At Convocation each year, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville honors faculty and staff with UW-Platteville and Universities of Wisconsin awards, recognizing their excellence and dedication. In this year’s articles about the recipients, we are spotlighting their journeys, passions and the paths that brought them here.
Dr. Dale Murray, professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County, was selected as one of the recipients of the 2025 Alliant Energy James R. Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards. This award is funded by an endowment from the Alliant Energy Foundation, Inc. to recognize and reward extraordinary undergraduate teachers at Universities of Wisconsin schools within Alliant Energy’s service area.
Q: You've been with the Universities of Wisconsin since 2006—what has motivated you to continue teaching within the system for so many years?
It isn't that many years, is it? I would say it’s the sense of a shared mission to help provide a student-centered, liberal arts education, and an esprit de corps with my colleagues in trying our best to accomplish that endeavor. I am also quite taken by the Wisconsin Idea and the UW plaque's encouragement of a “sifting and winnowing” commitment to finding the truth. Well, all that, and the promise of donuts colleagues occasionally bring to campus, keeps me coming back…
Q: You pose an insightful question to your students: "Why do you admire the people you do?" Turning that question around—who do you admire, and what qualities inspire that admiration?
I admire many people, both outside of academia and within it. But given the educational context of the award and my interdisciplinary approach to many classes, I will name a person who had a terrific influence on my scholarly career as a colleague and friend at the Baraboo branch campus: Professor of English David Cole. I team-taught an interdisciplinary course with Dave for several wonderful semesters. I was amazed by his approach to teaching and learning, and especially by the way he shared those aspects of his life with his students and particularly with me. He was patient and kind, yet had great intellectual humility, integrity and dedication (after all, he taught for more than a half-century and even returned to teach sections after earning emeritus status while also serving as a writing tutor!).
Additionally, he spun a good yarn and tied his stories into lessons of the course and life. I greatly admired his good humor and wit—virtuous traits that are sometimes pooh-poohed, I think, but seem to me integral parts of a noble character. Finally, I really respected his keen sense of justice and care for the community. Sadly, he recently passed, but his deep impact on generations of students and numerous colleagues remains.
Q: Where is your hometown?
Boothbay, Maine.
Q: What is something people may not know about you?
That I was, like a number of our students, a first-generation college student. I didn't think that seriously about going to university until very late in my junior year of high school.
Q: Do you think your upbringing played a role in your decision to pursue a career in teaching? If so, how?
I believe so, but perhaps not in a direct way. I didn't really have a template for collegiate life, but I was curious about a lot of things. I think also, when you come from a large family—as mine is—you sort of have to find your niche to form your own unique identity, and I was particularly good with books and ideas. Over time, I discovered I was also adept at sharing those ideas with others and found I also learned more in the process of having to explain them.
Finally, I was very fortunate to have teachers and bosses who saw my aptitude for these things and encouraged me during my teenage years.
Q: What has been your favorite vacation so far? When did you take it, and what made it so memorable?
I would have to say going to France a few years ago is my favorite trip. The sights, architecture, food, history and culture were delightful to engage with, as were the people we met. But above all, being able to share these experiences with my wife and daughter made it all the more meaningful and enjoyable.
Q: What is your favorite kind of music?
I am not a huge music person, which might sound strange. That said, my musical tastes are pretty eclectic, and I am unsure I have a favorite type. If my Spotify review of 2024 is to be believed, it seems I listened to Seasick Steve, some Mavericks songs, the Gin Blossoms, the Spin Doctors, Vampire Weekend, zydeco, Celtic rock and the beautiful noise of Neil Diamond. When reading and writing, I sometimes focus better with classical music in the background, preferably led by a harpsichord.
Q: What piece of advice would you offer your 16-year-old self, knowing what you do now?
Don't worry quite so much, try to relax a bit more and exercise more patience. Also, don't just learn to make ends meet—make learning an end. Other than that, keep on truckin'. That's a big 10-4, good buddy. My 16-year-old self, who was more in tune with CB radio jargon at the time, would understand. Oh, I would also remind him to always check his references. I think I heard that in a movie at some point...