FAYETTEVILLE, AR – The University of Arkansas community and the broader field of social work are mourning the loss of Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby, a renowned professor of social work, former Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and tireless advocate for equity and justice. Dr. Murphy-Erby passed away in Fayetteville, Arkansas, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and transformative impact.
Ed Buckner Death & Obituary: Beloved THV11 Chief Meteorologist Dies at 59 After Battle With Cancer
A Distinguished Career in Education and Advocacy
Dr. Murphy-Erby joined the University of Arkansas faculty in 2004, bringing with her nearly two decades of experience in the field of social work, particularly in child welfare. Her academic background includes:
- Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- MSW (Master of Social Work) from UNC Chapel Hill
- BA from UNC Charlotte
Her extensive expertise and passion for advocacy quickly established her as a respected scholar and leader on campus and beyond.
Leadership and Legacy at the University of Arkansas
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Murphy-Erby held numerous influential roles, including:
- Director of the School of Social Work
- Associate Dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
- Interim Director of the African and African American Studies Program
- Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion (2017)
- Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
In these positions, she led the creation of the IDEALS Institute in 2019, a major initiative designed to promote inclusive excellence both at the university and in the broader Northwest Arkansas region.
Champion for Diversity and Student Empowerment
Dr. Murphy-Erby was deeply committed to student support and retention, particularly for African American students. In 2011, she co-founded the Circle of Support, a program that provided mentorship and professional development for Black students in the School of Social Work. Her dedication helped foster a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.
Her contributions were recognized in 2016 with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northwest Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus.
Trailblazer in Scholarship and Grant Leadership
A pioneering scholar, Dr. Murphy-Erby co-authored one of the first books in her field to address the intersection of race, class, and gender. She was also a successful researcher, securing more than $17 million in funding from organizations such as:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- State and local foundations
In 2020, she led a $2.74 million federal grant project aimed at diversifying the social work workforce, offering scholarships and training to underrepresented students in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
Honoring a Life of Purpose and Progress
Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby’s work touched thousands of lives—from students and colleagues to families and communities throughout Arkansas. She is remembered not only for her academic achievements but also for her compassionate leadership, visionary scholarship, and unshakable dedication to social justice.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Will Endure
The passing of Dr. Murphy-Erby is a profound loss to the University of Arkansas and the field of social work. However, her legacy will live on through the programs she built, the lives she changed, and the communities she empowered.
As the university and her loved ones prepare to honor her memory, they also commit to continuing the work she championed so fiercely—ensuring that equity, inclusion, and justice remain at the heart of education and community service.