UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Dan Murphy has been named senior director of administration and chief of staff for Penn State Student Affairs, effective July 1.
Murphy currently serves as director of Commonwealth Campus support in Student Affairs, where he provides leadership and coordination for student affairs operations, resources and services across Penn State's campuses. Since joining Penn State in 2012, he has held leadership roles with responsibilities spanning student success, orientation and transition programs, campus support and strategic planning.
The newly redefined senior director of administration and chief of staff position will help advance Student Affairs' strategic priorities by strengthening coordination across the division, supporting organizational effectiveness and fostering collaboration among units and campus partners. Working closely with the vice president and senior leadership team, Murphy will help guide divisional initiatives, support long-term planning efforts and align resources and operations in ways that enhance the student experience across Penn State. His portfolio will include direct oversight of central service units within Student Affairs while maintaining oversight for Commonwealth Campus support.
Throughout his career, Murphy has led initiatives focused on student engagement, student success and institutional collaboration. He established Penn State's Office of Commonwealth Campus Support in Student Affairs, co-led implementation of the University's shared student organization management platform, advised the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments and coordinated services and resources across Penn State's 24-campus system. He has also served in interim Student Affairs leadership roles at Penn State Lehigh Valley and Penn State Brandywine.
Prior to his current role, Murphy served as the inaugural director of Student Orientation and Transition Programs, where he oversaw programs supporting thousands of new, transfer and change-of-campus students each year. He also helped launch Penn State's Complete Penn State degree-completion initiative, which supported former students returning to complete their degrees.
Murphy earned a master of education degree in counseling psychology from James Madison University and a bachelor of arts degree in music and organizational communication from Western Michigan University. He also holds a graduate certificate in management consulting from Penn State and is currently pursuing a doctor of education degree through World Campus.
"Dan's ability to connect people, ideas and resources across a complex institution has been evident throughout his Penn State career," said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs. "He brings a deep understanding of our students, our campuses and our division, along with a collaborative leadership style that will help us advance key priorities and strengthen our ability to serve students. Dan's experience leading strategic initiatives and building partnerships across the University makes him exceptionally well suited for this role."
Murphy said he is excited to continue supporting Student Affairs' mission and working alongside colleagues across Penn State.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Student Affairs in this new capacity," Murphy said. “Throughout my career at Penn State, I have been inspired by the dedication of our staff and by the leadership of our students, whose insight, partnership and advocacy have been central to advancing our work. I look forward to working with colleagues across the division and the University to strengthen collaboration, support innovation and advance initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for students to learn, grow and thrive."
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.