MSU Prof Earns National Honors

STARKVILLE, Miss.– She only began advising Mississippi State’s chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity two years ago, but instructor Karen Murphy already is earning national recognitions for the university organization and herself.

Murphy recently was honored as Fraternity Advisor of the Year among the SAI’s 212 chapters nationwide, while the MSU group she serves received a regional Outstanding Chapter of the Year award.

The MSU chapter is among nearly 40 in the four-state region of Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Founded in 1903 and headquartered in Ashville, North Carolina, SAI works to promote interactions among individuals who share a commitment to music.

Jessica A. Chichester, collegiate chapters national vice president, extended personal congratulations to Murphy for her leadership at the province, regional and national levels.

“The excellent example you set through your service, dedication and communication are clearly reflected in the chapter’s improved status over the past several years,” Chichester said. “We thank you for your dedication to our organization.”

Murphy said that while SAI “is called a fraternity, it means ‘brotherhood,’ and it’s a fraternity for women.”

“Instead of being a social sorority, it’s a service sorority that promotes musical training and achievement among women musicians,” she added, noting that “because students need just one class in music, the majority of our members aren’t music majors; they just have great attitudes about music and service.”

Accompanist for the MSU music department, Murphy said the chapter holds fundraisers throughout the school year to support various philanthropies. Members also assist the SAI Composers Bureau that encourages and supports U.S. concert-music composers.

Currently, MSU members are working to get involved in the national organization’s Bold Notes Project to provide music for visually impaired and blind musicians. They are using special software to convert musical scores into braille compositions, Murphy explained.

By helping enhance the quality of life of others through music, members also are learning leadership skills, Murphy said. “It’s just such a wonderful organization,” she continued. “These young ladies are learning how to be leaders by being connected to this national organization. I’m proud to be a part of it.”