Cedars, October 2018

October 2018 12 COVER STORY by Shelby McGuire “D istinguished professor indeed,” Dr. Thomas White said as he concluded his speech to public- ly and formally recognize Dr. Murray Mur- doch as distinguished professor of history. After 53 years of dedicating his life to serving Cedarville University, students and faculty alike let out a long-bated breath as this announcement was made in chapel. A roaring round of applause and standing ovation ensued for several minutes. The title “Distinguished Professor” is not a rank or a promotion. It is the highest honor that the university bestows based on a set of qualifications including excellent teaching abilities, effective faith integra- tion, extensive scholarly effort and active Christian ministry pursuits. Additionally, a distinguished professor will demonstrate a commitment to the university and to the lo- cal church that is above and beyond the call of duty. This title is also representative of a national or international reputation. Murdoch’s commitment to the uni- versity and its students is evident through his extensive involvement on campus. Dr. Thomas Mach, chair of the Department of History, joked that Murdoch has been in- volved in every committee Cedarville has. Murdoch has held many titles, from tennis coach to department chair. He was also the original faculty advisor of the men’s org Al- pha Chi and was instrumental in helping them start CU EMS. Murdoch has used his gift of teaching to serve the Lord outside the classroom in local church ministry. Until recently, he spent time preaching and acting as interim pastor at churches in the area. He has since had to step down from these engagements and focus all of his energy into his students and the classes he is teaching. Biblical integration is a prevailing theme in Murdoch’s classroom. He strives to make the Bible the center of his courses. He equips students with biblical analytical skills and teaches them how to apply those skills to everyday life. His students marvel at the way he teach- es history like he is telling a story, making them forget that they are in a classroom listening to a lecture. Junior history major Rachel Terrell compares Murdoch’s history class to sitting around a campfire listening to a sweet grandfather figure tell stories. Murdoch has always taught large class- es. His largest class ever, 237 students, had to be taught in the DeVries Theatre. Even in these large classes, Murdoch has always made it a point to connect with students on a personal level and be there for them when they need it most. His office door is always open to his students, whether they need help studying for a test, are having difficulty understanding class material, are struggling with a relationship or are dealing with a problem at home. Murdoch said, “I always tell students that if there is a stump they are having trou- ble pulling to come see me and we will pull it together.” He has had this kind of impact on stu- dent’s lives since the beginning of his career. Dr. Kevin Sims, senior professor of history at Cedarville, remembers spending a lot of time getting guidance in Murdoch’s office as a student. It was he who inspired Sims to study history. Sims said that Murdoch has a true international reputation because of the impact he has had on so many students. “His students are everywhere around the globe and they know him,” Sims said. “They are probably like me, they are in that place because of something from him.” Murdoch said that he is humbled in re- ceiving the honor of distinguished professor and he is grateful to the university for rec- ognizing his time and work here. Above all else, he is thankful for his students. “You kids have been my whole life for over half a century,” he said. “I love my stu- dents and they have fashioned a lot of what I think and do. I just feel blessed and hum- bled to be a part of this institution. … My heart and soul have always been here at Ce- darville.” Shelby McGuire is a sophomore journal- ism major and Campus News Co-editor for Cedars. She enjoys working out as well as feeding her caffeine addiction pretending that she has her life together. Excellence in Education Dr. Murray Murdoch is recognized as distinguished professor of history Photo by Kelsey Feuerhak Distinguished professor Dr. Murray Murdoch often begins his class with a story.