Dr. Katie Murdoch Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Katie Murdoch Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021 by her friend and colleague, Catherine Feudner, in her memory and in recognition of UA’s 150th Anniversary. Katie Murdoch, who earned her Ph.D. from The University of Akron and taught in The LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education, passed away suddenly in December 2020.

She was an experienced educator who taught life skills to students with emotional disturbances in the Hudson City Schools and served as a K-4th grade teacher of children with mild/moderate disabilities in the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District. Also, she was a liaison for Jumpstart, where she oversaw the curriculum implementation and managed university students working in the preschool.

Katie earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Special Education from Kent State University, graduating summa cum laude from both programs. In 2016, she earned her Ph.D. from The University of Akron and began teaching in the Special Education and Literacy Programs in the School of Education. Katie taught until her passing in December 2020.

Recognized as a beautiful human being, she dedicated herself to helping others; a wonderful, loyal friend with a contagious smile that brightened up any room. Katie, described as a fun person, was kind and generous with her love and care for others. Her two children, Jack and Ellie, were her greatest sources of pride.

The Dr. Katie Murdoch Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a full or part-time graduate student enrolled in The University of Akron Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Program or the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program, with first consideration given to a student planning to work in suicide prevention. Candidates should have a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) to be considered for this scholarship. Selection will be determined by the University’s School of Counseling.