Samantha’s story begins in a small town called Georgetown, MS where she began to actively participate in church when she was in the fourth grade. She regularly attended Sunday School, ushered, emceed programs, sung in the choir, and participated in youth institutes at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church which set the foundation for her love of Christ and His church.
She attended Tougaloo College, a private historically Black college and university (HBCU) in MS, and the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she received her BA in Psychology and Master of Arts degree in Educational and Counseling Psychology, respectively. After several years working as a Student Affairs professional, she went back to school at the University of Georgia to obtain her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling and Student Personnel Services, with an emphasis in Student Affairs Administration and Higher Education. She obtained credentialing as a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. Though she is no longer active as a professional counselor, she maintains credentialing as a retired National Certified Counselor. Currently, Dr. Murfree has over 20 years of higher education experience.
As Dr. Murfree’s career led her to live in various locations, it was also a way for her to grow and mature in her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. She grew through opportunities to serve. She taught and directed Vacation Bible School, led small group bible studies for women, engaged in Single’s Ministry when she was single, participated in the church visitation ministry, choir/praise team, Marriage and Relationship Ministry, New Members Ministry, and was certified in Evangelism Explosion. All these experiences and much more served to shape Samantha’s calling and purpose. She realized that she was drawn to women who were imperfect like herself and to those who were “broken” and needed mending. She realized that her life had been messy, and it was only by God’s grace that she was able to live, move, and have her being (and sanity).
Samantha is married to the dynamic and loving Dr. Joshua W. Murfree, Jr. The Murfree’s, as they are often referred, make room in their busy lives to pour into the lives of others as opportunities are presented.
Samantha’s passion is connecting with women and serving as an encouragement to them. She mentors and has mentored numerous college women. Her message to everyone is simply this: She overcame by the blood of the Lamb and the word of her testimony and believes that you can overcome too.
We Overcome. We Conquer. We Prevail.