Murray steers maritime students toward success
Krissy Murray, a proud Stephen F. Austin State University alumna, credits her own college experience as her inspiration for wanting to help others navigate their college experience.
After earning her bachelor's degree in psychology, Murray knew she wanted to do something in the realm of behavioral science — higher education was just the place.
Collaboration on and off campus
Murray has been with San Jacinto College for 15 years and is currently the coordinator for education and workforce at the Maritime Campus.
“As the primary point of contact for the maritime transportation credit program, I serve as a crucial liaison for current and prospective students as well as local independent school district staff,” Murray said. “I coordinate and host program information sessions for prospective students throughout the year and an annual counselor connection workshop where local ISD staff and counselors come get hands-on training at our facility so they're better equipped to spread the word to their students about our program.”
Murray coordinates biannual career fairs and collaborates with various student services departments and faculty to organize workshops and advising sessions for current maritime students.
To garner interest in maritime programs, Murray facilitates internal workshops and events and oversees maritime summer camps for middle and high school students every year.
“I regularly attend and participate in community events and college fairs at the middle and high school levels to inform and educate our community about this amazing industry right in our backyards,” she said. “I also enjoy getting to go out on different vessels and boats while visiting our industry partners to see what their operations look like and what is out there for our students. Whatever is needed for our students, I do it!”
Why is maritime important?
Murray believes maritime transportation is essential because life in the U.S. is completely centered around trade, commerce, and the importing and exporting of goods.
“People don't realize that our inland waterways and river systems are how all the products, petroleum, vehicles, electronics, medicine, and food we need and consume get to us,” she said. “Before these items arrive in stores, gas stations, and hospitals, they arrive here on ships and get transported to various docks via boats manned by mariners. Without mariners working on these vessels, these products would not make it to the trucks to be delivered to stores, etc.”
According to Murray, many mariners are reaching retirement age, and it is time for a new wave of mariners. Deckhands are the most in-demand jobs in the industry with many entry-level positions available — a valuable opportunity for students eager to start their maritime careers.
Focusing on student success
Murray considers creating and building relationships with the students on all levels the best part of her job. For example, serving as a designated school official for F-1 students (international students on a non-immigrant visa granted for full-time study) brings her a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.
Being able to advise and help people come to the U.S. to study is just gratifying on a different level. Seeing our students cross the finish line and get the job after all the time and hard work they put into classes is the best.
Murray appreciates the chance to wear different hats within the College that all, in some way, center around being a valuable resource to students.
“My goal in life and in my career is always to give people hope and faith in themselves,” Murray said. “To be the cheerleader in their corner, empowering and reminding them that they can achieve whatever they want to achieve.”
