Nebraska alumna Molly Murphy is making history as the first female nurse to complete the U.S. Army’s elite Ranger Course.
The 2019 pre-med graduate from Lexington, Nebraska, is now a captain in the U.S. Army and works as a pediatric intensive care unit nurse at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland. She graduated from Ranger School on July 19 and her story was recently featured by CNN.
Murphy is a fourth-generation military recruit who grew up inspired by her family’s rich legacy of service. Her great grandfather, Monte Kiffin Sr., served as company commander of the Lexington National Guard Unit in the 1920s, while her grandfather, “Big” Jim Murphy, was a Husker football captain and military leader.
She is also a third-generation Husker and joined her grandmother and mom as Delta Gamma sorority sisters.
“Being a Husker and serving in the military are traditions in my family,” Murphy said. “I’m a big believer in keeping our legacy going. And, I like the idea of serving my country and helping as much as I can.”
On campus, Murphy excelled in the UNL Army ROTC program. Her training included working with the Chilean army, hands-on experience in Brooks Army Medical Center’s top trauma units, and completion of Airborne school.
Before graduating, Murphy’s military goals included completing ICU training, working in a combat support hospital and, ultimately, serving as a White House nurse.
“You have to be the best of the best even to consider (being a White House nurse),” Murphy said. “I figured, with my family, I need to set the bar high.”
Read more about Murphy and her desire to serve in the military.