Rachael Murphey, Ph.D.

Lead Academic Dean, Trinity A&S Graduation with Distinction Program.

 

Originally from Lake Oswego, Oregon, my academic journey began with a B.S. in Political Science from Portland State University. As an undergraduate, I realized that the classroom and the library was where I felt most comfortable and where I believed I could make the greatest contribution. True to Oregon’s motto, Alis Volat Propriis (“She Flies With Her Own Wings”) I flew to North Carolina to earn M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

Prior to joining Duke, I was a senior academic advisor for students majoring in the social sciences and director of transfer student advising at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I taught courses on American political thought and African American history and politics.

I began my career at Duke as a director of academic engagement, focusing on global and civic opportunities and general academic advising. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to teach a course about the intersection of race, adoption, and foster care for undergraduate students in Trinity College of Arts and Sciences as well as graduate students in the Graduate Liberal Studies program.

Supporting and encouraging intellectually curious students is both a vocation and a privilege for which I remain profoundly grateful.