Year Inducted: 1987
"The model of what an intelligent, committed woman can accomplish." "A superb model of a woman administrator." These statements from colleagues and students are very revealing, but even more so is a comment made by a graduate student for whom Dr. McCluskey-Fawcett has been a teacher, advisor, and mentor: "She believes in us, and it shows."
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota. After receiving both Master of Arts in Child Development and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Kansas, Kathleen McCluskey-Fawcett went on to become an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Psychology at West Virginia University.. In recognition of her outstanding efforts as an educator, she was the recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award, College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University. She also served these positions at the University of Kansas, where she has excelled in teaching, research, service, and leadership. She has been described as an exceptional role model for her students and colleagues. Dennis Karpowitz, former Associate Chairperson of the Department of Psychology, indicated that he has been impressed with her exceptional ability to work with people. He said, "She has done a superb job in creating a positive atmosphere and in defusing potentially difficult situations. I find her to be fair, straightforward, and very positive in her work with members of the Department. The atmosphere in the office is the best it's been in the fifteen years I've been at KU. she deserves much of the credit for this."
Dr. McCluskey-Fawcett has published three edited books, sixteen chapters and articles, given numerous presentations, and has five manuscripts in preparation. She also received two research grants: one from the National Institute of Mental Health for $9,600 and the other for $356,299 from the Department of Education.
Dr. McCluskey-Fawcett is described as being known for her ability to advise, direct, and support graduate students. She is said to always have the time and information to keep her students going. "Graduate students fought to work with her," said a former student. A current advisee said, "She has taken me under her wing and provided a learning experience that has been valuable if not more valuable than I have experienced in the classroom. I am very grateful to be one of her students. I could not find a better role model."
Dr. MaryAnne Lassegard said that "despite her numerous responsibilities as the Chair of the Psychology Department and as the mother of several children, she personally established and supervised a research group to bring undergraduate and graduate students together in order for them to learn from and provide support for each other." She also directed the Departmental Honors Program.
Dr. McCluskey-Fawcett also has a tremendous commitment to community work. She is a member of the local Adolescent Pregnancy Task Force and has a focused investment on the development of assistance programs for unwed mothers. Nancy Meek of the Children's Rehabilitation Unit indicated Dr. McCluskey-Fawcett's commitment to her students and colleagues is one she has always taken seriously. She is said to continue to act as a mentor for her students long past graduation. According to one student, "What strikes me is her attitude. It is not one of 'I'm on top, look at me in awe,' but one of 'I'm on top, let me show you the way here."
Honors and Achievements
Mortar Board Outstanding Educator Award, University of Kansas, 1998, 2006
Women of Distinction Calendar, University of Kansas, 2004
J. Michael Young Academic Advisor Award, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,
University of Kansas, 1998
Member, Sigma Xi. Elected May 1989
Hall of Fame, Commission on the Status of Women, University of Kansas, 1987
Outstanding Teacher Award, College of Arts and Sciences, West Virginia University, 1981-82
Honorary Member, Golden Key Society, University of Kansas Chapter
Alumni of Notable Achievement, University of Minnesota, College of Liberal Arts
Volunteer Career
2008 Volunteer of the Year, Lawrence Community Shelter
2003-2008 Board of Directors, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lawrence, KS (Chair 2005-2006)
2000-2004 St. Lawrence Catholic Center Advisory Board
1999-2006 Finance Council, St. John the Evangelist Church, Lawrence, KS
1997-2001 Member, Board of Directors, Lawrence Business/Education Partnership
1995 (November) Program Chair, Rotary International, Lawrence Chapter
1995-2001 Board of Directors, Women’s Transitional Care Services
1994-2000 Board of Directors, Hilltop Child Development Center, Lawrence, KS
April 1994 Talk presented to the St. Lawrence Center entitled “The Development of Religious Beliefs in Children”
1993, 1994 Judge, Lawrence Invitational Forensics Tournament
1989, 1992, Judge, Lawrence Invitational Debate Tournament
1993, 1994,
1995, 1996
1987, 1990 Advisory Board--First Step House, Kansas Women’s Substance Abuse Service, Lawrence, KS (Secretary, 1988,1989)
McCluskey-Fawcett to assist top students
©
The University of Kansas Medical Center
