Western Carolina University

Director of Educational Talent Search
150 Camp
828.227.3482
tmurdock@wcu.edu

Like many of our students hope to be, I am a first generation college graduate (WCU '85, '93). It took me so long to get my Master's degree in Counseling I thought they might name a building after me. I worked at Talent Search as an outreach counselor for 8 years after which time I became the Director. My boss felt that since I stopped maturing at about middle school age, I was fit to be an administrator.  I have been the Director of Talent Search since 1994.

Things I love to do: paddle rivers, go places on my bike, climb mountains, hang out with my family and help Talent Search students explore ~ learn ~ and grow.

My two biggest fears in life: that I get paid what I am really worth, and that I get what I really deserve.

Master of Arts in Education:  School Counseling, May 1993.
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee,  North Carolina 28723

B.S.:  Parks and Recreation Management, May 1984.
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina  28723

B.S.:  Business Administration, May 1984.
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina  28723

Certified:  Outdoor Leadership, June 1984
Wilderness Education Association, 900 East 7th Street – Bloomington, Indiana.

EXPERIENCE

Director, Educational Talent Search Project
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC,  October 1995 to present.  Adjunct Instructor
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee,  NC, Fall 2007 to Present

School Counselor
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee,  NC, Februay 1987 to October 1995. 

Instructor, Leadership Skills, Expedition Skills (teaching these skills to adults)
Wilderness Education Association: Blomington, Indiana. 

PRESENTATIONS and PUBLICATIONS

• Contributing Editor: Pedal Pioneers: A Guide to Bicycle Travel with Kids, Adventure Cycling Association, 2006.
• Council for Opportunity in Education National Conference: Topic: Counseling sessions infused with action:  injecting fun into your Talent Search group counseling sessions with activities and games.
• SAEOPP Regional Conference, (Southeastern Assoc. of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel): Topic:  Play is not a 4 letter word:   Alfred Adler said "play is the work of the child."  Lets get busy! 
• North Carolina School Counselors Association State Conference: Topic:  Tag... You're It!:  the use of adventure based activities, games and initiatives in group counseling.
• Association for Experiential Education:  Southeastern Regional Conference: Topic:  Ropes Courses On the Run:  A "how to" for constructing on-site portable high and low challenge courses.
• Western North Carolina Middle School Conference:  Regional conference 1997. Topic:  ADVENTURE IN THE CLASSROOM:  The Talent Search Project at Swain Middle School.
• Western North Carolina Middle School Conference:  Regional conference 1998. Topic:  Communication Skills.
• Christian Wilderness Leaders, National Conference:  1997. Topic:  Games People Play. 
• Christian Wilderness Leaders, National Conference:  1998. Topic:  Hot Sauce on Your Rubber Chicken:  adding spice to your group counseling and classroom guidance program. 
• Western North Carolina Community Service Personnel:  1998. Topic:  Hot Sauce on Your Rubber Chicken:  adding spice to your group counseling and classroom guidance program.
• Western North Carolina Community Service Personnel:  2001. Topic:  Hot Sauce Part Duh!:  tips for leading group counseling and classroom guidance experiences.
• Swain County Middle School:  1999. Topic:  Team Building Weekend for 35 school teachers and staff.