Renowned educator and coach Mark Brady receives MSU’s CoEHS Outstanding Alumnus Service Award

MURRAY, Ky. – On Oct. 14, Murray State University’s College of Education and Human Services celebrated a distinguished figure, educator and coach Mark Brady at its annual Homecoming Breakfast. Brady was honored with the college’s Outstanding Alumnus Service Award, recognizing his profound impact on both the college and its students. 

The College of Education and Human Services’ Director of Development, Brandon Anderson, presented the award to Brady and shared these heartfelt words: “Coach Mark Brady exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding alumnus. He holds a storied 34-year career in the classroom and since retirement, his support of students has not stopped. Coach Brady started a scholarship endowment to assist students in the pursuit of becoming teachers, because he knows that education is the future."

Brady graduated from Murray State in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and History, a Master of Arts in Education in Secondary Education in 1971 and a Rank 1 master’s degree plus 30 hours in School Administration in 1972. He taught locally at Murray High School for 34 years, impacting countless students. Before returning to Murray, Brady taught in Ballard and LaRue counties.

Following a dedicated service in the U.S. Army, Brady returned to complete his master's degree at Murray State and then joined the ranks at Murray Independent School District. During his tenure, he taught World History, Civics, Drivers' Education, World Geography, American Government and Physical Education. Outside of the classroom, Brady coached football, boy’s basketball, girl’s softball, served as the advisor for student council, assistant principal and athletic director. Now in retirement, Brady's support has not stopped. Individuals can often find him at many Murray High School events showing his loyal support to the Tigers. He has spent most of his life educating young people and his support does not end on the sidelines.

The legacy of Brady extends further with the establishment of the Coach Mark Brady Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship was created to assist students who plan to pursue a teaching career and he hopes he can share with young graduates that a career in education is a very important career path for today's youth. Since the scholarship fund's inception, six local students have received the award with aspirations to follow in Brady's footsteps.

The College of Education and Human Services takes immense pride in honoring Coach Mark Brady for his exceptional contributions to the field of education. His dedication, mentorship, and enduring support continue to shape the educational landscape and inspire generations of future educators.