Dr. George W. Murray (’67) and his wife,
Annette (‘69), have a rich history with
CIU. Upon the announcement of his
“retirement” this year, Murray granted
the following interview.
CIU Today: When did you first become
associated with CIU?
My history with CIU, (then called
Columbia Bible College – CBC) goes
back 54 years when I enrolled as a
freshman right out of high school. Since
then, I have earned two CIU degrees,
served as Robertson McQuilkin’s
administrative assistant during the first
year of his presidency, taught twice as
an adjunct professor, served 16 years
on the CIU Board of Trustees, then
seven years as president, and 10 years
as chancellor. Each “chapter” in my
CIU history has been a privilege and
blessing.
CIU Today: We know from what
you’ve transparently shared in some
of your Chapel messages that you had
a somewhat “rocky start” at CBC.
Yes. Not only was I admitted as a
freshman on “academic probation”
(poor high school grades), but I was
almost expelled that same year for
cheating and lying about it.
CIU Today: How has CIU contributed
to your life and service for the Lord?
Wow, in so many ways. Through clear,
godly teaching, I was set free from the
guilt of past sin (justification by faith), I
learned the wonderful truth of “Christ in
you,” and God put His hand on me for
missionary service. I also learned to trust
the Lord to supply all my needs. And,
to top off all the above, at CIU I met
and married my godly wife and lifelong
partner in ministry, Annette.
CIU Today: You graduated from CIU in
1967, and didn’t return full time until
2000 when you became president.
What did you do professionally in
those intervening 33 years?
Besides several years of graduate
studies, we were directly involved
in missionary work, church planting
by teamwork in Italy for 13 years,
leading the Bible Christian Union (330
missionaries in 14 countries of Europe)
for 11 years, and leading TEAM (1,100
missionaries worldwide) for six years.
I have also had the privilege of being
an itinerant Bible preacher and teacher
throughout the United States and in 78
other countries.
Dr. George Murray and his
wife Annette Murray.
CIU Today: As a “retiree,” how do you
envision your future?
Annette and I plan to remain in the
Columbia area, I will maintain an office
on campus, teach some classes and
speak occasionally in Chapel, and
travel/preach on behalf of CIU both
domestically and internationally. My
CIU-related “on the road” speaking
schedule is already booked through
April of 2019. Of course, we also hope
to pour our lives more fully into the
lives of our four children and their
spouses, and into the lives of our nine
grandchildren.
CIU Today: Do you have any words of
advice for CIU’s new leadership?
My prayer is that CIU will continue to
train and send out professional ministers
and ministering professionals until
every man, woman, boy or girl on the
face of the earth has a chance to hear,
understand and respond to the gospel
of Jesus Christ.
CIU Today: Because you graduated
in 1967, this year must be your 50th
class reunion.
Yep, and I am hoping for a great turnout
of the CBC Class of 1967 when we
gather on campus for Homecoming on
November third and fourth. Y’all
come!!
CIU’s First Chancellor “Retires”
29
CIU Today
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