Dr. John E. McKenna

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 administration. 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 profession with the SAANYS New York State Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, the NYSPTA Advocate in Action Award, a New York State Senate 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.

The Niagara University Chapter of Kappa Delta PI presented Dr. McKenna with the Honorary Lifetime Member Award for his contributions to the education profession.

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 committees and district initiatives, advised, organized countless community service projects, clubs, and organizations, and extensively coached at all levels, including interscholastic sports.

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 Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. He’s served three terms on the Board of Directors at the State University of New York at Buffalo and was also the President of their Graduate School of Education Alumni Association. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for ISEP (International Society of Educational Planning) and is the current Acting President of the Buffalo – Niagara Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa at Niagara University.

Current Research

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 is focused 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.

Current Involvement

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. Currently, he has gathered teams of Niagara University athletes as well as various NU clubs and organizations to join this endeavor.  He is honored to bring this worthwhile cause to Niagara University.

Dr. McKenna is currently Acting President of the Buffalo – Niagara Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, on the Board of Directors of ISEP (International Society for Educational Planning) and serves as an Editor of the Vanguard Magazine for SAANYS (the School Administrators Association of New York State’s publication), for which he is also a contributor.  He has written, co-authored, and edited many publications, articles, and books, including three recent books with Rowman & Littlefield entitled:

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), and Confronting Oppressive Assessments: How parents, educators, and policy-makers are rethinking current educational reforms. (2016).