athletic identity. After a significant process stemming from NCAA guidelines, the university's teams, once known as the Indians, successfully transitioned to the proud new identity of the War Hawks in 2011, symbolizing pride, courage, and fierce competition.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1923, offering a century of educational excellence.
  • Operates as a private university, deeply rooted in its Methodist heritage.
  • Guided by the inspiring motto: "Cultivating Leadership Excellence and Virtue... Every Student, Every Day."
  • Boasts an endowment of $0.1 billion, supporting its mission and programs.
  • Achieved university status in 1990, significantly expanding its academic offerings.
  • Led by current President Dr. Lynne Murray.
  • Athletic teams known as the War Hawks since 2011, symbolizing courage and competitive spirit.

Timeline

1920
Northwest Texas Conference of the Methodist Church voted to establish the school
1921
The charter of the school was ratified
1923
McMurry College was initially founded on September 20
1926
Received accreditation from the Texas Association of Colleges and graduated its first class
1990
Gained university status, becoming McMurry University
2005
NCAA handed down a decision concerning Native American mascots, affecting McMurry's 'Indians'
2006
McMurry's board of trustees decided the university would no longer use names for its athletic teams
2007
The school's stadium name was changed from Indian Stadium to Wilford Moore Stadium
2011
It was announced that McMurry University's athletic teams would be known as the War Hawks
🏛️
103 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Dr. Lynne Murray
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at McMurry University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search