Longtime Student Recruiter Is a Natural for Working in Student Diversity
As Charles “Chip” Murdock transitions into his new position as director of multicultural affairs at Wilmington College, he will see many of the same faces he’s known since helping to attract those students to WC while they were in high school.
Murdock served as the College’s primary recruiter of multicultural students for 14 years before, in mid-summer, relinquishing his position as associate director of admission to move across campus to head the multicultural affairs area. There, his focus is on retention and assisting students-of-color in navigating the College experience.
“I feel the transition is a natural fit because I have already worked with most of the multicutural students here on campus in the recruitment process,” he said. “Also, for me, recruitment was never and end goal. It’s the beginning of what I hope to be a lifelong relationship between the College, the student and the student’s family.”
Indeed, after successfully recruiting multicultural students all these years to WC, Murdock has long been supportive of those students during their time at the College and continues to foster their ongoing relationship with the institution following graduation.
Sigrid Solomon, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said Murdock’s appointment represents “a great match” of professional and position.
“Chip has a love and passion for Wilmington College and its students, who will continue to feed off that passion and enthusiasm,” she said. “He’s already proven to be a great mentor.”
Murdock, who is known as one that ardently fosters student success, admits he occasionally get teased about becoming a bit emotional at celebrations recognizing those successes.
“I can’t help it because I see that student as an extension of their entire family,” he said. “I’ve seen countless family members make sacrifices for their students, so, when one child receives a degree, the whole village should celebrate. It’s a huge thing — nothing beats seeing proud families on graduation day!”
And that is his goal: to assist students-of-color in having a successful experience at WC, see them receive their diplomas at Commencement, become productive citizens and enjoy meaningful lives.
Solomon is excited that another key component of Murdock’s position is community outreach, an area at which Art Brooks, WC’s director of multicultural affairs from 1993 to 2012, excelled and literally wrote the book.
“Chip is already well-connected to the community,” she said.
“Art Brooks is a legend,” Murdock said. “He took me under his wing when I began at WC and served as a strong mentor to me during the 11 years we worked together. Our offices had a great relationship and worked hand-in-hand in supporting students. He also set a standard regarding his commitment to the Wilmington community.”
Murdock expressed his affection for the Wilmington community that is home to his family that includes his wife, Tina, and their four children.
“I love this town and what it has to offer,” he said. “However, there is unfinished business concerning our local youth. We have great students/leaders in our local schools, as well as students who may need a hand up.
“WC is in a great position to reach and affect both, as I believe we have been already. I am hoping to broaden the College’s footprint by contributing my office’s efforts. I’m pumped.”
