Professor elected to academy

The National Academy of Engineering has elected a new member: IU geologist Hayden Murray.\nNot only is Murray being celebrated for his outstanding accomplishments in geology, he also is IU's first faculty member to be elected to the academy.\n"I was completely surprised that this came about," Murray said after being notified of the award. "I couldn't believe it!"\nHaving received the highest award in geological studies, Murray is in an elite group. His colleagues in IU's Department of Geological Sciences support his accomplishments.\n"When you are elected to the National Academy of Engineering or National Academy of Sciences, it is the highest award in the field short of the Nobel Prize," said Christopher Maples, chairman of the geology department.\nNAE is a private, non-profit institution which includes over 2,000 of the world's most accomplished engineers. Election to the academy is based completely on peer review and is considered one of the highest honors in the field of engineering. \nAccording to the NAE Web site, www.nae.edu, "Members have distinguished themselves in business and academic management, in technical positions, as university faculty and as leaders in government and private engineering organizations." \nThe main functions of the NAE are to review government documents and perform independent experiments on new technology and engineering that could have social and cultural significance. Murray was sponsored by other professionals who are familiar with his work and dedication.\nMurray received his Ph.D. in geological sciences at the University of Illinois in 1951. He began his teaching career at IU but left in 1957 to become the Director of Research at Georgia Kaolin Co., a clay mining company. He helped the company develop a kaolin clay for coating paper that is still in use today. \nIn 1973, Murray returned to IU as the geology department chairman. He taught for 22 years, retiring in 1995 to concentrate on his research projects. His articles have been published in several academic journals, and he has sponsored twenty-four student theses. Along with his many successes in research and teaching, Murray also founded his own consulting firm, H.H. Murray & Associates. \nMurray is known throughout the geology department as a straightforward and caring educator who genuinely cares for his students. This attitude is evident in the success of his former students. \n"His grad students have moved on to top positions," Maples said. "Hayden has contributed a real notoriety to the department. His students are known within the industry as leaders. He brings a tremendous amount of name recognition to the school." \nIn 2001, Murray helped fund with his own money the Applied Clay Mineralogy Chair at IU. \n"I'm elated that I'm the first IU faculty member to receive this award." Murray said. "It's a great honor to me, the Department of Geological Sciences and the University."\nMurray will travel to California in October for a dinner and inauguration where he will formally accept the honor.