“Carolyn and Ed work closely with the NSCS Office in their current positions, and are familiar with the policies and procedures within our system. They have established good working relationships with our Board of Trustees, the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, and other state office personnel. Due to their vast experience, they will transition smoothly into our office this summer,” Carpenter said.
Hoffman, who will serve as vice chancellor for facilities, planning and information technology in the NSCS Office, has worked for Chadron State College since 1988. The last nine years, he has been the vice president for administration, managing an operating budget of $25 million annually. He is also responsible for the oversight of campus construction and renovation, and supervises human resources, business and computer services, budget and payroll, maintenance, and support personnel.
Previously Hoffman was the director of housing and later the director of physical facilities, where he was responsible for the 240-acre campus at Chadron State. He also owned a portrait studio and framing gallery in Chadron for five years.
“Ed has proven to be a sound facilities manager and strategic planner, having guided Chadron State through a 10-year facilities master plan. His experience and sense of humor will be a strong addition to our staff,” Carpenter said.
A Chadron State College graduate, Hoffman earned his master of arts in education-vocational education in 1990. He attended Black Hills State University for his undergraduate degree in mass communications.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to serve the Nebraska State College System in this new capacity and while I eagerly look forward to new challenges, I will miss the Chadron campus, President Park, and all of the friendships forged over the past 18 years. I welcome the chance to work with each of the three campuses and anticipate an exciting future,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman’s wife, Pat, has worked at Chadron State College since 1993 with interactive distance learning and coordinated efforts throughout the service area from infancy. Two years ago, she added the distance learning student services component to her duties as well.
The Hoffmans have two daughters. Meredith is married to Cole Willnerd and resides in Lincoln, and Blair is a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, majoring in communications studies.
Carolyn
Murphy, who has worked at Wayne State College since 1989, will serve as vice
chancellor for finance and administration in the NSCS Office. In her current
position as vice president for administration and finance at Wayne State, Murphy
oversees the areas of accounting, budget, business and facilities services,
financial aid, grants administration, and human resources.
Prior to this position, she was budget manager and grants administrator for more than nine years at Wayne State. She also worked as city administrator, clerk and treasurer for Dakota City and city clerk for the town of Akron, Colo.
“Carolyn has a strong background in finances, as shown by her management of the more than $30 million budget at Wayne State College. The combination of Carolyn’s strong background and pleasant personality make her a great asset to our system,” Carpenter said.
Murphy received her business administration undergraduate and masters in business administration degrees at Wayne State College. She also completed a three-year program at the College Business Management Institute at the University of Kentucky, Lexington in 1997.
“My husband, Ken, and I are looking forward to this new adventure. I am very pleased that I can continue to be of service to the Nebraska State College System, and am very excited about the new opportunities this position provides,” Murphy said.
Ken is retiring as director of administrative systems in June after 22 years with Wayne State College. He was responsible for implementing the current Student Information System in 1987 as a programmer and has been responsible for system support and upgrades since that time. He was promoted to director of administrative systems in 1994.
The Murphys have three sons, Jim and Gina Murphy of Omaha, John and Angela Murphy of Omaha, and Bret Burns, a student at Wayne State College. They also have three grandchildren, Kayla, Brooke, and Kianna.
The Nebraska State College System serves close to 8,000 students from Nebraska and the surrounding states through three geographically diverse institutions: Chadron State College, Peru State College, and Wayne State College. Combined, the three colleges offer more than 200 degree, certificate, and pre-professional programs that are accessible on the three campuses, via the Internet, and in several satellite locations throughout the state. With more than 250 credentialed faculty members and 45,000 successful graduates, the Nebraska State College System provides significant human and intellectual capital that contributes to the current and future economic strength of the State of Nebraska.