Miss Mae Murfee
Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Pioneer Lubbock teacher; prominent civic and church leader. Born in Haskell County; daughter of J. E. and Sarah Murfee. First taught in Lubbock County schools in Slide community, 1905; was principal there. Entered Texas Woman's University 1909; earned degree; did graduate work later. Was first woman principal of Lubbock Junior High in 1914. With her own books, she began city's first high school library, 1916; head of Lubbock High School History and Government Department many years; obtained state credits for these and other courses. Introduced visual aids, buying her own equipment; made other innovations. She worked to bring Texas Tech to Lubbock, 1925. As county superintendent of education, 1928 to 1936, she standardized all schools. Her resolute philosophy was: "Every boy and girl may be saved to useful citizenship if the right person is there at the right time...the parent or the teacher". Active in Texas Federation of Women's Clubs, historical groups and other endeavors, she gave talents to public service throughout lifetime (Aug. 21, 1888-Dec. 31, 1965). This school is named in her memory. 1969
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Mae Murfee began teaching in rural Lubbock County in 1905 and spent a lifetime transforming education on the South Plains. She became the first woman principal of Lubbock Junior High in 1914, started the city's first high school library from her own bookshelf in 1916, introduced visual-aid teaching with equipment she bought herself, and as county superintendent standardized every school in the county. She also worked to bring Texas Tech to Lubbock, and the school bearing her name honors a career given entirely to public service.
Why it matters
Murfee exemplifies the pioneering women educators who built modern American public schooling, often through personal sacrifice and quiet institutional leadership.
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Related people
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