Brian “Doc” Murphy is a Professor of Psychology and Sociology, and an influential volleyball coach at South Mountain Community College. He started teaching adjunct and coaching volleyball in 1993. He joined the full-time faculty in 1996.
Image provided by South Mountain Community College
Doc Murphy was born in New York, and when he was in junior high, his parents inspired him to achieve as much education as he could. Neither of his parents had been able to get more push more than an 8th-grade education, in part due to the segregated culture of America at the time. Doc remembers, “I got a sign on my room and put Doctor Brian Murphy because one day, I’ll know I’ll have that title.” Later, Doc recalled that he had a calling to South Mountain Community College when it first opened. He loved how different the college was from others because people of all ethnic groups were together as one, not divided. He saw that South Mountain Community College had a bright future. Even if it was going to take time, he felt the hard work would be worth it.
Doc Murphy made a big impact on students at South Mountain Community College. Since 1993, he has been an assistant volleyball coach, and has led the team to three championships. He was also an assistant softball coach on and off for about a decade. He inspires his athletes to push harder and to make sure that their next challenge will be harder than their first.
Doc Murphy is still teaching and coaching at SMCC. His passion for his work, his students, and his athletes is palpable.
Student Researchers: Taylor Culberson, Reina Jimeno, & Juan Rivera, Fall 2018
Student Researchers: Reina Jimeno, Taylor Culberson, Juan Rivera, filmed by Mario Avent
| Narrator | Brian “Doc” Murphy |
| Birthdate | 1956 |
| Place of Origin | Long Island, New York |
| Place of Residence | Metro Phoenix, Arizona |
| Years Active in South Phoenix | 1993- |
| Role/Occupation | Psychology Professor/Faculty/Volleyball Coach |
| Interview Conducted (Date) | October 11, 2018 |
| Interview Conducted (Location) | South Mountain Community Library |
| Interviewed By | Student Researchers: Reina Jimeno, Taylor Culberson, Juan Rivera |
| Story Written By | Student Researchers: Reina Jimeno, Taylor Culberson, Juan Rivera |
South Phoenix Oral History Project 