WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Fall 2013

James W. McKenney: Distinctive Educator

BY CONNIE KACHEL WHITE

James W. McKenney Professor emeritus James W. McKenney began his career as an elementary and middle school teacher and coach in Oregon, his home state. A graduate of Willamette who went on to receive master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Oregan, he and his family moved to Kansas in 1967 when he joined the political science faculty at Wichita State.

Before retiring in 2007, he served in several leadership roles, including as political science department chair and as director of the Emory Lindquist Honors Program. In 1988-89, he taught at the Air War College, and in 1991, McKenney, then an associate professor at WSU, was awarded the Joseph J. Malone Faculty Fellowship to participate in an Arab and Islamic studies program sponsored by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations. The program’s purpose was deepening American understanding of the Arab world. After his return from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, he spoke about his experiences to students in his Games Nations Play class. 

As an expert on Persian Gulf War-related issues, he was interviewed by national media, Newsday, Christian Science Monitor, USA Today, among others. Another of his areas of expertise was Latin America and the Panama Canal.

In 2001, his colleague Mel Kahn wrote, “Jim is that rare individual who excels in all major service roles: faculty member, administrator and public resource. His record demonstrates that he has brought distinctive recognition to WSU.”

James McKenney died Oct. 25, 2012, in Valley Center, Kan.


IN MEMORIAM

James W. McKenney: Distinctive Educator

Professor emeritus James W. McKenney began his career as an elementary and middle school teacher and coach in Oregon, his home state.

Gary L. Bell: Civic Minded

In 1985, Gary L. Bell ’86 was just 26 years old and not quite finished earning a bachelor’s degree in general studies at Wichita State when he became the second African American in Wichita’s history to serve on the city council.

Joshua Missal: Rondo Fantastic

Noted composer, conductor, author and educator Joshua Missal arrived at the University of Wichita in 1952 as professor of viola and to head the music theory and composition department.

Norma J. Haley: Queen to President

After reigning as Homecoming Queen in 1950 and majoring in physical education with a minor in music, Norma J. Haley wed William Smith ’50 in 1951.

Erach R. Talaty: The Chemistry of Teaching

On the first day of his classes, Erach R. Talaty would write “Dr. T” on the blackboard, then explain to his students, “T is for terrible or terrific, whichever – that’s entirely up to you.”

Marguerite "Mickey"M. (Smith) Miller: Keyboard Companion

Marguerite “Mickey” M. (Smith) Miller ’67, professor emeritus of fine arts at Wichita State, taught at the university from 1948-82, serving as chair of the department of keyboard studies and as head of piano pedagogy and group piano programs.

In Memoriam

Leaving lasting legacies are these Wichita State University alumni and friends.