Jennifer Murphy: Building Ladders Through Education at Tennessee Tech
In the bustling office of Jennifer Murphy, a visual testament to her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education hangs proudly on the wall. Neatly framed degrees serve as a constant source of inspiration, not just for her, but for the countless students she serves as the interim director of student success for the university’s College of Engineering. Even as she dedicates herself to fostering the academic journeys of others, Murphy is also deeply immersed in her own educational pursuit, working towards her third graduate degree at Tennessee Tech University.
Murphy is currently in her second year of a rigorous Ph.D. program in higher education. She readily credits the flexibility of Tennessee Tech’s graduate programs for enabling working students to balance their academic aspirations with their professional responsibilities. The programs are carefully designed to empower individuals to complete their degrees at a pace that aligns with their unique circumstances.
"Tech makes a graduate degree attainable and tailorable to your schedule, whether the classes are online or on land," Murphy emphasizes. She speaks highly of the faculty within her program, highlighting their genuine passion for both the subject matter and their students. "The professors in this program want to be here – they love the content that they’re teaching. But more than that, they love students as a human first. You will not find humans who care more about the students anywhere like you will at Tech."
Murphy’s own academic journey has been marked by a blend of dedication, perseverance, and a deep-seated desire to learn and grow. While working full-time as a high school English teacher, she successfully completed a Master of Arts degree in educational psychology and counselor education at Tennessee Tech. This accomplishment opened doors to a fulfilling career as a school counselor, a role that further ignited her passion for helping students navigate their academic and personal challenges.
During her time as a school counselor, Murphy felt a calling to expand her knowledge and skills, leading her to return to Tennessee Tech to pursue a second graduate degree – an Education Specialist degree, or Ed.S, in instructional leadership. Her commitment to education extends beyond graduate studies, as she also earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in English from Tennessee Tech.
The Ph.D. in higher education program has provided Murphy with a unique opportunity to merge her academic pursuits with her professional goals. She plans to apply her dissertation research to her current position as interim director of student success. Her research will utilize logistic regression to predict graduation rates for transfer students, providing valuable insights into the factors that contribute to their success.
Armed with this data, Murphy intends to develop targeted programs and support systems designed to enhance the academic experience and graduation rates of transfer students. "I have the opportunity to help students succeed by learning how to create, establish and refine different programs," Murphy explains. "I am learning how to evaluate and assess what I have, and then how to better support students based on the data that comes to me, and so it all comes back full circle. I’ll be able to use my dissertation to help students."
Tennessee Tech’s Ph.D. in higher education program is distinguished by its strong foundation in data science. It equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle the complex challenges facing colleges, universities, higher education agencies, and foundations. The program’s curriculum emphasizes data-driven decision-making, empowering graduates to lead with confidence and impact.
A hallmark of Tennessee Tech’s graduate programs, including the Ph.D. in higher education, is their commitment to flexibility. Recognizing the demands placed on working professionals, the program offers a blend of online and on-campus course options, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to fit their schedules. Online courses are delivered both synchronously, with real-time interaction, and asynchronously, providing students with the freedom to learn at their own pace.
The program is self-paced, acknowledging that individuals have unique academic and professional timelines. Depending on enrollment status and other factors, many students can complete the Ph.D. program in approximately four years. This flexibility makes it possible for full-time professionals to balance their academic studies with their work and family life.
Tennessee Tech offers a diverse array of other graduate programs that prioritize flexibility for working students. These include master’s degree programs in fields such as counseling, English, and computer science. Doctorate degree programs are available in engineering, health behaviors, and literacy. Education specialist degrees are offered in instructional leadership, curriculum and instruction, and counseling and psychology, among others. The university’s website provides a comprehensive list of programs.
Murphy’s decision to embark on the Ph.D. in higher education program was driven by a desire for personal and professional growth. As a first-generation college student, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education. She understands the profound impact that access to quality education can have on individuals and communities.
"I am a lifetime learner," she declares. "I am a follower of the Lord, and the Lord drew me to Tech in the first place. So if He chooses, if He wants me to go somewhere and do something, then I’m absolutely going to do it. But I’m never going to be a ladder climber – I want to be a ladder builder. I want to help people around me and build ladders for other people to climb up on."
Murphy’s dedication to education has had a ripple effect, inspiring her sons, who are also pursuing higher education. She shares a lighthearted anecdote about her youngest son, who is in pre-med, "I joke with my youngest, who is in pre-med, that I would be the first Dr. Murphy. That’s our little joke back and forth – who’s going to get it (the doctor title) first."
To be considered for admission to the Ph.D. in higher education program, applicants must meet certain academic requirements, including a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 from their last graduate degree or 60 hours of undergraduate work. They are also required to submit a statement of intent, two letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and an academic writing sample.
Murphy offers words of encouragement to anyone considering pursuing graduate studies, urging them to take the first step and overcome self-doubt. "What I know about this experience is that there can be a lot of hesitation and self-doubt that I felt about going back," Murphy says. "It came from the anticipation – the anticipatory anxiety, not the actual coursework. As a human, you’re more capable than you think. Most of the time, you’re going to love it and you’re going to want to push forward."
Tennessee Tech’s commitment to accessible, high-quality graduate education continues to empower individuals like Jennifer Murphy to achieve their academic and professional goals, enabling them to make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond.
To learn more about Tennessee Tech’s Ph.D. in higher education program or other graduate programs, visit TNTech.edu.
