When Robert Kindrick came to WSU as vice president of academic affairs and research in August 2000, he advised students not to be surprised to find him teaching classes. "It's very important to my role as chief academic officer," he said. Indeed, throughout his administrative career at such schools as the University of Montana-Missoula and Emporia State University, he maintained a position as English professor from 1967 on.
His academic specialty was medieval literature, which earned him the third annual CARA Award from the Medieval Academy of America earlier this year. This award is given to individuals "who have provided leadership in developing, organizing, promoting and sponsoring medieval studies." He was also an honorary vice president of the Scottish Text Society.
Yet his interest in the days of knights and fair maids didn't distract from being a visionary and focused administrator. At WSU, he encouraged staff to apply for research grants and recruited faculty members based on their research skills. His methods produced results: research grants more than tripled during his time at Wichita State, totaling $33 million in 2003. "Vice president Kindrick was a true scholar and administrator in every sense of the words, and he will be missed," says John Hutchinson, formerly associate vice president for academic affairs and research who will take over Kindrick's position.
Robert Kindrick died May 13 in Wichita.
