School District Operations Director Named Outstanding Scholar of the Year

CANTON, GA -- Debra Murdock, director of the Cherokee County School District's Office of School Operations, has been named the Outstanding Scholar of the Year in the Educational Leadership program at Kennesaw State University’s Bagwell College of Education.

Murdock, who in her role oversees the district’s middle and high schools and athletic programs, was honored in a ceremony on Tuesday.

One scholar is named annually for each degree program based on outstanding achievements in the major field, including an exceptional GPA; and notable achievements in extra-curricular, civic or professional activities.

The honor is considered one of KSU’s most prestigious awards, and recipients earn the designation “University Scholar” for their achievement.

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Murdock took on her role as a district director this school year after great successes as principal of Cherokee High School, including being named the Georgia High School Principal of the Year in 2014 by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals.

She is in her 23rd year in public education, all of which has been served in Cherokee County. Appointed as Cherokee High School’s principal for the 2010-11 school year, Murdock previously served as Teasley Middle School’s principal and as an assistant principal at Cherokee High and at the former Chapman Intermediate School.

She joined the school district for the 1992-93 school year as a science teacher at E.T. Booth Middle School after completing her Bachelor of Science degree in middle grades education at Kennesaw State University earlier in 1992.

She since has earned her master's degree in middle grades education from KSU in 1995 and her Education Specialist degree in administration and supervision from Lincoln Memorial University in 1999.

She is a past president of the Service League of Cherokee County, which is the county’s largest and oldest service organization, and other roles during her 10 years of service included treasurer and vice chair of Riverfest.

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Image via Cherokee County School District