Dr. Samantha Wilson Murfree
Educator. Exhorter. Leader. Prevailing Woman.
Dr. Samantha Wilson Murfree is a dynamic teacher, speaker, and communicator of God’s Word whose life reflects grace, redemption, and purpose. Rooted in faith and driven by service, she uses her story, marked by triumph over pain and perseverance through faith, to encourage others to live victoriously in Christ.
Rooted in Faith and Purpose
A proud native of Georgetown, Mississippi, Dr. Murfree’s journey began in the pews of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where her love for Christ and community was first nurtured. She went on to earn her B.A. in Psychology from Tougaloo College (HBCU), her M.A. in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and her Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services, with an emphasis in Student Affairs and Higher Education, from the University of Georgia. Most recently, she earned a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity, affirming her dual calling to higher education and ministry.
Academic Excellence & Lifelong Learning
Dr. Murfree’s academic journey reflects both intellectual rigor and spiritual purpose. She earned her:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Tougaloo College (HBCU)
- Master of Arts in Educational & Counseling Psychology – University of Missouri–Columbia
- Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services (Student Affairs & Higher Education) – University of Georgia
Most recently, she earned a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity, affirming her dual calling to higher education and ministry.
Her education undergirds a life devoted to developing leaders, strengthening communities, and equipping others to walk fully in purpose.
Leadership in Higher Education
A proud native of Georgetown, Mississippi, Dr. Murfree’s journey began in the pews of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where her love for Christ and community was first nurtured. She went on to earn her B.A. in Psychology from Tougaloo College (HBCU), her M.A. in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and her Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Personnel Services, with an emphasis in Student Affairs and Higher Education, from the University of Georgia. Most recently, she earned a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries from Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity, affirming her dual calling to higher education and ministry.
Honors & Community Recognition
With over 28 years of higher education leadership, she has impacted countless students through her commitment to leadership development, personal growth, and holistic education. Her excellence in leadership and service in her community has been recognized through numerous awards, including:
- 2021 Woman of Achievement, Career Women’s Network
- 2023 Women on the Move, The Tubman Museum
- 2024 Uplift Our Community Award, Gamma Pi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
- 2024 Community Impact-Her Award, Operation Slay Cancer
- 2025 Uplift Our Community Award, Iota Eta Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Ministry Leadership & Authorship
A trailblazer in both academia and ministry, Dr. Murfree is the Founder and CEO of Prevailing Woman Ministries®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving and empowering women in Middle Georgia. Through this ministry, she has led outreach initiatives supporting survivors of domestic violence, breast cancer patients, women in shelters, and at-risk teens. She is also the author of The Prevailing Woman: A Devotional, Prevailing in Purpose, and Pray. Slay. Prevail.: Tearing Down Strongholds, Taking Our Thoughts Captive, and the Pray. Slay. Prevail. Reflection Journal.
Service, Mentorship & Ministry
Beyond her professional and ministry achievements, Dr. Murfree is an active member of the Macon (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, where she has served as Chaplain and Strategic Planning Chair, and she continues to uplift her community through service and mentorship.
Licensed to preach in June 2022 at Beulahland Bible Church, Dr. Murfree serves faithfully in Women’s Ministry, Marriage and Relationship Ministry, and Ministry Training and Development. Her life verse, Romans 12:2, guides her passion for transformation through the renewing of the mind.
Faith, Family & Joy
Dr. Murfree shares her life and ministry with her loving husband of over 16 years, Dr. Joshua W. Murfree, Jr. Together they delight in family, faith, and their granddaughters, Bayleigh and Rylei, and in the joyful company of their beloved toy poodle, Zoe Chanel.