Making Strides to Increase Engagement for Nearly 10,000 Students
Farmingdale State College announced today the appointment of Kevin Murphy RN, MSN, to the newly-created position of Executive Dean for Student Engagement.
Murphy joined Farmingdale’s Health and Wellness Center as a staff Registered Nurse in 2013. He has had a steady career progression serving as Assistant Director and then Director of the Health and Wellness Center until April 2022, when he assumed the role of Acting Assistant Vice President of Student Engagement. Prior to arriving at Farmingdale, Murphy worked at several Level 1 trauma centers as an emergency room nurse.
In this new role as a member of the President's Cabinet, Murphy will lead the Division of Student Engagement and provide executive leadership and oversight for student life initiatives on the Farmingdale campus.
“Kevin has long been a strong advocate for our students and their well-being,” said President John S. Nader. “His leadership was vital during the pandemic. He has since turned his attention to more fully involving both our residential and commuter students in campus events and programming. As a result of his work, we are making strides in nearly all areas of student life.”
The Executive Dean is responsible for supervising the Division of Student Engagement, which includes the areas of Student Activities, Campus Recreation, Residence Life, Health & Wellness, Campus Mental Health Services, Student Conduct, Title IX compliance, and the Dean of Students Office. In his new capacity, Murphy will develop and implement services and activities with the specific goal of overall student satisfaction and retention. Working collaboratively with the Division of Academic Affairs and the broader campus community, he will serve as the chief strategist and advocate in shaping and implementing student life initiatives for the College. Murphy is charged with furthering a sense of belonging and community among nearly 10,000 students on a highly diverse campus.
“I am thrilled to be taking on this role and look forward to implementing a vision of meeting students where they are, in order to fully engage and support them outside the classroom,” stated Murphy. In addition to his service to Farmingdale, Murphy is an industry leader in higher education, having served as President of the SUNY Health Council. He was a recipient of the Farmingdale CARES Award in 2021 and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Professional Service in 2022.
After receiving his associate degree in Nursing from Suffolk County Community College, Murphy continued his education to earn his bachelor’s degree in Nursing and master’s degree in Nursing Leadership and Management from Western Governors University in Utah. Murphy lives in West Islip with his wife Erin and their three children.
