Harold D. Murray
Harold D. Murray, professor emeritus of biology, died Thursday, June 22. He was 86.

During his years at Trinity, he was a popular teacher, respected administrator, and productive scholar.

A small-town Kansas native, Murray received his bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University, his master’s degree in biology from Kansas State College, and his Ph.D. in biology from the University of Kansas.

Professor Murray joined the Trinity faculty in 1961, shortly after his service in the U.S. Army Medical Service at Ft. Sam Houston. He was best known to generations of Trinity students for his introductory biology classes and meticulous advising as chair of the health professions advisory committee.

Students often commented on his “enthusiastic lecture style” and his “unforgivingness about spelling.” In 1965 he was named outstanding professor, and in 1971, students honored him with the Favorite Professor Award.

An expert on mollusks (snails, slugs, mussels, and clams), he published widely in his field and was active in professional organizations. In addition to articles in scientific journals, he co-authored the book Freshwater Mussels of Texas. He served as president of the American Malacological (study of mollusks) Society and was an elected fellow of the Texas Academy of Science.

His service to the Trinity community included nine years as department chair, member of the Faculty Senate, various Universities committees, and on two occasions he served as acting dean of the sciences, mathematics, and engineering division. He was well known regionally for his involvement in the advancement of health professions and co-authored a comprehensive handbook for advisers of health professions students, which was used extensively in Texas colleges and universities.

Professor Murray retired from the Trinity faculty in spring 1999. He frequently met for lunch with former Trinity colleagues and friends at Bombay Bicycle Club, which honored his memory this week by holding his table with flowers and a sign.

Throughout his retirement, Professor Murray continued to receive letters from former students who thanked him for the support they received at Trinity and the contributions he made to the success of their professional careers.

Arrangements are pending with Porter Loring Mortuary.

For 150 years, Trinity University has transformed challenge into boundless opportunity. Join the force in motion at www.trinity.edu.

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