Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby, a distinguished professor of social work and former vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Arkansas, passed away in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Her passing marks a profound loss for the university community and the broader field of social work, where she was a tireless advocate for equity, inclusion, and social justice.
Dr. Murphy-Erby joined the University of Arkansas faculty in 2004, bringing with her nearly two decades of experience in social work, primarily focused on child welfare. Her academic journey included earning a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, an MSW from UNC Chapel Hill, and a BA from UNC Charlotte.
Throughout her tenure at the University of Arkansas, Dr. Murphy-Erby held several key leadership roles. She served as director of the School of Social Work, associate dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, and interim director of the African and African American Studies Program.
In 2017, she was appointed vice provost for diversity and inclusion, later becoming vice chancellor for the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In these roles, she was instrumental in conceptualizing and implementing the IDEALS Institute in 2019, aiming to foster inclusive excellence across the university and the broader community.
Dr. Murphy-Erby’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extended beyond administrative roles. She co-founded The Circle of Support in 2011, a group dedicated to mentoring and supporting African American students in the School of Social Work, enhancing their professional development and promoting retention .
Her efforts in promoting diversity were recognized in 2016 when she received a lifetime achievement award from the Northwest Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus.
An accomplished scholar, Dr. Murphy-Erby co-authored the first book in her discipline addressing the intersectionality of race, class, and gender. She secured over $17 million in external funding from federal agencies such as NIH, NSF, and HRSA, as well as state governments and foundations, to support initiatives aimed at addressing systemic challenges and promoting social and economic justice .
In 2020, she played a pivotal role in securing a $2.74 million federal grant aimed at diversifying the social work workforce. This grant provided scholarships and training opportunities for underserved students enrolling in the Master of Social Work program, furthering her commitment to creating equitable educational opportunities.
Dr. Murphy-Erby’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive environments, both within the University of Arkansas and the broader community. Her work has left an indelible mark on the institution and the countless individuals she mentored and inspired. She will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments but also for her compassion, leadership, and commitment to social justice.
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