Change is a good thing according to Dr. William Murphy, the founding director of the University of Kentucky’s College of Engineering in Paducah. Murphy, who was hired in 1998 to lead the newly formed program, is stepping down as director, effective July 1, 2012. The university is in the process of establishing his replacement, though no formal announcements have yet been made. Though Murphy is stepping down as director of the program, he will continue to teach at the college as a professor in mechanical engineering.

“New ideas, new thoughts, new leadership—all of these come with change,” Murphy said at a reception Thursday honoring his 14 years of service to the Paducah campus. “Welcoming change is the way we move forward and I am excited to be here to watch that happen.”

West Kentucky Community and Technical College, a founding partner with UK of the engineering program along with Murray State University, hosted the reception in WKCTC's Crounse Hall. The UK’s College of Engineering in Paducah offers area students the opportunity to achieve a University of Kentucky 4-year bachelor of science degree in chemical or mechanical engineering. Working in partnership with WKCTC and Murray State University, UK- Paducah students take all required classes on the UK Paducah Campus.

During the reception, it was announced that the second floor hallway of the Crisp Building on the WKCTC campus will now be known as Murphy Hall in his honor. UK’s primary engineering classes in Paducah are offered on that floor.

Dr. Thomas Lester, dean of the UK College of Engineering, and Dr. G.T. Lineberry, UK’s associate dean for Commonwealth and International Programs, praised Dr. Murphy’s dedication to students and the engineering program. Dr. Barbara Veazey, WKCTC president, told the crowd that she was honored to have worked with Dr. Murphy these past years, as the collaboration was far more successful than anyone dreamed it might be.

“When we first began the process of establishing the UK Engineering program here in Paducah, there were many obstacles to overcome. We did overcome them, however, and Dr. Murphy was an integral part of the success of doing so,” Veazey said.

Dr. Murphy joined the faculty at the University of Kentucky in 1986. He holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Kentucky and both master of science and doctorate degrees from Purdue University. An Owensboro native, Dr. Murphy is active professionally with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
More than 140 students have graduated from UK’s College of Engineering in Paducah since its inception in 1997.