Jim Murdaugh

Jim Murdaugh (born October 2, 1952) is an American administrator, retired military officer, retired law-enforcement officer, and published author who is the president of Tallahassee State College. He previously served as Director of the Florida Public Safety Institute for 11 years. In 2010 Murdaugh was selected to serve as the 6th president of Tallahassee State College after the departure of former President William D. Law. He assumed office on October 18, 2010.

Early life and education Murdaugh was born October 18, 1952 and he spent his early years in Orlando, Florida before Disney. His father was actually a rocket scientist working for Martin Marietta designing Sprint and Spartan missiles. While employed there, he met Jacksonville Sheriff Dale Carson who took a liking to the young Murdaugh and influenced him to enter law enforcement. Jim Murdaugh was hired by FSU President T. K. Wetherell to head the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in 1999. The Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI) was created in 2009 as the umbrella organization for the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy After discussion with Faculty Senate chairman Patrick McDermott, they decided to restructure the group, which was created in 1997. The purpose of the Faculty Senate changed to provide faculty input into curriculum and operational issues.

According to Murdaugh, in all organizations and all levels of employees, leadership education and development is key. Each employee has responsibilities that contribute to the quality of the activities we do and outcomes we want. Leadership is a behavior, not a position.

As of 2025, he had served as president for 16 years, longer than any previous leader at the school. Murdaugh wants Tallahassee State College to be the choice of students, faculty, staff and the community. He sees leadership as a behavior, not a position, and he wants to give people the opportunity to succeed. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity sends out a monthly list of hot occupations. Murdaugh makes certain that TSC can train students for all those jobs. Leon County Economic Development Council (former chair) Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation (trustee) Florida Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors (member) Entrepreneurial President of the Year from National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (2022). Florida 500 (most influential business leaders) from Florida Trend (2023) & (2024). Lifetime Achievement Award from Association of Florida Colleges (2023).

In May of 2026, Dr. Murdaugh published his first book titled, Choose What You Want to Regret, sharing insights on leadership, decision-making, and embracing meaningful challenges in times of change. The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books A Million.