Maryland Higher Education Commission

November 2007 Press Release

 

 

 

DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS FOR MHEC NAMED

Gareth Murray brings years of Legislative Experience

 

 

Annapolis, MD (November 15, 2007) – Dr. Gareth E. Murray has been named Director of Legislative Affairs for the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC). The announcement was made by Dr. James E. Lyons, Sr., Secretary of Higher Education.

“Having served as delegate in the Maryland General Assembly, Dr. Murray brings a wealth of first-hand experience in dealing with legislative issues,” said Dr. Lyons. “I am very pleased to have someone of his caliber to guide the higher education community as the legislature works through many tough issues. His legislative experience coupled with over 30 years working in higher education make him a real asset to the Commission.”

Dr. Murray served as a delegate from Montgomery County to the Maryland General Assembly from January 2003 to January 2007. Prior to that, he was an adjunct faculty member in both Maryland and California, in addition to directing several campus-based programs. Dr. Murray has also conducted a private practice for nearly 30 years, providing consulting services in workforce diversity training, organization development, crisis intervention, mediation, and community and government relations.

Dr. Murray received his doctorate in Counseling and Personnel Services from Cornell University, a master’s degree in Theology from Virginia Union University, and a master’s and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. He currently serves as an associate pastor at the First Baptist Church of Silver Spring. He is a member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Leadership Maryland, and the American Counseling Association.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission is a 12-member coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and independent colleges and universities and private career schools. It serves as an advocate for more than 300,000 college students in Maryland, for the State and its needs, and for business and industry in Maryland.