Three former South Mountain Community College faculty members were recently honored at a celebration hosted by Mesa Community College on November 5, where they were recognized for their long-standing careers at SMCC.
Three former South Mountain Community College faculty members were recently honored at a celebration hosted by Mesa Community College on November 5, where they were recognized for their long-standing careers at SMCC. Laurita Moore and Dr. Brian Murphy received the honorary title of emeritus, while Brian Smith was granted appointive status.
To receive an emeritus distinction, retired faculty are nominated by current employees of the Maricopa County Community College District. Laurita Moore was nominated by SMCC faculty Stephen Hustedde, while Dr. Brian Murphy was nominated by Amy MacPherson, a faculty member from Phoenix College. Upon satisfactory completion, Brian Smith was approved for appointive status for long-term employment during his time at SMCC before transferring to Glendale Community College.
Laurita Moore began her career with the district in 1986 when she was hired at the Maricopa College Libraries. Her expertise and vast knowledge made her stand out above the rest as she was one of the only people during this time to have a Master of Library Science and experience with online information systems.
Moore then transferred to SMCC as a faculty member in both Computer Information Systems and Spanish. Her work in integrating the Spanish program with English as a Second Language won her the Innovator of the Year award as she was able to help students of both programs benefit from the knowledge of the other.
Over time, Moore directed her focus more on networking and information systems, and was even one of the very first to take on the challenge of adopting Guided Pathways into her Survey of Computer Information Systems course curriculum. Through her 43 years of service, she proved to have a deep commitment to the students she taught as her passion for her work continuously shined through.
Dr. Brian Murphy served SMCC for nearly 30 years as both a faculty member in Psychology and Sociology, and as coach. When his career with the college began, he already had over a decade of experience working in schools and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. Through his time at SMCC, the one area he consistently poured himself into was athletics.
As a coach, Murphy attended five NJCAA National Championships: two with softball, two with women's volleyball, and one in 2023 with beach volleyball. He also served as the Assistant Athletic Director for six years in the 1990s and 2000s under Doug Ferguson and Chris Haynes. Having taught the first-ever sports psychology course to be offered at SMCC and creating a focus on mental skills development, Murphy made a real impact on the student-athletes.
When retiring in 2023, Murphy reflected on his decades-long career and noted how through his work, his focus was always on helping students to overcome challenges and create something positive from it.
Brian Smith was previously a residential faculty member and the Director of Accounting Faculty at SMCC. With an MBA in finance, a Master of Science in Accounting, and over a decade of accounting work in government, bookkeeping, auditing, financial analysis, and fraud, Smith brought an array of skills and knowledge to his position at the college.
While at SMCC, Smith also served as an advisor for DECA, a co-curricular student organization that enhances student knowledge and skills in the business environment. His countless hours and devotion to the students was evident through his work with the club and in his role as a professor.
Smith’s work at the college went beyond just his impact on students, as it also left an impression on his coworkers. His humor earned him the title of resident comedian amongst his peers, always creating a positive atmosphere. He was also the co-chair of the SMCC Assessment Committee, where he elevated the work and inspired his colleagues to engage.
The immense contributions that these three former faculty members have had on the legacy of SMCC were commemorated at the ceremony by SMCC President Veronica Hipolito, who gave her remarks to each before honoring them with their titles.