Oklahoma Union Public Schools Logo

Murphy joins OKU as Elementary Principal

July 06, 2026

Launch the media gallery 1 player

A desire to pursue a career which invests in students, as well as help impact a school’s culture in a positive manner has led Alana Murphy to assume the elementary principal position at Oklahoma Union Public School.

Murphy was hired by school officials during the June school board meeting. Alfred Gaches, OKU Superintendent, said they are thrilled to welcome Murphy as the new elementary principal.

“Her strong leadership and deep care for students make her the perfect fit for Oklahoma Union,” Gaches said. “She brings great energy and fresh ideas to our district.”

Gaches said Murphy brings a “perfect mix of classroom experience and administrative skill.

“I am confident in her ability to unite our staff and elevate our academic programs,” Gaches said. “The administrative team is excited to see the positive impact Mrs. Murphy will have on our campus culture. Her student-first mindset will truly benefit our families and the entire school community."

Prior to her move to Bartlesville in 2017, Murphy worked in the non-profit sector, with organizations focused on youth development, mental health and homelessness prevention.

“One of my biggest frustrations with those jobs was the limited face time with our clients,” Murphy said. “When I reflected on what I wanted to do in the next chapter of my career in Oklahoma, I was drawn to education because we are able to invest so much time into students every single day.

“As a principal, I know I can help shape our school to positively impact students. I can support staff so they can do the important work of teaching students and provide opportunities for students to lead in our building.”

Murphy said she is grateful for the opportunity to serve the OKU elementary school community.

“I look forward to meeting students, staff and families,” Murphy said. “I believe strongly in the importance of strong public schools and their role as a community hub.”

Murphy, who grew up in rural Texas, said she continues to benefit from the education she received at Wolfe City ISD in Wolfe City, Texas.

“What I learned there helped shape who I am today and what I have been able to achieve professionally,” Murphy said. “I want to help ensure our students receive the same solid educational foundation to achieve great things in their futures.

“I care deeply about each student and want to be a part of the school’s continued growth and success. I am dedicated to ensuring every student and staff member feels a sense of belonging, knowing they are supported, connected, and valued.”

Murphy said as a teacher, she strived to develop a strong relationship with each of her students and their families.

“I hope to do that same thing with students and families as principal,” Murphy said. “Strong school-family partnerships create a consistent support system for students that increase student motivation to learn and academic achievement.”

Joining OKU
Murphy first visited OKU as a middle school volleyball coach during the annual volleyball tournaments.

“I loved coming to play here because it was very nostalgic for me as I attended a rural school pre-kindergarten to 12th grade in Texas,” Murphy said. “When the elementary students came in to watch the games around lunch time, you could tell how special the school district was and see the benefits of a small, combined campus.”

Murphy said she was drawn to the campus, because the separate, but close buildings, allow for campus-wide shared activities like pep rallies or attending volleyball games.

“When I heard that this position was open, I was immediately open to finding more information about the opportunity and how I may be able to serve students and staff here at OKU,” Murphy said. “I am looking forward to getting to know our students, staff and families.”

This includes, she said, developing relationships fundamental for providing motivation, encouragement, accountability and support.

“I look forward to celebrating student growth as a building [community] when we meet our goals together,” Murphy said. “I will have high expectations for students because I know with the right support, every student can grow and thrive.

Murphy said she looks forward to becoming part of the OKU community.

“I grew up playing sports and being involved in 4-H (and later FFA),” Murphy said. “I love to know what my students are busy with outside their school hours. I love helping them make connections to what they are learning at school in their lives at home and celebrate their accomplishments.”

Ultimately, Murphy said her goal is that every student and staff who walk into the school would have a strong sense of belonging.

“I want every person to feel known and valued, and understand that their contribution to our school family means something,” Murphy said. “I want students to know when they are absent, that they are missed.

“As a principal, I will be focused on building a schedule that allows teachers the instructional time they need to impact students and that allows movement for students to have breaks to just be kids. I hope to provide a culture that allows all of this to happen.”

More about Murphy
A graduate of Wolfe City High School in Wolfe City, Texas, Murphy earned her bachelor’s degree in general ministry from Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas.

While in McPherson, Murphy led several local and regional nonprofit organizations including McPherson Family YMCA, McPherson Family Life Center, McPherson Housing Coalition and McPherson Circles.

After moving to Bartlesville in 2017, Murphy pivoted her career to serve children and families within public schools. In 2021, she earned a dual master’s degree in special education administration and challenging behaviors from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. She later earned a master’s in educational leadership from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville in 2025.

Her certifications include elementary and secondary principal and special education severe-profound and multiple disabilities (PreK-12th). In 2020, Murphy was awarded Bartlesville Public School’s Rising Star Teacher. In 2025, she received Oklahoma Education Association’s Instructional Excellence Award and was nominated in Bartlesville Young Professionals’ Emerging Leaders.

“When I had a chance to reflect on my career and what I wanted to do next, pivoting into education and teaching students was a natural choice,” Murphy said. “I am continually in awe of how quickly children can master new skills and find genuine joy in the learning process.”

Murphy and her husband, Michael, have been married for 19 years. They have two children: Michael III, 17, a senior at Bartlesville High School, and Landrie, 12, an eighth grader at Madison Middle School. The family has a 7-year-old wheaten terrier named Bentley who loves walks and car rides.

Prior to joining OKU, Murphy’s educational work experience included a transitional year as a special education paraprofessional at Wayside Elementary School in Bartlesville, and eight years leading a special education classroom for students with autism and other special needs at Ranch Heights Elementary School in Bartlesville.

She also served the Bartlesville Education Association as president for two terms and chief negotiator for three terms.

Murphy said she strives to be a life-long learner and long-time volunteer teacher, including serving as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and teaching multiple age groups, ranging from confirmation to parenting classes, as well as adult leadership training.

Outside of school, Murphy enjoys celebrating her children on and off the field, traveling and spending time with her family. They attend City Church in Bartlesville and serve at the City Compassion ministry. Murphy also serves as president of the Fostering Success board of directors.

Fostering Success is a non-profit whose mission is to support children and families affected by foster care in Nowata, Osage and Washington Counties through supervised visits, parenting classes and providing birthday parties to make sure every child is celebrated on their special day.

#WeAreOKUCougars who are #AchievingBelievingChanging because together, we are #OKUStrong.