Under the leadership of Ingram Library Dean E. Lorene Flanders, the University of West Georgia's Irvine Sullivan Ingram Library initiated an eight million dollar renovation in tribute to late Georgia House Speaker Thomas B. Murphy with funds appropriated during the 2008 Georgia state legislative session.  Associate Library Dean Chris Huff was tapped by Flanders to direct the renovation in the role of Project Advocate. In April 2009, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia selected Houser Walker Architecture for the project with Hank Houser acting as Principal in Charge and Project Manager. Kathy Dixson of Avient Museum Services provided support for the recreation of the Murphy Office. In March 2010, Parrish Construction of Perry, Georgia, began Phase One of the project with a focus on the renovation of the ground floor and the installation of a new elevator shaft. Phase Two of the project, which centered on the Library's main floor, was initiated in September 2010.