Kemper Fellowships 2009

During surprise visits to classrooms, five MU faculty have been recognized for their teaching excellence as 2009 Kemper Fellows, including one from Arts and Science:

Mitchell S. McKinney, Associate Professor, Communication

In Mitchell McKinney's nine years of teaching at Mizzou, his dedication, drive and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact on the lives of his students and fellow colleagues. Known for being anything but a "9-to-5er" by the Department of Communication, McKinney has taught more than seven different courses, often using the latest technology to enhance learning in the classroom.

"I really felt that his use of technology and examples was incredibly effective, to the point that I would find myself sharing links of things we watched in class with my friends," one former student said.

As a renowned expert on political communication, McKinney is frequently asked to teach others about the topic. He has been asked to give guest lectures at the University of Zurich and has been interviewed by national and international media. As a role model for many of the department's graduate students, McKinney teaches his students how to be an excellent teacher as well as an excellent researcher.

"Dr. McKinney's passion for knowledge and communication motivates him to continue to grow and learn, which further enhances his teaching effectiveness and ability to disseminate knowledge," says Loreen Olson, associate professor of communication. "This motivation translates into his ability as a teacher by continuing to develop knowledge of the subject matter, familiarity with current events that impact classroom content, and skill as a teacher."

In 2006, McKinney was selected by the National Communication Association to serve a one-year term as director of academic affairs in Washington, D.C. This experience has allowed McKinney to integrate real-life examples into the classroom, helping him connect the communication discipline to what students may encounter in the workplace.

McKinney received his bachelor's degree at Western Kentucky University, his master's at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and a doctorate at the University of Kansas.

University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton, Commerce Bank Chairman Jim Schatz, and a group of professors, administrators and staff paid a surprise visit to McKinney's classroom to honor him with the Fellowship, which includes a $10,000 award. Fellowships are awarded to five outstanding teachers at the MU each year.

"This is very meaningful to me to join other esteemed faculty, such as Michael Kramer and Michael Porter, in our department who have won this award," says McKinney.  "I am very humbled and honored."

Michael Kramer, chair of the Department of Communication says, "I am very pleased and proud of Dr. McKinney as he joins the rank of others in the communication department who have gone before him."

"I should thank my students – many of them are here today but there are others too – they get me up every day, " McKinney said when the announcement was made.  "I probably shouldn't say this in front of the cameras, but I often say I can't believe they pay me to do this!"

"On behalf of the College of Arts and Science, I offer Dr. McKinney our congratulations and say to him that we are very proud of what he does to represent the College," said Ted Tarkow, associate dean.

The William T. Kemper Fellowships for Teaching Excellence were established in 1991 with a $500,000 gift. Kemper, a 1926 MU graduate, was a well-known civic leader in Kansas City until his death in 1989. His 52-year career in banking included top positions at banks in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Commerce Bank manages the trust fund.

Congratulations!

See the MU News Bureau for information on all five 2009 Kemper Fellows.