Notable Alumni of McMurry University: Cultivating Leadership and Excellence
McMurry University, a private Methodist institution in Abilene, Texas, has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, and the university itself. Founded as McMurry College on September 20, 1923, the university has remained committed to its motto of "Cultivating Leadership Excellence and Virtue…Every Student, Every Day." This article highlights some of the most notable alumni who exemplify the values and spirit of McMurry University.
The McMurry University Experience
Since its founding in 1923, McMurry University has upheld a tradition of academic excellence, fostering a nurturing environment where students thrive both intellectually and personally. At McMurry, students are part of a welcoming and supportive campus where personalized, interactive learning is at the forefront. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, students enjoy intimate classroom experiences and individualized mentorship. With an enrollment of over 1,100 students, McMurry offers a nationally recognized liberal arts and sciences education that blends academic rigor with real-world relevance.
McMurry's commitment to student development is evident in the high percentage of students involved in extracurricular activities. Seventy-five percent of students participate in at least one extracurricular, fostering a vibrant campus community and providing opportunities for leadership development.
Distinguished Alumni Awards: Recognizing Exemplary Service and Accomplishment
The Distinguished Alumni Award, established in 1971, is the highest honor bestowed upon alumni by the Alumni Association on behalf of McMurry University. This award recognizes alumni who have made a significant contribution to their profession, society, and McMurry University. The nominee must be an alumnus of McMurry but not necessarily a graduate.
Shannon Sedgwick Davis: A Champion for Human Rights
Shannon Sedgwick Davis is the CEO of Bridgeway Foundation and the author of “To Stop a Warlord.” The Bridgeway Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to ending and preventing mass atrocities worldwide. Established in 2000 as the charitable giving arm of Bridgeway Capital Management, the organization serves as a catalyst for peace and reconciliation in international communities suffering from oppression, genocide, and other human rights violations.
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An attorney, activist, and passionate advocate for social justice, Ms. Sedgwick Davis has guided the Bridgeway Foundation in pioneering solutions to seemingly intractable issues worldwide. The organization has supported the work of groups like Aegis Trust, Resolve Uganda, Human Rights Watch, Invisible Children, and dozens of community-based organizations. Ms. Sedgwick Davis and the Bridgeway Foundation have been credited for their pivotal role in mobilizing awareness, civilian protection, and recovery efforts to counter the violence of the Lord’s Resistance Army and its leader, Joseph Kony, the first-ever indictee of the International Criminal Court.
Before joining Bridgeway Foundation in 2007, Ms. Sedgwick Davis served as Vice President of Geneva Global. This leading philanthropic consulting firm advises individuals, foundations, non-profit organizations, and corporations on international development, global health, and poverty solutions. Previously, Ms. Sedgwick Davis was the Director of Public Affairs at the International Justice Mission (IJM), a human rights agency that focuses on ending slavery, forced prostitution, and illegal land seizures in the developing world.
Ms. Sedgwick Davis is an honors graduate of McMurry University and Baylor Law School, from which she received the institution’s Young Lawyer of the Year Award in 2011. Award, and the 2022 International Citizen of the Year Award from the San Antonio World Affairs Council.
Other Distinguished Alumni
Past recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award include Terry Wheeler, Mary Esther Bynum, C. Girvin Harkins, and K.O.
Young Alumni Achievement Award: Honoring Emerging Leaders
The Young Alumni Achievement Award (formerly the Spirit of McMurry) was established in 2011 by the Alumni Association. This award honors alumni who have graduated in the last 20 years and have excelled in their profession, served their community, and served McMurry University. The nominee must be an alumnus of McMurry but not necessarily a graduate.
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Karl Scott: From McMurry Football to the NFL
Karl Scott is an accomplished football coach known for his expertise in developing defensive backs and coordinating defensive passing games. A native of Houston, Texas, Scott honed his skills on the football field at McMurry, where he earned a degree in exercise and sports studies in 2007.
Following his collegiate career, Scott began coaching at Delta State in 2007, where he served as a graduate assistant. In 2012, Scott joined Southeastern Louisiana University, where he spent three transformative years as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, steering the Lions to consecutive Southland Conference Championships and two NCAA Football Championship Division playoff appearances.
Scott continued to climb the coaching ranks into Division I football, joining Skip Holtz’s coaching staff as the safeties coach at Louisiana Tech University in 2015. In 2018, Scott served as the cornerbacks coach for the University of Alabama.
In 2021, Scott made his mark in the NFL, joining the Minnesota Vikings as the defensive backs coach. Scott’s journey reached new heights when he assumed a key role in the Seattle Seahawks as the defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach after starting as the team’s defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach in 2022. His impact was immediate, with rookie cornerbacks like Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen making significant strides under his mentorship.
Scott has been a visionary leader, dedicated mentor, and relentless competitor. His commitment to excellence impacts every team and player he works with, earning him respect and recognition.
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Danni McMahan: Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner
Dr. Danni McMahan is the spinal cord injury clinical pharmacy practitioner and the program director for the Post-Graduate Year 1 Pharmacy Residency Program for the VA North Texas Health Care System in Dallas, Texas. Dr. McMahan obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from McMurry University in 2012 and received the Ginny Carlson Memorial Award for Outstanding Senior Woman. In 2016, she received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy where she graduated number one in her class. She completed her PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at the VA North Texas Health Care System and a PGY2 in ambulatory care at the VA North Texas Health Care System and TTUHC School of Pharmacy. Currently Dr. McMahan serves as the only clinical pharmacy practitioner in the spinal cord injury unit. Additionally, she is a board-certified pharmaceutical specialist, and her scope of practice includes work in the inpatient unit, in the outpatient clinic, and on the home-based care team.
Other Young Alumni
Other recipients of the Young Alumni Achievement Award include Dr. Chris N., Clayton P., Steven C., JoLisa K., and Kay L.
Outstanding Alumni Awards: Recognizing Impact in Specific Fields
These awards, established by McMurry in 2017, recognize alumni who have had a significant impact in their professional field and their community, through achievement and/or service. The five fields represented currently are Business, Education, Fine Arts, Math & the Sciences, Humanities, Religion, & Social Sciences. The nominee must be an alumnus of McMurry but not necessarily a graduate.
Business
Gaylene Taylor: Gaylene Taylor graduated in 1960 from McMurry College with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting. and the controller’s office. She was promoted several times, eventually reaching the department manager level. After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991, Gaylene retired early, serving on the Shell Alumni Association Group Houston Board of Directors for several years.
Education
Dr. John E.: John E. Doctorate of Education at Texas Tech, both in educational leadership. Chillicothe, Comfort, Ennis, and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISDs. John has won many awards for his stewardship in education, including two Superintendent of the Year titles in two different regions. He was named Citizen of the Year in 2006 and Gifted and Talented Administrator of the Year in 2009.
Rogelio Garcia: Rogelio Garcia is a teacher in Dallas ISD where he was named a National Milken Educator in 2010 and was twice awarded Teacher of the Year at his campus.
Brian Hecimovich: Brian Hecimovich has served as the head band director for Fredericksburg ISD since Fall 2021. Prior to joining Fredericksburg ISD, Hecimovich led band programs at Hondo, Blanco, and Spur High Schools, where he cultivated excellence in music education. His bands have earned numerous UIL sweepstakes awards, produced All-State musicians, qualified for State Solo and Ensemble competitions, achieved OPS State Finalist placements, and advanced to the UIL State Marching Contest with both Hondo and Fredericksburg High Schools. In recognition of his dedication to teaching, Brian was named Teacher of the Year at Blanco High School in 2017 and received the prestigious Lamar Medal for Educational Excellence.
JoLisa Hoover: JoLisa Hoover joined Raise Your Hand Texas in 2019 and transitioned to the newly created teacher specialist role focused on teacher workforce issues in 2022. As an educator with policy experience, she is passionate about teacher leadership and investing in public education. She was recognized through the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards as a Lifetime Achievement Award finalist and a Leadership Award finalist. Hoover holds a master’s degree in educational psychology from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree from McMurry, where she received the Spirit of McMurry Award in 2012. She previously served with the McMurry Alumni Association and McMurry Servant Leadership Advisory Council and now serves on the McMurry Board of Visitors.
Fine Arts
Dr. Lenworth “Joonbug” McIntosh: Dr. Lenworth “Joonbug” McIntosh is a 2009 graduate of McMurry University with a degree in multimedia application/graphic design. He is a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles, California. His Jamaican roots loom large throughout his work and find reflection across his creative wheelhouse, which includes illustration, design, painting, and analog photography. An avid collector of images, Lenworth considers the process of curation an integral exercise in his practice.
Math & Sciences
Dr. Alan Howell: Dr. Alan Howell graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from McMurry and completed his undergraduate medical education at UT-Houston (now known as McGovern Medical School). After completing a residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, he continued his medical education specializing in adult infectious diseases. Since then, he’s held multiple faculty appointments. One from Texas Tech Health Science Center, while in private practice in Lubbock. Later, from Texas A&M, while serving as the Infectious Disease Fellowship Program Director at Baylor Scott & White. Currently, he works with both pharmacy and medical students from Kansas City University while serving as an ID physician for Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
Dr. Chad Harris: Dr. Chad Harris spent much of his career focused on companion animal and exotic animal medicine. He developed an interest in aquatic medicine and became one of four veterinarians in the state of Texas that would routinely treat fish. He has been an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Fish Veterinarians, and the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Harris was voted as one of “America’s Favorite Veterinarians” by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Dr. Harris is currently the Vice President of Veterinary Leadership for VetCor in Austin.
Dr. Rick Quy: Dr. Rick Quy ‘70 graduated from McMurry with bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Quy continued his higher education at Rice University (MS and PhD in Chemistry), the US Army Infantry and Parachute Schools (2nd Lieutenant), and Pepperdine University (MA in Education). where he spent 20 years as a research chemist, supervisor, and manager. Quy was then offered the position of director of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UT Austin where he won the 2010 Outstanding Services Award. After 12 years, he accepted a teaching position at St. Edward’s University for another 6 years.
Religion & Spiritual Life
The Rev. Dr. Helen R. Neinast: The Rev. Dr. Helen R. Neinast has been intrigued by the intersection of spirituality and social change since she was a child, when her father was a laborer in the oilfields of West Texas. Later, New Mexico’s landscape deepened those connections. As a practitioner and scholar, Helen’s academic and practical experience as a United Methodist minister is evident in her writing and in her work.
Honorary Alumni Award: Recognizing Exceptional Service to the University
Established in 2023, the Honorary Alumni Award is presented by the McMurry University Alumni Association to individuals (non alumnus) who have displayed exceptional interest, dedication, and/or service to the University, and have made a positive impact on the McMurry community.
Dr. Sandra S. Harper: A Tireless Champion for McMurry
The Alumni Board of Directors recognized Dr. Sandra S. Harper as the first and 2023 Honorary Alumna. Dr. Harper has been a tireless champion for McMurry for many years, dating back to 1985 as a professor, dean, and McMurry’s first female President. She famously said that although she is not a graduate of McMurry, she got back here as fast as possible. As an educator, she has impacted students so much that she maintains relationships with many of them. As the Dean of Arts and Sciences, she expanded her influence to more students and faculty. As McMurry’s 12th and first female President, she has led the University to its enrollment in 12 years, the largest fundraising year in school history, the largest single project in school history, and so on. She is the University’s most excellent ambassador to Abilene and the regional community. Her deep involvement in community and statewide academic affairs puts McMurry in the spotlight. And through her personal style and talent, she demonstrates McMurry’s commitment to excellence.
Other Notable Alumni
Leslie Chalmers: McMurry Alumni Association Board of Directors member Leslie Chalmers has crafted an impressive professional career that epitomizes resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to her passion for marketing. During her time at McMurry, Leslie was involved in various activities, including basketball, Servant Leadership, being Ko Sari Sweetheart, and cheerleading. Despite a detour due to a heart murmur diagnosis that ended her basketball career, Leslie found these experiences instrumental in developing leadership and multitasking skills. More importantly, they cultivated lifelong friendships that have enriched her journey. After graduating, Leslie ventured into sales with notable stints at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Abilene Reporter News. Her career took a turn into the non-profit sector, working for Goodwill West Texas and later the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. In 2017, she returned to her hometown of Jacksboro, taking on roles including Chamber Director and Executive Director for the Jacksboro Economic Development Corp. In 2022, BeyondFaith Hospice reached out with a compelling opportunity. They offered Leslie with a new role that aligned with her extensive marketing background and her deeply-rooted faith. In this role, Leslie shares the meaningful story of BeyondFaith Hospice, emphasizing the compassionate care provided to individuals in their final journeys.
Kristina E. Jones: Kristina E. Jones is chief growth officer for Civil Air Patrol and president/executive director of the Civil Air Patrol Foundation. She is responsible for Civil Air Patrol’s overall fundraising efforts, partnerships, and marketing to support its key missions. Jones holds a master’s degree in intercultural communications from Abilene Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications from McMurry. Jones has served on numerous boards at the local, state, and national levels. She is a graduate of Leadership America, Leadership Texas Class of 2008, and a past member of the National Advisory Board for the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health.
Kathi Edwards: Kathi Edwards graduated from Texas Tech University in 1975 with a B.A. in Business Education. She was a stay-at-home mom for 26 years, raising three children. During those years, she was an active patient volunteer with Hendrick Hospice Care. In 1993, she was chosen as their Volunteer of the Year. Edwards enrolled at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in 2008 where she received a master’s degree and board certification as a chaplain. Afterward, she worked as a staff chaplain with Hendrick Hospice Care until her retirement in 2021. Edwards is also a deaconess in the United Methodist Church. In 2017, Edwards began serving on the McMurry University Board of Trustees.
Murray Edwards: Murray Edwards graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University in 1973, where he was named outstanding Senior in the College of Agriculture. He then attended Harvard Business School and received an MBA in 1975. He received the Outstanding Agribusiness Entrepreneur award from Texas A&M and was named a Distinguished Alumnus in the College of Agriculture. Edwards has owned several businesses, including livestock feed and pet food manufacturers, cattle feed yards, a cotton and grain trading company, all in Texas, and a network of pump and irrigation companies in California. He was elected to the corporate boards of First Financial Bank of Abilene and First Financial Bank of Fort Worth, becoming its first Chairman of the Board. Currently, Edwards is the Lead Director of First Financial Bankshares and chairs the Governance Committee. An award-winning author, Edwards has written and published several collections of short fiction and satire.
Hunt: Hunt Direct Marketing is a database and direct response marketing firm that specializes in the Broadway and performing arts community. Prior to creating the company, Ms. Hunt was president and COO of Target Solutions, an arts consulting company, from 2001 to 2004. Ms. Hunt began her career at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra from 1981 to 1988, rising from departmental secretary to marketing manager. A proud alumna of McMurry University, Hunt earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. As a student, she was active in Theta Chi, McMurry Student Government, and consistently made the Dean’s List. Hunt has remained deeply involved with McMurry through philanthropy and leadership. She is a founding member of the Dr. Sandra Harper Women’s Leadership Scholarship, with a focus on building the endowment corpus rapidly to support future generations of women leaders.
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