Westcliff University mourns the sudden passing of Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. David McKinney
In Memoriam of Dr. David McKinney (1944-2020)
Dr. David McKinney, one of the key architects and drivers of Westcliff University’s growth in reputation and enrollment for the past ten years, has passed away unexpectedly. We mourn his untimely death, and I personally have lost a treasured friend, colleague, and mentor. I know you join me in extending deep condolences to his wife and family.
As Provost, Dr. McKinney served as the university’s chief academic officer and my trusted right arm. Just a few months ago, he was honored by being elected to the Westcliff Board of Trustees, our governing body.
During his years as one of our most senior and dedicated leaders, the University achieved remarkable accomplishments. He was deeply involved as our academic and management teams worked diligently to secure accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and global business accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). During his years with us, our student body grew dramatically in the U.S. and through partnerships abroad, as did the number of degree and certificate programs we offer.
Dr. McKinney came to Westcliff with a long and impressive background in university teaching and as a senior manager in the public and private sectors. He enjoyed reminiscing about working at Chicago City Hall under Mayor Richard M. Daley. That position particularly suited him at the time, given his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in city and regional planning, and his undergraduate architecture degree. Dr. McKinney was an artist, a world traveler, and an entrepreneur who founded and operated business ventures and conducted management training programs around the world before coming to Westcliff.
Dr. McKinney was and is the heart and soul of Westcliff University. His vision, passion, and commitment defined the University, and anyone who interacted with him could easily see his sincerity in how much he cared for Westcliff and the people who are part of it. His compassion for others was unparalleled, and he truly loved making an impact on the lives of our students and the people he worked with. The dedicated staff and faculty of Westcliff are now bestowed with the honor of realizing Dr. McKinney’s vision for the University so that his legacy may live on.
May his kind soul forever rest in peace. He will be greatly missed.
Dr. Anthony Lee
President/CEO
Westcliff University