Dr. M. Dianne Murphy led Columbia University Athletics to one of its most successful eras during her 11-year tenure as Director of Athletics (2004-2015) and later served as University Advisor on Athletics Issues. A renowned expert in strategic planning, fundraising, and leadership development, she is a highly sought-after executive coach and mentor to athletics administrators and coaches.

Nationally, Dr. Murphy has been an influential leader, serving on the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee and chairing the NCAA Women’s Basketball Issues Committee. She founded the Center for Coaching Excellence in partnership with the WBCA and facilitates the WBCA’s “So You Want to Be A Coach” Program.

Under her leadership, Columbia teams secured 30 Ivy League titles across 11 sports, while the Columbia Campaign for Athletics raised over $100 million. Dr. Murphy implemented a comprehensive Strategic Plan and launched initiatives like the Leaders for Life program and the First-Year Transition Program to enhance the student-athlete experience.

Before Columbia, she was Athletics Director at the University of Denver, where teams won national titles, including the 2004 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship. Her extensive career includes leadership roles at Kentucky State, University of Iowa, and Cornell University. Dr. Murphy holds a Ph.D. from Florida State and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Tennessee Tech, where she received the Distinguished Alumni Award. She is a member of multiple Halls of Fame and serves on several national boards, including the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and The Drake Group.