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IN MEMORIAM
LORRIN G. KENNAMER JR
Lorrin G. Kennamer Jr. passed away
on December 23, 1999. His death has deprived the Department of Curriculum
and Instruction, the Department of Geography, and the College of Education
of a great teacher, an outstanding administrator, an internationally
renowned scholar, a wise counselor, and a sincere, deeply-caring friend.
Lorrin was born in Abilene, Texas,
on December 20, 1924, to Lorrin Garfield and Ruie Lee Kennamer. After
serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Lorrin received an AB
degree from Eastern Kentucky University in social science and mathematics
in 1948. He received an MS in 1949 from the University of Tennessee
with a major in geography and education. His PhD in geography and education
was awarded by the Vanderbilt/Peabody University in 1952.
Lorrin was an outstanding high school
teacher in Oakridge, Tennessee, before he accepted an appointment at
East Texas State College, where he served as chairman of the Department
of Geography and Geology. He came to The University of Texas at Austin
in 1956. He quickly established a reputation as an outstanding teacher
and an able administrator. He was professor of geography and chairman
of the Department of Geography and served as associate dean of the College
of Arts and Sciences. He served as the dean of the College of Arts and
Sciences at Texas Tech University from 1967 to 1970, at which point
he returned to The University of Texas as dean of the College of Education.
He provided leadership to the profession of education and the College
of Education for three terms as dean.
During his years at the University,
Kennamer was a skilled mentor, wise counselor, and loyal friend to many
students, professors, and administrators. Those who knew Lorrin through
the years came to recognize a consistent application of five values
in his leadership, human interactions, and organizational decisions.
Lorrin was uniquely committed to the values of honesty, loyalty, fairness,
justice, and equity. These values, along with his intelligence and quick-witted
humor, make it clear why legions of national and state policy makers,
University leaders, faculty, and students sought out Kennamer for his
advice and counsel.
At the national level, Kennamer served
many years as a member of the College Board and as its chairman from
1974 to 1976. His clear, accurate vision brought many national university
deans and faculty to seek his advice, particularly in troubling times
in higher education.
Governor Mark White appointed a select
committee, chaired by Ross Perot, to review and make recommendations
relative to public education in the state of Texas. In the first week
of his appointment, Perot, in a conversation with Kennamer, indicated
that at the end of the committee s work there would be no need for
colleges of education or the licensing/certifying of education professionals.
At that moment, Kennamer s leadership became critical to the education
profession. Today the College of Education at the University has not
only endured but is one of the nation s leading institutions in preparing
education professionals. As a result of Dr. Kennamer s hard work, the
school children in the state of Texas have licensed/certified professionals
in the classroom directing their learning.
Lorrin was also a scholar with enduring
contributions to the professions. In 1992, Lorrin s major professor,
Dr. J. Russell Whitaker, had occasion to review Lorrin s academic productivity
and commented, I marvel at the range and depth of your achievement
. . . a truly astounding record. In 1997, the Association of American
Geographers recognized Lorrin for his service to the discipline of geography
and to higher education in Texas and the nation. The association described
Lorrin s academic contributions in geography as a testimony to what
a dedicated and talented individual can accomplish. Lorrin s books
on geography, particularly Texas geography, serve as the standard of
academic accuracy and excellence and of superb practicality for high
school teachers. For example, the Atlas of Texas and We Texans:
Our History and Geography have for years been the major source for
high school teachers as they share with their students the history and
geography of Texas. The enduring usefulness of these works provides
lasting testimony to the quality and thoughtfulness of Lorrin Kennamer
s scholarship.
Kennamer s commitment to teaching
is both unique and legendary. Although the majority of his years associated
with the University and with higher education in general encompassed
key leadership roles in administration, he continued to teach at both
the graduate and undergraduate levels. His course, Texas Geography,
was legendary in terms of its reputation, consistently having more than
100 students enrolled in a non-required course. This was not one of
those easy A courses that students sought out, as Lorrin Kennamer
was an exacting teacher with high standards and clear expectations.
The requirements of map analyses, of papers, and of tests would drive
away the student looking for the predictable and easy grade. However,
students continued to enroll in large numbers because of Lorrin s unique
skill in bringing interest, unique information, and memories about Texas.
Lorrin was survived by his wife, Laura,
of 52 years.
<signed>
Larry R. Faulkner, President
The University of Texas at Austin
<signed>
John R. Durbin, Secretary
The General Faculty
This memorial resolution was prepared
by a special committee consisting of Professors James R. Yates (chair),
Joe L. Frost, and Robert K. Holz.
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