While Chancellor Murphy’s leadership did not last as long as many of his predecessors, his legacy is significant to KU history. Murphy was extremely popular with students of all stripes, and he engaged in a number of important initiatives. Notably, Murphy worked extensively behind the scenes to undo the Jim Crow policies introduced by Chancellor Lindley and continued under Chancellor Malott, as well as to desegregate the Lawrence community in general. Murphy also became embroiled in a political conflict with Kansas Governor George Docking, which culminated in Murphy leaving KU for a position at the University of California-Los Angeles in 1960. Murphy’s correspondence from throughout his short but busy tenure shines light on the many complex issues with which he grappled during his time at KU.