SW Mississippi News

Dr. Renardo Murray named the 2023 Mississippi Humanities Teacher of the Year

Alcorn State University’s Dr. Renardo Murray is one of 30 educators to be honored for their contributions to humanities.

Murray is Alcorn’s 2023 Mississippi Humanities Council Teacher of the Year. Murray will receive his award at the Council’s annual ceremony Friday, March 24, in Jackson, where the recipients will be recognized for bringing insights into the humanities to public audiences.

Murray will deliver a lecture titled “The History of Western Art Music” Wednesday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at the J. D. Boyd Library Medgar Evers Auditorium.

Murray is the associate dean and professor for the School of Arts and Sciences. Before his current role, Murray was the director of Bands for the Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching Band.

Murray earned a doctorate in music education from the University of Mississippi in 2011, a master’s degree in music education from Jackson State University in 2004, and a bachelor’s degree, also in music education, from Alcorn in 1995.

As he reflected on his new accomplishment, Murray felt proud to be added to the list of Alcorn professors who won the award before him.

“It’s a humbling experience,” said Murray. “Alcorn has had some great professors to win this award, so to be amongst them is an honor. It also feels great to be appreciated by others.”

The award is one that Murray said he’ll always cherish.

“Anytime you win an award of this magnitude, it’s mind-blowing. So to be nominated, win, and accept this award is something that I’ll always appreciate.”

Murray is encouraged by the award and the applause of his peers to keep doing work that would be impactful to the Alcorn community.

“This inspires me to stay relevant, work hard, and positively impact students. It also motivates me to continue to work to keep our beloved University in a positive light.”

Original source can be found here.