Meet a Colleague: Rissie Murphy Rissie Murphy serves as the operations manager for the Provost's Office.
Rissie Murphy, provost office operations managerQ. How long have you worked at W&L?
I started in the summer of 2012, so almost 11 years. Wow, that’s hard to believe!
Q. What do you like most about working at W&L?
I really love that we always have the opportunity to learn and grow. Everywhere you turn, there is something new to discover – Mudd Center lectures, Nobel Prize lectures, ERG events, IT workshops, a hallway conversation with a colleague – you name it, knowledge is in every corner.
Q. Where is your favorite location on the W&L campus?
The wooden footbridge – no doubt. It’s always peaceful.
Q. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town in southern West Virginia.
Q. What advice do you have for students (or parents)?
Be gentle and kind to all you encounter. You never know how a kind gesture can impact someone else. On that same topic, don’t take someone’s kindness for granted.
Q. If you could live anywhere, where would you build your dream home?
Right here in Rockbridge County. I’ve never encountered a more beautiful place. I feel at home here and never want to leave.
Q. Who most inspires you?
My three kids. They have so much joy and passion for everything they do. Watching them get absorbed into their interests is amazing.
Q. What book are you reading now?
I am currently reading two. I am listening to “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles and reading “A Lesson Before Dying” by Ernest J. Gaines.
Q. What music are you listening to these days?
I have lots of favorites I play regularly: “Vienna” by Billy Joel, “Blue Mesas” by Leon Bridges, “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I, “Jasper” by Ajay Friese, “Right Above It” by Lil Wayne, “Lydia” by Highly Suspect and “Electric Feel” by MGMT.
Q. Your favorite film (movie) of all time?
So lame, but I will forever love Dirty Dancing.
Q. If they made a movie about your life, who would play you?
Probably Anne Hathaway. I’ve been told I look like her. Honestly, I don’t see it, but she’s beautiful, so I’d be honored.
Q. If you could have coffee with one person, who would it be?
My sister – Suzette. She died 18 years ago and I miss her every day. I would just love to see her green eyes again and hear her laugh. She was the most important person to me and I just miss her.
Q. What is your desert island food?
My husband Nick’s pizza. We bought an Ooni pizza oven a few years ago and have pizza night every Friday night. He’s nearly perfected pepperoni pizza.
Q. What is your secret talent?
I can fold a fitted sheet. I am also exceptional at building and taking apart Legos – even those pesky flat square ones.
Q. Anything else you’d like to share?
I was named after my great-great-grandmother on both sides (Rissie on my dad’s side and Lurinda on my mom’s side). I never met them, but I am proud to carry on their names.
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