John Kenney, Recipient of Regents' Alumni Award

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John Kenney received a Regents’ Alumni Award during a May 10 ceremony on the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus.

Kenney has been actively involved with OU since graduating with Industrial Engineering and Law degrees in 1971 and 1975. He has served nine years on College of Engineering Board of Visitors, including his time as chair during the OU Engineering Centennial Celebration.

Kenney’s leadership throughout the College of Engineering has encouraged a community of generous donors. Along with is wife, Jane, the Kenneys have hosted many events in their home for the college and the Industrial Engineering school. Through their generous donations and support, today’s engineering students enjoy new facilities, renovated classrooms and metting space as well as undergraduate and graduate scholarship support.

Kenney has been instrumental in the OU K20 Center for Educational and Community Renewal, serving as chair for the Board of Advisors and helping to develop a community that links professionals in K-12, university and industry settings with projects aimed at fostering improvements in learning at all levels. During his leadership of that board, the annual Oklahoma teacher SKIE award for innovative use of technology in STEM education was initiated and the K-20 Scholars program was established. He also serves on the Honors College Board of Visitors.

He supports his beliefs in 21st century learning through his daily interactions in service to OU. Nominated by Dean Tom Landers, College of Engineering in partnership with the College of Education and the College of Law.

The Regents’ Alumni Awards are presented each year to honor alumni and friends for exceptional dedication and service to the University of Oklahoma. The OU Board of Regents and the OU Alumni Association present the awards.
Nominations are accepted from alumni, friends and OU faculty and staff. The names of each year’s recipients are engraved on a permanent plaque that hangs in Oklahoma Memorial Union as a testament to the important role that OU’s alumni play in the life of the university.

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