Jack McKay Receives the 2015 Washington State University – College of Education Advocate for Education Award

Gene Sharratt, (Presenting the Advocate Award), Jack McKay and Mike Trevisan (Dean of the School of Education)

Jack received his doctorate in Educational Administration at Washington State University and spent many years working in the public school system from classroom teaching to superintendent of schools. He was a full professor at the University of Nebraska, wrote number of books, and has made over 40 presentations throughout the country on public education. In addition to his Horace Mann duties, Jack is still involved in online learning by mentoring graduate students working on their degrees. He and his wife, Judy, have been married for 55 years and have two children and four grandchildren. They moved to Port Ludlow full time in 2003 and both he and Judy are very active members of the Port Ludlow community. Jack is currently the president of the Port Ludlow Men’s Golf Association.

Acceptance Notes by Jack McKay

Gene Sharratt, Thank you for the nice introduction. Mike Trevisan, Dean, College of Education Andrea Farmer and Amy Cox of the College of Education and College of Education Alumni Thank you for this special honor and recognition. I would like to take this opportunity thank my family and friends along the way that helped me with the opportunity to even be part of this university, let alone considered for this award.

Judy McKay

First, my wife Judy, who provided the support needed to apply, attend and complete the doctoral program here at WSU.  That includes the financial sacrifices, taking care of the kids, and the moving from place along the way.

Kevin McKay

Karen Bullard

Second, our kids, Kevin and Karen.  Our children adjusted well to the changing of schools, the evenings and other times that their dad was attending school board meeting.   I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the rest of our family; Janet, our daughter in law, Jeff our son-in-law; grandkids, Dane and Brenna Bullard, Jordan McKay, (who is teaching in Albania) and Jace McKay, our junior here at WSU.

Bob McKay

Barbara McKay-Duncan

Valerie Pelk

And, I would like to introduce my sister, Barbara Duncan, my cousin, Valerie Pelk, and my brother Bob McKay.

Kent Matheson

Lloyd Olson

Rod Hermes

Third, I would like to introduce some of my professional colleagues who inspired me, who advised me, and who stayed with me during those times of crisis, and those who helped me with the opportunities to be part of this program today.  I was to especially recognize Kent Matheson, Lloyd Olson, Rod Hermes and Marv Marchbanks, fellow graduate students later school superintendents, as well as, Gene Sharrett, currently the Governor Inslee’s Cabinet education advisor and the person who nominated me for this award. Fourth, to Washington State University and the College of Education faculty and administration, who provided me the opportunity, hope, and high ethical standards so necessary to achieve a sense of accomplishment in this profession of educational leadership.

Left to right: Stan Olson, Steve Ladd, Eric King, Christine Johns-Haines, Fred Hartmeister, James Harvey, Colleen Wilcox, Charles Fowler, Laurie Barron, Gary Marx, Carol Choye, Linda Darling Hammond, Spike Jorgensen, Steve Rasmussen and Martha Bruckner

A major part of today’s honor and recognition is due of my continuing involvement with the Horace Mann League of the USA.  The League was created in 1922, with the purpose of strengthening public education, to sustain the separation of church and state, and to maintain local and state control of public schools. The League has a membership of 800 school superintendents and college professors, from across the nation who believe that public education is the cornerstone of our democratic nation.   I was appointed to be the Executive Director of the League in 1994.  Washington State University has the distinction of having three state leaders serve as President of the League:  George Brain, in 1973, Pat Hoban, in 1987, and Steve Rasmussen, in 2009. In closing, I want to thank my family and friends and colleagues who came here today to celebrate and share this special day with me.  I want you to know that I am humbled and honored, and without your support and your examples of grace and courage, I wouldn’t be here to accept this honor.  So, it is because of you and what you taught and helped me that I accept this honor, on your behalf. Thank you. Photos

WSU’s Palouse Ridge Course (Brenna Bullard, Kevin McKay and Jace McKay)

Dick and Joan Siderius along with Doug and Marj Peters

Brenna, Dane, Jeff and Karen Bullard

Gay Selby, Phyllis Erdman and Gene Sharratt