Deborah L. Murdock

Debbie Murdock's belief in creating opportunities for others transformed the organizations she worked in over a lifetime of public service. She was known and respected for her tireless belief in and dedication to public education and to Portland State University. Through her tenacity and enthusiasm, she left an indelible mark on PSU during her 14-year career. Joining the university in 1993 to work in government relations, she was later promoted to Special Assistant to the President for Strategic Planning, Public Policy, and Government Relations. Her intellect, passion and powers of persuasion raised tens of millions of dollars in federal and state funds, helping to transform Portland State into a leading Urban Research University. Among her signature projects were the Urban Center Building and Plaza and the Native American Student and Community Center. She earned a reputation among education and legislative officials as a strong advocate and accomplished strategist who was gifted at building relationships among people from various levels of government. A brilliant writer and strong-willed person with high standards for herself and others, Debbie avoided the spotlight, taking great pains to recognize the contributions and achievements of others. She cared for and about her colleagues, devoting her life to her work and to mentoring young people seeking careers in public policy. Her door was always open to students who would stop by to catch up or seek advice, and many went on to work in advocacy and government. 

Children, education, and those less fortunate were her passion. In addition to her commitment to PSU, she served on the board of the I Have A Dream Foundation.

Debbie was born in Davenport Iowa and grew up in San Diego, California, graduating with a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University. She came to Oregon to study at the University of Oregon where she earned her master's degree in political science. Prior to coming to PSU, Debbie was executive director of the Community Coordinated Child Care Council, Staff Associate for the Oregon Community College Association and Assistant Director of Public Policy for YMCA in Washington, D.C. She returned to Oregon in 1991 to serve as Legislative Assistant to then-Congressman Les AuCoin.

In fall 2006, Debbie suffered a stroke that left her temporarily paralyzed. Over the next few months, she fought to regain mobility, eventually returning to work at PSU with the same spirit and renewed passion for work and life, even completing a one-mile walk to support cystic fibrosis research. She continued working until just days before her death when doctors discovered late-stage cancer.

Following her sudden death in 2007, the PSU community came together to organize a scholarship in her name. The Deborah Murdock Scholarship is awarded annually and supports tuition, fees, books, or other expenses for a graduate student with financial need who is dedicated to a career in public service. In 2008, the university named the Urban Center Plaza clock tower for her. 

Debbie Murdock was a force to be reckoned with and she is still missed by her many friends and colleagues.

Locate on Walk:

• Naming Wall (Right Wall), 2-1