Richard Murray is a senior research fellow at the Hobby School of Public Affairs. In 1981, the renowned political scientist co-founded the precursor to the Hobby School, the Center for Public Policy at the University of Houston. He directed the polling operations for more than four decades. In addition to polling, Murray is an expert in election trends and practices and partisan political change in Texas.

The Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship was established in 2008 to honor UH Professor Emeritus Murray's service to the Houston community and the more than 50 years of teaching and research at the University of Houston. 

Scholars exhibit a passion for politics and policy and dedication to public service.

From left to right: Mrs. Elyse Lanier, former Houston Mayor Bob Lanier, Dr. Richard Murray, and Debbie Hartman-Murray

An Overview of Dr. Murray's Accomplishments

• Began teaching political science at UH in 1966
• Founded the Hobby Center for Public Policy (HCPP) in 1981 with a small group of UH faculty
• Established the Center for Public Policy polling operations in 1981
• Co-authored the book, “Pro-Growth Politics Change and Governance in Houston” (Cambridge University Press, 1991)
• Served as director of the Hobby Center for Public Policy from 1996-2006
• Created the Hobby Center for Public Policy Houston Government Internship Program (precursor to the Civic Houston Internship Program) in 1996
• Launched the computer-assisted survey system in the Survey Research Institute in 2000
• Awarded the Bob Lanier Chair in Urban Public Policy in 2004 

The Award 

The Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student who shares a passion for politics and policy, has a strong academic commitment and demonstrates a dedication to public service. Private funds were raised to endow this scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria 

The scholarship recipient(s) will be determined by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs Scholarship Committee. Criteria include the following:

• Scholarship prospect exhibits leadership qualities as determined by the Hobby School Scholarship Committee.
• Scholarship applicant should have a strong academic commitment and demonstrate dedication to public service.
• Scholarship applicant should demonstrate a passion for politics and policy.
• Scholarship applicant can be a full-time undergraduate or graduate certificate or degree-seeking student in good standing at the University of Houston.
• Scholarship recipient must maintain a GPA in accordance with the standards set by the Hobby School Scholarship Committee.
• Scholarship recipient may accept other scholarships and grants in conjunction with the Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship.
• Funds can be used to cover expenses for tuition, books, fees and/or supplies for the coming academic semester. The student must bear any expenses in excess of the amount deposited.

Application 

Applications are closed for spring 2025. 

As part of the application process, you will need to include:

• Resume
• Personal Statement
• Two letters of recommendation from UH faculty members. A third letter of recommendation from a government office, campaign or non-profit organization will also be accepted
• An official transcript from the University of Houston
• Proof of financial need
• Career Goals statement
• The application is not complete without your signature

Congratulations, spring 2025 Richard Murray Endowed Scholars!

As a public policy major, Danielle Guevara has learned to apply her classroom learning to a variety of leadership and civic engagement opportunities. She is a two-time Civic Houston Intern with the Latino Victory Fund and Intergovernmental Affairs and Community Engagement Division at the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. She serves as a member of the Hobby School Undergraduate Advisory Council. She also was a Hobby School peer advisor, guiding incoming students through the university enrollment process over the summer. The first-generation college student volunteers her time on campus with MOVE Texas and the Hobby School Student Organization.

Vincent Ruggiero is a junior majoring in political science with a minor in public leadership. A transfer student from the Honors College at Lone Star College–University Park, Vincent quickly found a home at the Hobby School, drawn in by its rich networks and opportunities. He is a two-time Civic Houston Intern with a focus on community engagement with City of Houston Council member Joaquín Martinez and in the office of Houston Controller Chris Hollins. Ruggiero is the president and co-founder of the Political Science Undergraduate Association, where he promotes academic and professional development for students across disciplines.

View Past Recipients