Murray State University’s longest serving staff regent on its governing board has died.
Phil Schooley of Murray had served on Murray State’s Board of Regents since 2009, representing university staff. Schooley was a Cybersecurity and Network Management Online/Transfer Advisor for the university. He served as Murray State Staff Congress President in 2008-2009.
“He loved Murray State University and worked hard every day to improve it,” President Bob Jackson said in an internal email. “He was a dear friend and colleague to all of us and will be sorely missed.”
Schooley held a bachelor of science degree in education with an industrial arts major from Murray State, and a master of arts in teaching degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Schooley was a secondary school educator for 33 years before his time at the university, where he founded Technology Student Association Clubs in the state along with being a state sponsor for the Missouri chapters of The National Beta Club.
He was the recipient of the “Outstanding Industrial Arts Teacher in Missouri” award, the Missouri State Teacher Association's “Southeast District Meritorious Service Award," and the “2011 Murray State University Staff Excellence Award,” among others.
He was active in his church, and organizations including as a member of the Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge, the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and was a Kentucky Colonel.
Schooley is survived by his wife, Virginia; his son, Brian; his daughter-in-law, Michele; and two grandchildren, Garrett and Gavin.