John Paul Murphy
For more than 34 years, John Paul Murphy has daily touched the lives of youth and adults worked within his many professional roles at Utah State University Extension. He began his career in the Uintah Basin as an instructor and Rural-Youth Agent working with youngsters in the Basin community--including significant programs with the Ute Tribe. He later served in Salt Lake County as an Urban Youth 4-H Agent and then as Assistant State 4-H leader, acting 4-H State Program Leader and as a statewide Youth Development Specialist. John Paul has shaped the lives of countless youth--including over 200 special 4-H Ambassadors who have benefited from his motivating leadership style and training expertise. Many of us have been greeted by his trade mark smile that lights up the sky and the humorous stories he loves to share with associates. His personal inquisitions of humor ensure that co-workers and youth keep the perspective on life necessary to help them be productive and be engaged human beings.
John’s career has fostered a commitment to the principles of effective recreation and recreation management. He has professionally coached or taught basketball, handball, racquetball, tennis, bowling, golf, sports officiating, and even life saving. His Extension life saving techniques are best known, since he has thrown many of us a life saving ring (with an appropriate humorous story), teaching us just what we needed to know on that occasion. He has led many through professional development programs that he planned, instructed or evaluated; he has taught us leadership principles, engaged youth in Mock Legislative programs, helped us learn to rock with good health, coached teen councils, demonstrated how to use effective people skills, taught us how to take humor seriously, and has divulged some of the best kept secrets about 4-H. His career has brought nearly one half million dollars to Extension through grants and gifts, but his daily “can do” work ethic has been his most valuable asset to Extension. He is the “true Coach” encouraging us on how to touch the lives of others through service and effective preparation. Many organizations and institutions have recognized this man for his excellence. USU Extension has indeed been fortunate to have engaged and held John Paul Murphy as the consummate public servant. Epsilon Sigma Phi is extremely proud to recognize JP’s many accomplishments over a noteworthy Extension career with the Epsilon Sigma Phi 2009 Distinguished Service Award.