Brian Murphy, professor of fisheries in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1994, Murphy’s scholarship focused on fisheries management, specifically on improving management approaches to increase benefits available to users in sport and commercial fisheries. He made significant contributions through his work with state and federal agencies and professional societies, including the American Fisheries Society, focusing on the conservation and management of game and nongame fish species.

In 2015, Murphy was named an inaugural Fellow of the American Fisheries Society, the world’s oldest and largest organization promoting the scientific management of North American aquatic resources.

In 2003, he was named a Fulbright Scholar to lecture at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Mexico.

In the classroom, Murphy taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation ranging across the curriculum. He advised many students on master’s theses and doctoral dissertations, and helped them develop successful careers in both academe and industry.

Murphy received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit, his master’s from Purdue University, and his doctorate from Virginia Tech.

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