Wendy Murphy of Wallace elected within UNC Board of Governors first ever all-female leadership team

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors is under new leadership, with an all-female slate of officers for the first time in UNC System history including Wallace local Wendy Murphy.

The board unanimously elected Wendy Murphy as the new board chair, Kellie Hunt Blue as the vice chair, and Pearl Burris-Floyd as the secretary with terms starting in July.

According to a news release, this marks the first time that the board will be led entirely by women. Each brings a wealth of board experience and deep connection to the UNC System.

Murphy, a former teacher, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

“My background in education has helped me understand the value of our university system and its importance to the future of our state. I want everyone to know and appreciate that the UNC System is the crown jewel of North Carolina. Whether we are preparing future teachers, doctors, business leaders or scientists, the UNC System and its 17 campuses provide a pathway to success for so many of our people. We train the future leaders of the state, the nation and indeed, the world,” she said.

She was appointed to the UNC Board of Governors in 2017 and has served as vice chair since 2019. Before joining the UNC System board, Murphy was a member of the UNC Wilmington Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2015, where she served two terms as board chair. Murphy resides in Wallace, where she is involved in hospitality businesses as part of Murphy Family Ventures.

“I joined the Board of Governors in 2017 and I am honored to serve as chair. Previously I served on the Board of Trustees for my alma mater, UNC Wilmington, from 2005 to 2015, including two terms as chair. I am involved in the hospitality side of Murphy Family Ventures, assisting our team at the River Landing community. I like to pay attention to detail, so I am often called upon to work on special projects related to the clubhouse, restaurants, hotel and cottages. I also chair the Architectural Standards Committee, which approves new homes and improvements to properties, and I serve on the Property Owners Association board of directors for the community,” said Murphy.

With her extensive background in leadership and education, Murphy is aware of the mission to help students in their academic achievements in the UNC system. Her strong work ethic began during her childhood in Duplin County.

“I actually grew up in Rose Hill across the street from Duplin Winery and worked my summers at the Rose Hill Restaurant and later at Murphy Farms. I attended Rose Hill Magnolia Elementary, Charity Middle and proudly graduated from Wallace-Rose Hill in 1989. My husband, Dell, and I lived in Teachey a short time before moving to Wallace in 1993. We raised our children in the Wallace community, attending Wallace Methodist Church. Duplin County is definitely home to us,” said Murphy.

Her dedication to the area has encouraged her to advocate for students across the state including rural areas to make sure that students can excel inside and outside of the classroom.

“This is a critical moment. For so long the United States has been the global leader in higher education, but other countries are catching up fast, and even exceeding our achievements. We need to make sure that all North Carolinians, no matter their backgrounds, bank accounts or beliefs, have an opportunity for a high-quality, affordable education beyond high school. That is our mission,” she said.

Her goal is to keep the focus on quality education, student success and affordability for all.

“I’m honored to be elected chair at a time when three women will assume leadership roles as Board officers for the first time in history,” Murphy said. “This is a critical moment for higher education, and I’m blessed to serve alongside Vice Chair Kellie Hunt Blue and Secretary Pearl Burris-Floyd. Together, we have meaningful experience on university boards in North Carolina, and I know we will always keep students at the forefront of our minds when making decisions about the university.”

Murphy, Blue and Burris-Floyd will each serve two-year terms in their leadership positions.