Dan Murphy

Academic foundations math instructor Dan Murphy will be recognized during Victoria College’s spring commencement ceremony with the Distinguished Teaching Award.

For the past 10 years, Murphy has been a math instructor in the Academic Foundations Division, a program that provides students with the academic support needed to reach college-level readiness.  Numerous students and colleagues sent in letters of support for Murphy as an exceptional instructor deserving of this recognition.

“I love the opportunity to help students from the ground up,” said Murphy. “That’s what is great about teaching foundational math, helping students build the framework of knowledge upon which everything else they learn will be built.”

According to his peers, Murphy’s teaching is marked by how much extra time and attention he gives to his students. His gentle and genial manner makes him approachable and his enthusiastic encouragement keeps students motivated.

“Dan an amazing instructor,” said Babette Lowe, dean of academic foundations at VC. “He connects with his students and always goes out of his way to make sure they understand what he is teaching. He is always willing to tutor or re-teach concepts if students are struggling or just in need of clarification.”

Murphy believes in his students, and encourages them to do their best.

“I also really love to help students build self-confidence and help them realize that no matter how scary they might think math is, they can do it,” added Murphy.

Prior to becoming an instructor at VC, Murphy worked as an administrator in Texas primary and secondary schools throughout the state, including Bastrop, Mathis, Karnes City and Hayes Consolidated. Murphy taught math at Victoria High School starting in 1972 prior to becoming an administrator. After 17 years of serving as principal or vice principal, he found he was ready to get back to teaching.