Meet a MICA Member: Sister Beth Murphy

For the first edition of the Mid-Illinois Communications Association’s new “Meet a MICA Member” series, we are excited to spotlight a communicator whose career has been rooted in storytelling and authentic human connection. Sister Beth Murphy, OP, Director of Communications for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, has spent decades helping organizations and communities communicate with clarity, compassion, and purpose. From developing communications strategies to leading ministry, her professional journey has been guided by faith, service, and passion. As she prepares for a new season of ministry, Sister Beth reflects on the experiences, relationships, and lessons that have shaped both her career and calling.

A Calling to Communicate

Sister Beth’s path into communications began before entering religious life. As a fifth grader, she remembers hearing a classmate’s mother speak about her work as a journalist. Years later, when it came to declaring a college major, that memory resurfaced. “Sure, why not?” she recalled. What began as a simple decision eventually developed into a lifelong vocation centered on communication, truth, and service. Her calling to become a Dominican Sister, however, she describes much more simply: “That was pure God.”

After college, Sister Beth designed textbooks for a publishing company in the Chicago suburbs before entering formation with the Dominican Sisters. Following her profession of vows, she joined the editorial board of the diocesan newspaper, Catholic Times, writing a column and later helping establish the Diocese of Springfield’s first communications office. Her work later expanded nationally and internationally, including earning a master’s degree in the ethics and theology of communication from New College School of Divinity in Edinburgh and helping train priests, sisters, and brothers involved in vocation ministry and communications work across the Dominican Order.

Throughout her career, Sister Beth has viewed communications as far more than marketing or messaging. When describing her work in a few words, she answered: “Seeking and preaching Truth.” That philosophy has guided her through a wide variety of experiences, from communications leadership to refugee resettlement work with Iraqi families in the Detroit metro area. While she says it is difficult to choose the most rewarding project of her career, she reflected fondly on both her media training work and the deeply human experience of helping refugees rebuild their lives.

Life Beyond the Office

For 19 of the last 26 years, Sister Beth has served as Director of Communications for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, shaping the congregation’s storytelling, strategy, and outreach efforts. As she prepares to transition to a new calling, she recently helped guide the congregation through a strategic communications planning process designed to serve the organization well into the future. Alongside another sister, she has also led Cor Unum, a ministry for young adult women whose name means “One Heart” in Latin. That work made a recent MICA panel discussion, “Communicating with Gen Z: What Actually Connects?”, especially meaningful to her. She shared that hearing from younger voices gave her a greater understanding of that generation and offered valuable insights she can apply to ministry work moving forward.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Sister Beth enjoys a quieter pace of life centered around community, reflection, and relationships. She loves reading, writing, swimming, walking, and spending time with fellow Dominican Sisters, family, and friends. She is equally happy discussing genealogy, volunteering in the Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens, participating in racial equity initiatives, or playing a spirited game of Bananagrams. Her ideal day off includes a slow morning filled with reading and writing, paired with physical activity and meaningful conversation.

Perspective Shaped by Experience

Travel and global experiences have also shaped Sister Beth’s worldview and ministry. She has traveled to Iraq four times, experiences she describes as unforgettable for many reasons. Looking ahead, she hopes to visit Peru to spend time with Dominican Sisters serving there and to explore her ancestral roots in Ireland and Italy.

When reflecting on mentors who impacted her career, Sister Beth pointed to the journalism faculty at Eastern Illinois University. While she may not have fully recognized it at the time, she later came to appreciate their integrity, character, and dedication to truth-telling. Those lessons profoundly influenced how she approaches communications today, both as a journalist and in ministry.

The advice and wisdom that continue to guide her are less about career advancement and more about human connection. “We belong to each other; my life is not mine alone,” she shared, describing a lesson reinforced throughout her life and relationships. That perspective sits at the center of both her ministry and communications philosophy.

As she enters a new chapter for the first time in many years, Sister Beth says one item remains at the top of her bucket list: discerning where God is calling her next. It is a fitting reflection for someone whose life and career have consistently been guided by purpose, faith, curiosity, and service to others.

Whether through communications, ministry, mentoring, or community outreach, Sister Beth Murphy continues to make a meaningful impact on the people and organizations around her. Her reflections on faith and service offer a thoughtful reminder of the role communicators play in helping others feel seen, informed, and united. MICA is grateful for Sister Beth’s contributions to the communications profession and for the wisdom and perspective she has shared with fellow members over the years.

Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight the talented professionals, unique career journeys, and inspiring stories that make up our communications community through future “Meet a MICA Member” features.