Spalding President Tori Murden McClure to Retire

After 25 Years of Service, President McClure Will Retire at the End of the Academic Year

President McClure's Statement

Leadership, Growth, and Expansion at Spalding University

Media

Spalding President Tori Murden McClure to Retire

President McClure’s Statement

Leadership, Growth, and Expansion at Spalding University

Media

A Statement by President McClure

After serving Spalding University for twenty-five years, fourteen years as president, I am announcing my plan to retire at the end of this academic year, in June of 2024. The university and I have had a great run, and serving Spalding has been the honor of a lifetime. I plan to work diligently in the coming months to create a smooth transition for whomever follows.

In earlier centuries, it was not unusual for college or university presidents to serve two or even three decades. The average term for a president these days is not even six years. I was lured into this career by a conversation that I had with Mary Patterson McPherson. Pat served as the President of Bryn Mawr College for two decades. Pat hooked me with a simple challenge: she said that becoming a college or university president “is not for everyone, it really is quite difficult.”

It is a difficult job and I have loved nearly all of it.

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Photo Gallery

President Tori Murden McClure on skateboard in office

President Tori Murden McClure rappelling down the side of the ELC for Rat Race 2016

Tori McClure and Rahman Ali pull a cloth cover off of a bronze Columbia Gym historical marker

President Tori Murden McClure with Elmer Lucille Allen

President Tori Murden McClure backpacking with members of Spalding's Student Government Association

Spalding President Tori Murden McClure with Nancy Bash Award of Excellence winner Elizabeth Simpson

group about 40 teenage girls pose with Spalding President Tori Murden McClure

Spalding University President Tori Murden McClure and Sullivan University President Jay Marr shake hands, flanked by other administrators

President Tori Murden McClure speaking at ribbon cutting for Kosair For Kids School of Physical Therapy and Center for Inter-professional Education

From left, athletic director Roger Burkman, Spalding Board Chair Jim Rissler, Metro Council President David James, Spalding President Tori Murden McClure, Mayor Greg Fischer and Ollie the Eagle break ground and throw shovels of dirt on the Spalding athletic fields complex.

President Tori Murden McClure with Sister Margaret

Spalding Firsts Under President Tori Murden McClure



1st Compassionate University

Spalding becomes the first certified “Compassionate University” in the world (2011).



Kentucky's 1st MSAT Degree

First master’s degree in Athletic Training in Kentucky (2015).



Louisville's 1st Financial Planning Program

First financial planning program (School of Business) in the city of Louisville (2019).

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Kentucky's 1st DSW from a Private Institution

First Doctor of Social Work degree at a private institution in Kentucky (2020).

Tori McClure: Leadership, Growth, and Expansion at Spalding University

by Kurt W. Jefferson, Spalding Dean of Graduate Education

Victoria E. “Tori” Murden was born in Florida and raised as a child in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. She moved to Louisville as a teenager. A star athlete at Louisville Collegiate School, she went on to Smith College where she was an NCAA Division III multi-sport athlete in basketball and rowing. She was co-captain of the basketball team. Upon graduation from Smith, she entered Harvard to pursue a graduate degree in divinity and earned her master’s there in 1989. She later obtained an advanced degree in law (JD) and a terminal academic degree in creative writing (MFA), the former from the University of Louisville (1995) and the latter from Spalding University (2005) respectively.

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Tori’s Timeline

2010

Victoria E. Murden McClure becomes the tenth President of Spalding University (she is the first non-Catholic President of Spalding University)

2012

Spalding wins national championships in baseball and softball in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), a small college athletics association (out of Norfolk, Virginia) that Spalding held membership in along with its NCAA membership

2015

The MS in Athletic Training begins as the first graduate athletic training program in Kentucky. Dr. John Nyland (EdD, Kentucky) is hired as the program’s first Director

2018

Spalding starts the new Criminal Justice Studies major (BS) program with a focus on “restorative justice” (one of President McClure’s signature initiatives)

2020

Spalding celebrates 100 years in downtown Louisville (started as Nazareth College, Louisville on October 4, 1920)

The Doctor of Social Work becomes the first DSW at a private university in Kentucky

The MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling begins at Spalding

The Doctor of Education degree celebrates its 30thanniversary (founded in 1990).

President McClure is the Acting Chair of the NCAA Executive Council: Led the national intercollegiate athletics body during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic

2021

The MFA program celebrates its 20th anniversary (founded in 2001)

2022

The PsyD program celebrates its 40th anniversary (founded in 1982)

The College Choice names Spalding a top 5 college in Kentucky in the area of “promoting peace and justice”

2023

For the first time Spalding graduate programs become the single largest bloc of students in the university’s history

Spalding’s baseball and softball teams make the NCAA tournament for the first time in university history

Largest gift ($4m) in university’s history (bequest given to the College of Education for undergraduate education)

Spalding starts the new Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the fall (its 17th graduate degree program)

From the Board of Trustees of Spalding University

After 25 years of dedicated service to Spalding University, the Board of Trustees has accepted the notice of retirement of Victoria (Tori) Murden McClure at the end of this academic year – June 30, 2024.

Tori started at Spalding University in 1998, where she served as a trustee for 5 years. She transitioned to a VP role and remained in that role for 6 years. Tori was then named president of Spalding University on June 1, 2010, where she has served for the past 14 years.

During Tori’s tenure at Spalding University, she has helped the university thrive and grow. Tori was able to increase the university’s net assets by 355%, grow the endowment by 311% and increase the campus footprint by 40%.

This expanded footprint includes the addition of the Legacy athletic fields on Ninth street and the newest addition to the campus the Kosair Charities School of Physical Therapy, as well as large greenspace areas for the students and faculty.

President McClure has many personal accomplishments in academia with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Smith College, a Master of Divinity from Harvard, a J.D. from the University of Louisville, and an MFA in Writing from Spalding University.

Tori Murden McClure is well known for her many accomplishments, including being the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean and the first woman to ski to the South Pole. She has written a book, “A Pearl in the Storm” which then turned into a musical, “Row” which premiered July 16, 2021.

Tori’s generosity to Spalding University is not only reflected in her refusal to accept a raise for her position from the Board of Trustees for more than a decade, but also in her competitive spirit to help the university grow in programs and ensure that the faculty and students have the best educational experience.

Tori will be greatly missed but her legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward. The Board of Trustees will begin a nationwide search for her successor.

Quotes

“Tori McClure’s personal story is marked by courage, perseverance, determination, and caring. She brought these same attributes to every endeavor she undertook in her professional life, especially when it came to higher education. I am confident her story stands as a sterling example and inspiration to the friends, colleagues, faculty, and students who came her way.”

Eli Capilouto
President, University of Kentucky

“It is not easy to be a college president these days, but Tori Murden McClure has had a remarkable tenure at Spalding University. In my mind, Tori’s humble but brave and compassionate leadership embodies the values of Spalding. She is a true servant leader and has always made it clear that she cares deeply about students, faculty, and staff.

I believe it’s fair to say that Tori is universally respected by her presidential peers within AIKCU, and we will always be grateful for her service, leadership, and friendship.”

Mason Dye
President, Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU)

"First, I hate to lose Tori from our state leadership. She has been a gift to Spalding, but she is also a leader in higher education for the Commonwealth and nation. I’ve been grateful to learn from her example and gain from her wisdom. All of our Kentucky universities are better because of President McClure’s guiding voice.”

Joe Hopkins
President. Campbellsville University

“I was lucky enough to follow Tori as a Chair of the Board of the National Outdoor Leadership School. I learned from her every step of the way. Her deep humanity, integrity, kindness, willingness to fight for the under-served, mission focus, and sense of humor have improved the world from the backcountry, to the classroom, to the boardroom.

The world is rife with people with degrees, from JD’s to Masters of Fine Arts, to Masters of Divinity. (I jokingly call it the power triad: harnessing the power of the law, of story, and of the Lord).

Tori is the only one I know too have earned all three — and not as a show of force but more as signposts of an insatiable intellect in service to her fellow humans. That she is the first in so many pioneering explorations of Antarctica and the Atlantic are only a couple of more signposts of a real leader. Tori is sui generis. We couldn’t be more proud to claim her as one of our own.”

N. Stuart Harris, Jr. MD, MFA
Chair of the Board of Trustees for the National Outdoor Leadership School

“President Murden-McClure has been a Absolute Phenomenal force of Positive change for Spalding University and for me personally along with our 2X-Game Changers Organization - simply put She has been a constant example of "Let’s get the Job done and make an Impact for others while doing so" She is a one of a kind Leader!”

Christopher 2X
Executive Director 2X-Game Changers Organization

"During her 74 opening convocations on the campuses of the Governor’s Scholars Program, Tori Murden McClure instilled in the more than 29,500 Governor’s Scholars who listened to her presentation, her deep understanding of the humanities while recognizing the importance of science in our society. Her message of being adventurous in education and compassionate in life motivated our young scholars to do their best work and encouraged them to use higher-order thinking skills in their chosen profession and personal path. The central interdisciplinary and creative focus of the Governor’s Scholars Program was always extolled by Tori Murden McClure’s multicultural approach to the intellectual dialogue that distinguishes the best and the brightest minds. Her unparalleled legacy represents a milestone within the trajectory of the Governor’s Scholars Program mission of enhancing Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders, and for that, all of us associated with the GSP salute Tori Murden McClure at this moment of her retirement.”

Aristofanes Cedeno
Executive Director and Academic Dean, Governor’s Scholars Program

“I came to know Tori Murden McClure through our mutual involvement in American higher education, and Kentucky higher education, in particular. Though I had been “at work” at Centre for a decade-plus when she “got started” at Spalding, she immediately became a fast friend and trusted colleague. In truth, I think it – our friendship – may have been strengthened by our mutual involvement and success in sport. We understood that we were “competitors,” but in the healthiest of ways. She understood her challenges. She focused on her strengths and Spalding’s promise. She worked really hard, but allowed time for play and being a good colleague. I admired her from the start. I was sure she would be successful. I am proud to call her friend!”

John A. Roush
Retired 20th President of Centre College

“President McClure was a true leader and visionary for Division III. She served on the Division III Presidents Council and Board of Governors and helped the division navigate the impact of the pandemic on college athletics. Her thoughtful, innovative, and empathetic approach, sprinkled with an ever-present sense of humor, served the division well. She put the student-athlete experience at the forefront of every discussion. We wish her well on her retirement and thank her for her service and dedication to Division III.”

Louise McCleary
NCAA, Vice President of Division III

“I was saddened to hear the news that Tori will be retiring from Spalding University. Am sure all will miss her.

She has served Spalding University with great Commitment and dedication. As she always says, 'In the Tradition of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth,' she has rendered her service with utmost devotion and faithfulness to the Tradition. Am sure, Mother Catherine Spalding is very pleased with you Tori, and is blessing you as you take your next step in your journey.

Tori, You were always there for others even if they didn’t recognize it at times.”

Jackulin Jesu
President, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

“I’ve had the great pleasure and honor to work with Tori on several projects over the years. She has distinguished herself as a leader of enormous integrity, intellect, and passion. She will be sorely missed.”

Mason B. Rummel
President & CEO, James Graham Brown Foundation, Inc.

“It was exciting to witness all the changes and growth of Spalding University’s campus during President McClure’s tenure. Tori can certainly be proud as she retires knowing she’s leaving Spalding University in a much better place than when she started.”

Roger Burkman
Former Spalding University Athletic Director

"Our community is blessed to be the home of Tori Murden McClure. Her combination of grit and brilliance demonstrates the power of an individual to change the world whether it be crossing the Atlantic solo or providing an encouraging word to a Spalding student. Tori is a true renaissance woman who took on Spalding’s challenges and led a team that significantly elevated the university’s impact on academics, sports, interfaith relations, social justice, our community, and the nation."

Greg Fischer
Former Mayor of Louisville

“In the nearly twenty years that I’ve known Tori, she’s been a visionary with purpose. Tori sees what’s possible and sets out to make it reality.

One of her greatest joys is giving young people a path forward to realizing their own greatness through educational and economic opportunities. She is a tireless, compassionate leader and an inspirational mentor to many.”

Lonnie Ali

“Tori was one of the first people to reach out and welcome me when I moved to Louisville. She immediately impressed me with her candor and willingness to speak directly about the collective role we should play in the community. After the meeting, I read up on her background and accomplishments and was only a bit surprised given our previous meeting. She is as impressive in person as she is on paper and I have truly valued our relationship.”

Dr. Ty Handy
President and CEO, Jefferson Community & Technical College

“Tori is a Louisville ICON! Her successful athletic/endurance accomplishments are dwarfed by her intelligence, leadership skills, community engagement, commitment to excellence, and her years of absolute devotion to the mission and students of Spalding University.”

Jerry Abramson
Executive in Residence, Spalding University

“As a journalist, I followed Tori to Guadeloupe to cover her historic row. I continue to follow Tori where I currently work at the Frazier History Museum because her boat, the American Pearl, is on display. I get to see firsthand how she continues to ignite the human spirit when we tell her story to the public. She has taught us about determination and resilience but also about our human frailties. She challenges us to embrace it all, and to keep on rowing.”

Rachel Platt
Director of Community Engagement, Frazier History Museum

"I first met Tori when she came to WHAS-TV for an interview after her first successful crossing of the Atlantic on her rowboat the American Pearl. She was inundated with staff, reporters, and others who poured out of their offices at the station to see and meet her. I was instructed by my youngest son Mark to give her a handwritten note from him. He was seven years old at the time and followed her journey. He was mesmerized. 'She rowed across the Atlantic Ocean Mom, like Columbus! Only without three other ships and a crew!' He would say.

That shows the impact this icon of our community has had, not only on her students, faculty, and staff but on the rest of us. Most important, the young people who were watching. That seven- year-old is now a Marine Scientist who works for NOAA. Thank you, Tori, for your inspiration to us all!"

Jean West
Owner/Producer, FacesWest Productions

“Tori is a gift. She is one of the rare people who truly believes in equal opportunity for all and has fought her entire career to provide it. She is a leader, a friend, and a force. God bless her in whatever next challenge she takes on.”

OJ Oleka

"Learning does not stop when you graduate from Spalding University.”

Elmer Lucille Hammonds Allen ’53

"We are so proud to call Tori an alum of Leadership Louisville. She is the embodiment of community trusteeship and the rising tide that lifts all ships. (Couldn’t resist a little boat double entendre). We have called upon her many times over the years to inspire participants and share the power one person has to make a difference. She is a gifted storyteller, a fierce advocate for others, and all who meet her leave inspired to be better and do better."

Cynthia Knapek
President & CEO, Leadership Louisville

Tori is a woman of boundless compassion and empathy that unconditionally surrounds anyone and everyone around her. She is a living saint who has truly brightened the lives of thousands of fellow beings with her caring and thoughtful personality. She is a mentor and a friend whom I love so much.”

Muhammad Barbar, MD

After fourteen years at the helm of Spalding, President McClure, or President Tori as our students call her, surely deserves some rest and relaxation, but knowing all the extraordinary things she’s accomplished at our university, the growth of academic programs and extracurricular opportunities for our students, doubling the size of campus, updating our technology, establishing our first sports fields—the list goes on and on—well, it’s pretty hard to see her go. Personally, I thank her for support of the Sena Jeter Naslund-Karen Mann Graduate School of Writing. Under her leadership, we’ve established a nationally distinguished MFA in Writing program and have added additional accessibility for graduate creative writing students across the globe. She’s been an extraordinary leader. Our community will miss her, and we wish her the very best and all happiness.”

Kathleen Driskell
Chair, Professor of Creative Writing, Spalding University Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing

“When I took the role of CFO at Spalding University, I had an extensive background in healthcare but no industry experience in higher education. However, with the help of Tori, I was able to transition smoothly into my new role. Tori invested many hours in providing me with technical and strategic insights that I still benefit from today. Over the years, Tori has taught me many things, and my favorite lessons are the ones gained from her example. She stands up for those without a voice and runs to those that need help.”

Rush Sherman
Vice President of Administration and Finance/CFO and Treasurer, Georgetown College

“While at Spalding University, Tori Murden McClure has worked continuously to beautify the Spalding Campus. She has added multiple green spaces, lush landscaping, public art, and architectural improvements that have been enjoyed by the Spalding Community and the surrounding diverse neighborhood known as 'So Bro'. Under her leadership, she has not only enhanced the neighborhood but has fostered cultural events and engaged the community in outreach programs. These improvements will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

Jennifer Brockhoff
Former Director of Human Resources, Spalding Universit