Western Hires New Dean of Outreach and Workforce Development

After several interviews, Western Wyoming Community College has hired the new Dean of Outreach and Workforce Development, Amy Murphy.  

The Dean of Outreach and Workforce Development serves as the primary representative for Western Wyoming Community College’s (Western) Outreach Centers and Workforce Development, promoting positive and substantive relationships with local educational, business, and industry partners. 

The Dean also provides leadership to Western’s Career & College Readiness, Peer Tutor Center, and GEAR-UP programs. Murphy will also serve on the Student Learning Leadership Council and collaborate to develop educational opportunities and training solutions throughout Western’s 29,000 square mile service area. 

Before coming to Western, Amy Murphy was the Dean of Applied Arts, Workforce Education and Training, at Joliet Junior College (JJC) in Joliet, Illinois. Murphy was employed at JJC for over twenty-nine years overseeing the entire non-credit programs including workforce development, customized contract training, professional development workshops, lifelong learning seminars, adult education and literacy, and “Kids College”.  

In her previous role, Murphy was accountable for over $10 million budget. In addition, she has authored several million dollars in federal, state, and foundation grants. Amy has developed strategic employer partnerships that have resulted in the development of career training programs to provide a highly skilled workforce.   

These experiences will align with her role at Western Wyoming Community College.   

“I love to collaborate”, Murphy said. “I look forward to meeting with people and hope that people will reach out and have conversations and talk about projects and let me know how I can help them achieve their goals”, she shared. 

Murphy has a Master’s in Science in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, a Bachelor of Science in Management with a specialization from Eastern Illinois University, and an Associates in Arts from Joliet Junior College. She has also received certification from Learning Resource Network (LERN) as a certified program planner and certified eMarketing professional. 

Amy was born and raised in Illinois in a small town, Wilmington, approximately 50 miles south of Chicago. Amy has been married to Dennis for 29 years, and she has two daughters, Carly and Jessica.  During her free time, Amy loves spending time with her family, and she truly enjoys taking photos of wildlife – especially bears, moose, flowers, and landscapes.  

“I’m excited to be in a community where everyone knows each other, and the communities come together,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of opportunity in Western Wyoming Community College’s district, and the people here are extremely friendly and welcoming. This is the kind of community and people I like to work and live around.” 

To learn more about Workforce at Western visit westernwyoming.edu/workforce. For Outreach information visit westernwyoming.edu/outreach.