The Eastern Washington University Board of Trustees (BOT) unanimously voted Judge James Murphy board chair for the upcoming 2015-16 academic year at its meeting Friday, Sept. 25.

Murphy was appointed to the board Oct. 16, 2012 by Gov. Christine Gregoire, and served as the board’s vice-chair over the last academic year. He succeeds Jo Ann Kauffman, whose term on the board is expiring.

“I’ve been involved with this university for the last 54 years,” said Murphy. “And now to move into the leadership of this board is a very humbling experience following Chair Kauffman, who has been an exemplary leader. I am so impressed with the direction of the university, it is a very exciting time and I take it as a real challenge.”

Judge Murphy earned his BA from Eastern in 1965 before going on to law school. He served on the bench for 26 years in Spokane County, retiring as a superior court judge in 2003.

Also at the meeting, trustee Uriel Iñiguez was elected vice-chair of the board. He and Murphy will serve one year terms as officers.

The Board of Trustees work with EWU President Mary Cullinan to set the strategic direction of the university and help ensure that EWU is academically and financially accountable and successful.