Katta G. Murty joined the University of Michigan in 1968 as an Assistant Professor. He took over the teaching of courses in mathematical programming from Robert M. Thrall. Murty had a deep understanding of and commitment to furthering the development of linear and nonlinear optimization methods and algorithms. His books have been used as the basis for teaching optimization methods and applications around the world. He also worked on many applications of OR over the course of his career.