(JACKSON, Miss.) — Jackson State University proudly announces that Jessica Murphy, Ph.D., professor in the Industrial Systems and Technology Program, has been named a 2025 Distinguished Technology and Engineering (DTE) Professional by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA). The prestigious honor was presented at ITEEA’s annual conference held in St. Louis.
The DTE designation recognizes educators who have demonstrated a high level of professional competence and leadership in technology, innovation, design and engineering education. Murphy’s recognition reflects her continued excellence in research, teaching and community-centered technology initiatives.
“I endeavor to perfect my initiatives of producing future generations of professionals, with high competencies in Technology and Emergency Management, to meet community needs,” said Murphy. “In promoting technological capability and professional and social proficiency through research endeavors, we can assuredly help students make a smooth transition to work and make a meaningful impact on society.”
In addition to the DTE honor, Murphy also received the Professional Practice Award from Epsilon Pi Tau International Technology Honor Society. Established in honor of the organization’s founder, William Everett Warner, the award celebrates distinguished achievement in the technology field.
Murphy currently serves as the principal investigator and director of the Community Resilience Project at Jackson State University. Supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Scientific Leadership Award, the initiative focuses on disaster preparedness training and education across Mississippi, with a focus on vulnerable communities.
The project integrates faculty expertise from Emergency Management Technology, Computer Science, Journalism and Media Studies, Health Policy and Management and the National Weather Service of Jackson, Miss. Through CREATE (2021–2025) scholarships, the program empowers students across disciplines to support disaster response and recovery efforts.
Murphy’s leadership and innovation have garnered additional honors, including the Excellence for Women Technology Excellence Award (Fall 2024) from the Association of Technology Management and Applied Engineering and the Prakken Professional Cooperation Award (Spring 2024) from ITEEA.
Jackson State University commends Murphy’s outstanding contributions to education, research and public service, and celebrates her national recognition as a leading force in technology and emergency management education.