The Honorable Patrick Murphy, 1999 alumnus of Widener Law Commonwealth, was sworn in as the 32nd Under Secretary of the U.S. Army. The position is the second-highest ranking civilian leadership position.
In his comments at the ceremony, Murphy thanked his family, especially his parents, for all of their support and for being role models as he was growing up. He also noted that now is a very defining moment in our nation’s history, and to be asked back to be on the leadership team of the Army is not only an incredible responsibility, but also an honor.
“We are asking much of our soldiers,” Murphy said. “And, I am so grateful to be on the Army team and to do what I can to fight for them, because they are doing so much for all of us.”
Murphy, 42, was nominated in August by President Barack Obama for the Under Secretary position and confirmed in December. The position is responsible for the Army’s budget, diversity in the ranks, business transformation and energy efficiency initiatives. Murphy replaces Eric Fanning, Acting Under Secretary since June.
“The leadership and service that Patrick has given to the country is truly commendable, and we are proud to call him an alum,” Dean Christian Johnson said. “I know that Patrick will be an effective and transformative leader for the Army. We all look forward to watching his service unfold.”
Murphy was the first veteran from the second Iraq war to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional District for two terms from 2007-2011. During his time in Congress, he was the author and chief sponsor of the bill to repeal the Department of Defense’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy. After 2011, Murphy became a partner with the national law firm Fox Rothschild LLP, serving as general counsel for small businesses, including several that are veteran-owned. He also served as an anchor on the former MSNBC show, Taking the Hill.
His military resume includes service from 1993 to 2004, when, after the events of September 11, 2001, he volunteered for deployment, serving in Bosnia and Baghdad. Murphy earned a bronze star for his service while in Baghdad, serving as Captain in the 82nd Airborne Division.
As an alumnus, Murphy has been an adjunct professor at Widener University Commonwealth Law School and has served on the law school’s National Advisory Committee from 2007 to 2015.
