Amy Beth Murphy's Obituary
Amy Beth Murphy, retired Auburn University faculty member and administrator, passed away January 18, 2022, at her home on Lake Martin. She was 62. She is survived by a special loved one, Jeff Black; brother Charles Kent Murphy (Debbie); sister Viva Ellen Murphy; beloved niece Mary Beth Baird; nephew William Lowery Baird II; her extended family, friends, and her Auburn family, including countless former students and mentees, all of whom she “loved dearly.”
Amy was born on April 4, 1959 to Charles F Murphy and Sarah L Murphy of Tanner, AL. She was a graduate of the Tanner High School Class of 1977. Upon high school graduation, she pursued a career in banking. When Amy was turned down for a promotion on a Friday because she didn’t have a four-year
degree, she resigned the following Monday, and enrolled at Auburn University the next quarter. There she completed a bachelor’s and ultimately a graduate degree in accounting. Anyone that knew Amy won’t be surprised by this anecdotal reminder of her trademark wherewithal and gumption. She was a trailblazer before she knew it. Traits like this are just a few of many that made her admired, appreciated, and adored.
Upon her first graduation from Auburn in 1988, she worked in public accounting where she served clients in banking and healthcare. Having some professional experience under her belt, Amy returned to Auburn, completing her master’s degree in 1992. Her talent and love for Auburn was recognized by many, and in 1994 she was asked to serve as the Director of Graduate Programs within Auburn’s School
of Accountancy. Her career was reborn. For the next 25 years Amy taught courses in financial accounting and professional development, and was credited for innumerable contributions in the advancement of graduate accounting studies.
Amy was an agent for change at Auburn. Under her leadership she increased internship offerings to students, pioneered curriculum changes that allowed students to sit for their professional exams before graduation, and created five online programs that extended the university’s reach. Her contributions led to improved exam pass rates and ultimately garnered the program national recognition with a top ten ranking by US News & World Report. Auburn’s seal highlights the university’s pillars of research, instruction, and extension. Amy knew her subject matter front and back, enlightened those around her, and designed mediums to reach a broader community.
Amy lived a full life. She loved much and gave much. She was ambitious and loyal. To spend time with her was to know pure joy and to have experienced a lot of laughter. She will be greatly missed by the many who love her dearly.
Family and friends will gather to share stories and memories of Amy on Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Lindsay Lane Baptist Church Foundation Center (located on the west side of the church), 1300 Lindsay Lane, Athens, AL 35613. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Amy B. Murphy Memorial Endowed Scholarship in the School of Accountancy at the Harbert College of Business or your local animal shelter. Checks payable to the “Auburn University Foundation” can be mailed to 317 S. College St. Auburn, AL 36849. Online gifts can be made at https://alumniq.auburn.edu/giving/to/amymurphy.
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