Murdock joins ASU staff as vice chancellor for University Advancement

Aug. 27, 2008 -- Cristian A. Murdock of Dallas, Texas, has accepted the position of vice chancellor of University Advancement at Arkansas State University, ASU chancellor Dr. Robert Potts announced  Wednesday.

Murdock assumes his duties at ASU Sept. 15., after spending the last two years at Southern Methodist University. He will oversee ASU’s offices of Alumni Relations, University Development, Publications and Creative Services, University Communications and University Relations.

“I am thrilled that following a national search, Cristian Murdock has accepted our offer to become ASU-Jonesboro’s new vice chancellor for University Advancement,” said Dr. Robert Potts, chancellor of the campus. “In every development position he has held, he has set new records for fund raising. I have no doubt that he will do the same here at ASU.

“We are excited that he has become a member of our talented administrative team, and we welcome him and his fine family to Jonesboro.”

While at SMU, Murdock was executive director of the National Major Giving Program, which is responsible for defining, organizing and maintaining a primary prospect fundraising pool. He also served in an ambassadorial role with SMU’s deans, vice presidents and development staff to determine overall goals and strategic direction for SMU’s Second Century Campaign.

Murdock was responsible for recording $76 million in gifts in 2008, the most successful donor year in the school’s 97-year history.

“There are certain times at certain places where something special can happen,” said Murdock. “It is a combination of external factors – a lot of people taking a strong interest in an institution, the arrival of real dynamic leadership, and the opportunity to tell a great story.  ASU has a convergence of these events.  

“People come to universities from all walks of life because they want to improve themselves and the world around them.  My family and I are excited to join the ASU team as we all help lead this emerging university into its second century.”

Murdock also enhanced corporate relationships with SMU and specific colleges, schools and units across campus through strategic involvement and opportunities such as student recruiting, faculty research, steering committees, events, conferences, executive education and corporate philanthropy.

Prior to his stint at SMU, Murdock worked in advancement at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., as the special assistant to the president. In this position, Murdock designed and implemented a set of comprehensive advancement goals for the university. By building strong relationships with friends and prospects, he helped complete a $110 million campaign for the university.

Murdock also spent two years (2002-04) with GuideStone Financial Services in Dallas as the group’s director of charitable planning.

From 2000-02, Murdock worked as the director of estate and asset services with the American Cancer Society in Oklahoma City, Okla. While there, he secured more than $11 million in planned gifts, the most money ever raised in planned giving for a year with the American Cancer Society.

After receiving a bachelor of science degree in family relations and child development from Oklahoma State University, Murdock earned his master of divinity degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. Upon receiving his master’s degree, he spent five years as the director of development at Southern Seminary and was the youngest director in the institution’s 149-year history. Under his leadership, annual giving, new donors and alumni giving increased significantly.

Murdock, who is originally from Duncan, Okla., is married to the former Kerry Romberg of Holdenville, Okla. Kerry holds a bachelor’s degree in education from East Central University, Ada, Okla., and a master’s degree in education from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio. They have two children— an 11-year-old daughter, McKennah, and a six-year-old son, William.           

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