AMES, IA, April 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Alan Murdoch, PhD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Murdoch most recently served as finance manager at Principal Financial Group. In this capacity, he demonstrated expertise in helping people be the best they could be, a quality that has defined his professional journey. His commitment to fostering growth and excellence in others was evident in his approach to leadership and financial management.

Before joining Principal Financial Group, Dr. Murdoch was director of the college hockey section at USA Hockey from 1994 to 2021. During this tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping collegiate hockey across the United States. His efforts contributed significantly to the sport's development and visibility at the national level.

From 1971/72, Dr. Murdoch served as head hockey coach and professor at Iowa State University. He was also a professor and head coach of Cyclone Hockey from 1969. Under his guidance, Iowa State became a unique institution where hockey, though not a varsity sport, was treated with the same rigor and dedication as any top-tier program. Dr. Murdoch recruited outstanding athletes from around the world, including players from the United States, Canada, China and Australia. Among his most notable achievements was facilitating Anfu Wang's journey from China to Iowa State to play after an international tournament in Harbin. This accomplishment underscored his commitment to growing hockey in the United States and providing opportunities for talented athletes globally.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Murdoch worked as a physical education teacher and head coach at The Pas High School from 1965 to 1967. This foundational experience set the stage for his lifelong dedication to education and athletics.

Dr. Murdoch's academic background includes a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in educational administration. He earned a Bachelor of Science in health, physical education, recreation and psychology from Bemidji State University in 1969. These academic achievements have been instrumental in supporting his multifaceted career as an educator, coach and leader.

He credits much of his success to his father, who was a renowned teacher and accomplished athlete in Scotland. His father represented Great Britain as captain of the Scottish team. He was among the country's top runners, narrowly missing qualification for the Paris Olympics before emigrating to Canada, a story that profoundly influenced Dr. Murdoch's outlook on perseverance and opportunity. Additionally, Dr. Murdoch acknowledges his wife, Jane, as a cornerstone of his achievements.

Beyond his professional roles, Dr. Murdoch is recognized for his authorship of "The Making of Iowa State Hockey," which chronicles the evolution of the program he helped build.

Born in Neepawa, Dr. Murdoch enjoys playing golf and remains actively engaged with his family. Looking ahead, he intends to continue pursuing his passions by golfing regularly, running camps for exceptional hockey players at the ice arena and participating in activities with his children and grandchildren.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #