FACES & FRIENDS AT TUSCULUM

WAYNE MURPHY

DIRECTOR OF CAMPUS SAFETY

Wayne Murphy brings more than 22 years of law enforcement and security experience to his efforts in keeping the students, staff and faculty, as well as its buildings and facilities safe and secure. Throughout his career, Wayne has worked as a member of the Air Police in the U.S. Air Force, as private security for General Motors and as a sheriff's deputy in Hillsboro County, Florida. And now, as Tusculum College's Director of Campus Safety, Murphy steps into his office in the Niswonger Commons each day with a smile on his face.

"I truly enjoy what I do. Dealing with the students and staff is enjoyable, and I work with such good people it's a pleasure to come to work every day," But working at Tusculum College wasn't on Wayne's mind when he and his wife moved from Tampa to Greeneville several years ago. What they were looking for was a place to retire. Having visited Greeneville for a number of years for vacations in their camper at nearby Kinser Park, Wayne and his wife, Andrea, fell in love with the area and decided to make the official move to Greeneville for their retirement home. And while Wayne said he loved working on his property and living near the mountains, the inactivity started to drive him crazy.

"I just wasn't cutout for retirement," he said, and when the opportunity came up to work with Tusculum Security part-time, he jumped at the chance. Wayne has now been with the College for nearly three years and was recently appointed to his position as Director. "It's less law enforcement and crime-related working here and more focused on protection, security and safety." He added that he sees his primary focus at the college the safety and welfare of the students, staff and faculty at the College, as well as property protection and insuring that the campus functions he oversees run smoothly.

Wayne and Andrea enjoy the life in Greene County where they spend time with their beagle, Lily, and Wayne still makes time for a few rounds of golf.

FAST FACTS ABOUT WAYNE MURPHY

ROLE MODEL: Wayne had the opportunity to hear his role model, John Wayne, speak several years ago in Ohio, and can still recall many of the things he said that day.

MEMORABLE MOMENT: As one of his most memorable moments, Wayne had the opportunity to meeting then-President John F. Kennedy while serving in the Air Force. "He was someone I really admired," Wayne said.

TELEVISION: Wayne is a fan of Jack Bauer and Fox's drama "24," but he also enjoys prime time game shows.