Biography
Dr. John McKenna joined Niagara University in 2023 as an Assistant Professor in the Leadership Studies Department after a long and distinguished career in public education. Currently, he serves as Department Chair for the Educational Leadership Program in the Graduate School of Education at Niagara University. He also serves as a Professor in the Leadership and Policy Doctoral Program. Before coming to Niagara University, Dr. McKenna served as a public-school administrator and educator for over 35 years.
Dr. McKenna has been recognized for his achievements and contributions to the education profession by the School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) with the New York State Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, the New York State PTA (NYSPTA) presented him with the Advocate in Action Award, and the Honorary Life Award. Phi Delta Kappa honored him with the Presidential Distinguished Principal Award.
The Niagara University Chapter of Kappa Delta PI presented Dr. McKenna with the Honorary Lifetime Member Award for his contributions to the education profession. The New York State Senate recognized Dr. McKenna’s contributions with a Proclamation for Outstanding Leadership, and a New York State Senate Resolution for Dedication and Service. Additionally, he was recognized with the SUNY at Buffalo Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award as well as UB’s Graduate School of Education Distinguished Alumni Award.
Dr. McKenna has held positions as teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and acting superintendent, as well as an adjunct professor at various higher education institutions, including Niagara University. Throughout his entire career, he has led numerous K-12 and higher education committees, developed programs and initiatives, advised, organized countless community service projects, clubs, and organizations, and coached at multiple levels, including interscholastic sports. He was inducted into the Niagara Falls High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
He has held many other leadership positions, including President of SAANYS (School Administrators Association of New York State), President of CIDEL (Committee to Identify and Develop Educational Leaders), and President of the Buffalo State University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. He’s served three terms on the Board of Directors at the State University of New York at Buffalo Alumni Association and as President of the University of Buffalo Graduate School of Education Alumni Association.
Dr. McKenna received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Buffalo State College, his Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Niagara University and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. McKenna also earned his Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University and his certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University.
Current Scholarship & Research
Dr. McKenna has been invited to present his research and practices at conferences throughout the world. He has presented at international venues, including Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, South Africa, at Oxford, England at Oxford University, in Jerusalem, Israel at the Van Leer Education Conference, and at the Hanban / Confucius Institute in Beijing, China, to name just a few.
Dr. McKenna participates in ongoing research in areas related to educational leadership and policy, specifically in identifying approaches to lead organizations through crises as well as organizational assessment and accountability, and employer / employee relations.
He also focuses on the design of plans to develop and manage strategic change, and the impacts of leadership on organizations and individuals. Additional interests are in leadership strategies and practices to promote social – emotional wellness among students, staff, and community, as well as promoting a positive culture through direct connectedness, empowerment, and collaboration.
Dr. McKenna has written, co-authored, and edited many publications, articles, and books, including four recent books with Rowman & Littlefield entitled:
- Dealing with the Urgent Educational Challenge: Promoting Social-Emotional Well-Being among Teachers, Students, and Families (2024)
- Coping with Educational Crisis: Approaches from School Leaders Who Did It (2023)
- Managing Yourself and Others During Crisis: Key Leadership Visions, Approaches and Dispositions to Survive and Thrive (2022)
- Confronting Oppressive Assessments: How parents, educators, and policy-makers are rethinking current educational reforms. (2016)
He is also an editor and contributor of the Vanguard Magazine for SAANYS (the School Administrators Association of New York State’s official publication). Additionally, he serves as a book reviewer for the “Teachers College Record” at Columbia University.
Current Service & Leadership
Dr. McKenna believes strongly in community service and has made this a cornerstone of his work. He has recently united one of his lifelong passions with Niagara University – The Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has volunteered with the foundation for over 25 years and was awarded the Shooting Star Award for his dedication to helping children with serious illnesses. Recently, he has gathered teams and clubs at Niagara University to support The Western New York Make-A Wish Foundation. He is honored to bring this worthwhile cause to Niagara University.
Dr. McKenna is currently the President of the Buffalo – Niagara Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, on the Board of Directors and the Editorial Board of ISEP (International Society for Educational Planning) and is President Emeritus of the University of Buffalo Graduate School of Education Alumni Association.