Lee University Dedicates Garden Honoring Debbie Murray

by Kamea Sutherland

Cleveland, TN (10/01/2026) — Lee University dedicated The Debbie Murray Garden with a "Garden Party" on Friday, Sept. 25, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Debbie Murray and her decades of service to the university.

Located adjacent to the Cornerstone Chapel, the garden provides a space for members of the Lee community to reflect, study, and pray. Enclosed by walls and featuring flower beds, stone walkways, and park benches, it offers a peaceful setting for all. A plaque at the garden entrance recognizes Murray as a key figure in Lee's emergence as a leading university and honors her lasting contributions to the institution.

"Few individuals have made such a major impact on the life of Lee University as Debbie Murray," said Dr. Paul Conn, chancellor of Lee University. "She practically grew up on this campus, as the daughter of the late Dr. Jim Bilbo, a pioneer leader of the Lee faculty. She was an outstanding and popular young professor, whose passion for teacher education, and especially special education, was a driving force in the emergence of the Helen DeVos College of Education as a regional leader in producing K-12 teachers and administrators. Certainly, Debbie is one of those people who was shaped by Lee and has since continued to shape Lee."

Following Conn's welcoming comments, Voices of Lee, directed by Danny Murray, provided music for the ceremony, including a performance by Jayliene Bonilla, a Voices of Lee alumna. The program also featured remarks from Kristen Murray Grisham and Lauren Murray Garner, two of Murray's daughters; Autumn Willemsen O'Bryan, a former student; Dr. Eric Moyen, a former colleague who worked with Murray during her tenure as dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education; and Dr. Carolyn Dirksen, distinguished professor emerita, who worked alongside Murray throughout her career.

Together, the speakers highlighted qualities that have characterized Murray's influence across generations of the Lee community, including her strength, kindness, grace, extraordinary work ethic, and ability to make others feel seen and heard. They reflected on her commitment not only to her students and colleagues but also to her family. Murray and her husband, Danny, have four children and 11 grandchildren.

The formal program concluded with closing remarks, a litany, and the dedication led by Dr. Phil Cook, president of Lee University.

"The dedication of this garden gives permanent and visible expression to our gratitude," said Cook. "It stands as a tribute to Debbie Murray's scholarship, leadership, and service, and it represents the standards she upheld, the relationships she cultivated, and the lasting contributions she made to Lee. All who enter will benefit from a place created to recognize someone who has spent her life helping others learn, grow, and flourish."

In response, Murray reflected on the recognition and her years of service to Lee.

"I am deeply honored and humbled by the dedication of the new garden at Lee University bearing my name," said Murray. "This recognition reflects my love for Lee and the many people I have engaged here over the years. It also affirms the spirit of innovation I have sought to champion throughout my career. I am especially grateful to Dr. Paul Conn for envisioning this meaningful addition to our campus and for the generous appreciation shown for my commitment to Lee University."

Following the ceremony, guests gathered outside the Cornerstone Chapel for the official opening of The Debbie Murray Garden, refreshments, and an opportunity to explore the new space.

Murray began her career at Lee College in 1980 as an instructor of special education. In 1997, she became the first dean of the Helen DeVos College of Education, a position she held for many years. During her tenure, she helped guide the college's growth and development while teaching and mentoring generations of students preparing for careers in education.

In 2013, Murray was appointed vice president for academic affairs, and in 2020, she became the first person in Lee history to hold the title of provost. Murray was also awarded the title of Distinguished Professor of Education. Throughout her career, she received numerous honors, including Lee's Excellence in Advising Award and Alumna of the Year from the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In 2024, the Church of God honored her with its Distinguished International Educator Leadership Award.

Murray earned her Doctor of Education and Master of Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, after completing her undergraduate work at Lee.

After more than four decades of service to Lee, Murray recently transitioned from her role as provost to serve as Senior Ambassador in the Office of the President.

Jon Vile, director of Physical Plant, and Josh York, vice president for Operations, at Lee, joined former Physical Plant director Larry Berry in the work of creating the new garden. Tri-Con Inc. was responsible for the overall construction.

The Debbie Murray Garden is a lasting tribute to Murray and a place for students, faculty, staff and visitors to gather, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of the Lee campus for years to come.

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