Episode 46: Dr. Jim Murdaugh

In this episode, host Dave Fiore speaks with Dr. Jim Murdaugh, president of Tallahassee Community College. Dr. Murdaugh grew up in Orlando and followed a girlfriend to Tallahassee where he joined the Air Force ROTC at Florida State University and earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in criminology. He soon began a long career in law enforcement that included time with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and investigating the high-profile Ted Bundy murders.

Dr. Murdaugh would later lead the transformation of the Florida Public Safety Institute and considered retirement before a bear hug from a grateful mom caused him to reconsider the impact he could still have on students. That led to following the advice of close associates and his wife, Sara, to apply for the TCC president position.

The 30-year veteran of the Air Force Reserve has a passion for continuing education, entrepreneurship and providing students opportunities for success. But in case you think Jim Murdaugh is all business, he also used to spend spring breaks with son Austin crisscrossing the country visiting theme parks and riding roller coasters.