Michael John Murphy Ph.D

Posted By: Jade
June 18, 2024 @ 9:54 am
Obituaries

Michael John Murphy, Ph.D., age 77, died on June 7, 2024 in Terre Haute, IN following a
lengthy illness with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born in Chicago, IL on June 6, 1947 to
Morgan Joyce Murphy and Virginia Mae O”Connell Murphy. He earned a BA in Psychology from
Loyola University of Chicago in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Kent State
University in 1973. In 1989 he was awarded the Diplomate in Clinical Psychology by the
American Board of Professional Psychology. He served for seven years in the US Army
Reserves and retired with the rank of Captain. He spent his entire professional career in Terre
Haute as a faculty member at Indiana State University where he retired after 40 years in 2013
as Full Professor and Director of Clinical Training of the Doctor of Psychology Program. He was
owner and co-founder of Murphy Associates Psychological Services, now Murphy Urban
Associates, which has continued to provide outpatient psychological services to the Wabash
Valley since 1979.
Dr. Murphy is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dr. Patricia A. Murphy. He and Pat raised four
children together, two by his first wife including Jessica J. Murphy and Morgan J. (Anna)
Murphy; and two by Pat’s first husband including Lisa Kercher and David (Shannon) Abadie. He
was grandfather to nine including Eric and Sarah Kercher; Kathleen, Micah, Claire, Margaret,
and Emily Murphy; and Rachel and Jack Abadie. He is survived by two brothers Stephen (Jan)
and Morgan Daniel (Barbara) Murphy, brother-in-law David Basler, and many cousins, nieces
and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Susan Basler and brother Mark.
His brother Peter Murphy died on June 10, 2024.
Dr. Murphy was a nationally recognized psychologist whose career embodied his commitment to
the profession through the integration of research, practice, and professional service and
development. At ISU he was integral in the development of the Doctoral Program in Clinical
Psychology in the early l980’s and served as Director of Clinical Training for 20 years. He was a
highly respected teacher and supervisor, the author of numerous professional articles, and
presenter at many conferences and workshops. He was actively involved in the doctoral
research projects of over 200 students. He served on numerous University boards and
committees pertaining to faculty and student affairs, and was awarded the Faculty Distinguished
Service Award in 2001 and the Presidential Medal in 2008, the highest award for faculty for
distinguished service and outstanding contributions to the University. At the time, Dr. Murphy
was recognized by University President Dr. Lloyd Benjamin for ”inspiring a generation of
students and has established a record of service to ISU, the profession of clinical psychology,
and the community that is second to none.”
Murphy Associates Psychological Services was founded by Drs. Michael and Pat Murphy and
was one of the first independent psychology practices in Terre Haute. Over the years it has
grown to include ten practitioners and came under the leadership of Dr. Michael Urban, a long
term partner, upon Dr. Murphy’s retirement. In his clinical practice, Dr. Murphy provided a wide
range of services to individuals, couples, and families. During the last several years his work

focused mainly on forensic psychology and involved evaluations, consultation, and expert
witness testimony for the courts of Vigo County and surrounding jurisdictions. His contributions
over the years to the local community were recognized by numerous awards including the
Hamilton Award for Volunteer Service and the Spirit of MLH from Martin Luther Group Homes
where he served as psychological consultant for many years.
In addition to his academic and clinical work, Dr. Murphy was very active at the state and
national level in efforts to improve access to psychological services for the public and to the
advancement of the profession. Throughout his career he maintained consistent participation in
the Indiana Psychological Association and served in several leadership roles including
President in 1991 and Chair of the Legislative Affairs Committee for many years. He was
responsible for helping to organize efforts that led to the passage of 12 bills related to issues
such as the regulation and practice of psychology, Medicaid coverage, criminal proceedings
involving the mentally ill, and insurance parity for mental health coverage. He served as
Indiana’s representative to the State Leadership Conference and as its representative to the
Council of Representatives of the the American Psychological Association. His work was
recognized by IPA with a special award for Outstanding Achievement in Professional Affairs, the
Distinguished Service Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Murphy was similarly active at the national level where he was a Fellow and long term leader
within the American Psychological Association. He served on many boards and committees
and as President of the Division of Independent Practice, member of the APA Doctoral
Accreditation Committee, and was recipient of the Heiser Award for Advocacy on Behalf of
Psychology and Federal Advocate of the Year Award.
Beyond his profession, Dr. Murphy had wide ranging interests. He was an avid reader, lover of
poetry, enjoyed all types of music, travel, gardening, swimming and long distance cycling. His
wonderful smile, Irish humor, sharp wit, and genuine love of learning and teaching will be
missed by many.
The family would like to thank Dr. Antwan Mardini and Heart to Heart Hospice for their excellent
care and support. If desired, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana
at alz.org, or to the Michael Murphy Student Travel Fund at https://givetoindianastate.org
Private family services will be held at a later date.