Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship
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 for the fall 2026 semester are now open.
The application deadline is Monday, September 7, 2026.
To apply, please fill out the application form, and send it to Jessica Ruland O'Connor.
Remember to include the following information with your application:
- 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 to the Fall 2026 Richard Murray Endowed Scholarship Recipients!
Ariana Castañeda is a first-generation college student at the UH Honors College pursuing a bachelor's
degree in journalism with a minor in phronesis. A former Civic Houston Internship
Program intern with the NALEO Educational Fund, Castañeda supported voter registration,
citizenship workshops and civic engagement initiatives across Houston. They serve
as a communications officer for Politics4Her, contribute to community advocacy efforts
and coach students through the Rikers Debate Project. Castañeda plans to attend law
school and pursue a career at the intersection of law, journalism and public service.
Orlando Martinez is a first-generation college student and sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy. He serves as vice president of B.A.S.E.D. (Breaking and Style Education Department), a member of the Hobby School Undergraduate Student Advisory Council and a regional and state judge for the Texas Odyssey of the Mind Association. On campus, Martinez has supported student success through Student Housing and Residential Life and welcomed new students as a member of the UH Orientation Team. Passionate about immigration policy, he enjoys connecting classroom learning with leadership and service experiences.
Francine White is a first-generation college student pursuing dual master's degrees in social work and public policy. A Graduate College of Social Work Student Ambassador, she combines academic excellence with a deep commitment to community service and equitable outcomes. Before pursuing advanced degrees, White worked in the Wisconsin court system and held leadership roles with organizations focused on mental health, wellness and professional support services. Her dedication to service has earned several honors, including the Hobby School Academic Excellence Scholarship and the George W. Magner Endowed Scholarship in Social Work.