Mark Murphy is UW-Green Bay's first Executive-in-Residence. In his voluntary role, he will work to help fundraise for the university's NCAA Division I athletic programs. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The retirement of former Green Bay Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy didn’t last long.
Murphy has traded in his green and gold for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s green and white, joining the athletics staff at UWGB as the college’s first Executive in Residence.
“I really missed my days in college athletics and being involved in the campus,” said Murphy.
A former college football player who served as the athletic director at both Colgate University and Northwestern University, Murphy became involved at UWGB shortly after starting with the Packers. He currently sits on the Chancellor’s Council of Trustees.
As he approached the Packers’ mandatory retirement age of 70, discussions began between Murphy and UW-Green Bay administrators about his future plans.
According to Chancellor Michael Alexander, “We started to talk to Mark before he retired about what he was planning to do after he retired, and we’re really excited that we were able to work this out.”
The Green Bay Phoenix created its first Executive in Residence position for Murphy. It’s truly a return to his roots.
“It’s a great university and it serves the community, so to be involved and be helpful is something that’s really exciting to me,” Murphy said.
Between the introduction of the transfer portal and the name, image and likeness (NIL) deal that allows college students to profit financially on their athletic ability, Murphy believes it’s an interesting time in college athletics.
In this volunteer position, where he will take no salary, Murphy’s main focus will be to help with fundraising for the Phoenix through partnerships and sponsorships.
“It’s the reality of college athletics now, and you’re going to have to put together a program where student athletes are being compensated. Good thing about Green Bay is you have a lot of people that are supportive of UWGB athletics that want them to be competitive, and I’m looking forward to working with [athletic director Josh Moon] in identifying people that might be helpful in moving the program forward,” said Murphy.
While his office is in the Kress Events Center, Murphy won’t only be focused on athletics. He will also work with Chancellor Alexander on other special university projects, too.
“He doesn’t have to learn the university. He knows the university and can help it immediately,” added Alexander.
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