Alcorn State University has a new dean leading its College of Arts and Sciences. Nolan McMurray started the job on July 1.
He comes to Alcorn from Tennessee State University, where he spent six years as dean of the College of Life and Physical Sciences. That college included biological sciences, mathematical sciences, chemistry and the Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Institute. Before that, McMurray chaired the mathematical sciences department at Tennessee State for three years.
McMurray earned a Ph.D. in mathematics, with a focus on matroid theory, and a master’s degree in mathematics, both from the University of Mississippi. He holds a master’s in mathematics education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he also completed his bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Joyce Buckner-Brown said McMurray’s record made him the right choice for the college.
“Dr. McMurray brings an impressive record of academic leadership, scholarship, and student-centered innovation,” Buckner-Brown said. “Throughout his career, he has shown a strong commitment to advancing academic excellence, supporting faculty success, and building partnerships that expand opportunity for students. His experience developing academic programs and leading strategic initiatives will be a tremendous asset to the College of Arts and Sciences and to the University. I am confident his leadership will strengthen the College’s contributions to teaching, research, service, and community engagement.”
Alcorn’s College of Arts and Sciences gave him something new he said — room to lead beyond math and the sciences.
“This position allows me to broaden my academic leadership beyond mathematics and science and to shape a larger, more diverse academic unit,” McMurray said.
He added that the role lets him push forward student success, faculty development, and the integration of science, mathematics and the liberal arts.
His priorities for year one are straightforward.
Listen first.
“My highest priorities will be to listen carefully to students and faculty, and establish a strategic agenda centered on student success, faculty support, program quality, and enrollment growth,” McMurray said.
He sees the college’s breadth as a strength, not a challenge to manage. Science, mathematics, the humanities, fine arts and social sciences all belong under one roof, he said, because they complete each other.
“My commitment is to ensure that every department has the support, visibility, and opportunity to grow and thrive,” McMurray said.
That commitment extends to students directly. McMurray, an HBCU graduate himself, said he recognizes the ambition students bring with them to campus.
“Our students arrive with dreams, ambitions, and a strong desire to create better opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities,” he said. “What excites me most is helping students achieve a greater quality of life.”
McMurray grew up in Woodson, Arkansas, a small town roughly 30 minutes south of Little Rock.
Education runs in his family, though he didn’t set out to follow it.
A pull toward mathematics changed his direction.
He credits Dr. Wei Feng, his first department chair at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, with shaping how he leads.
“She led with strength, wisdom, and a genuine ability to listen,” McMurray said.
Looking three to five years out, McMurray wants the college to be known for more than its degree count.
“The College of Arts and Sciences will become a student-centered, academically distinguished, and community-engaged college that advances Alcorn State University’s historic mission,” he said.
For now, McMurray is settling in and introducing himself to the campus community.
“I am deeply committed to the success of our students and the advancement of Alcorn State University,” he said.
