Topics: College of Applied Sciences and Technology, Scholarships, Alumni

March 3, 2011

An anonymous alumnus has established a scholarship fund in honor of James McKenzie, Ball State University professor emeritus of physiology and health science.

The James F. McKenzie Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students is for students ages 25 and older who are pursuing a degree within the Department of Physiology and Health Science. The recipient must also have demonstrated financial need.

McKenzie, a certified health education specialist, earned his bachelor's and master of education degrees from Bowling Green State University, his doctoral degree from Ohio State University, and a master of public health degree from the University of Michigan.  In June 2010, he retired from Ball State after serving on the Department of Physiology and Health Science faculty for 21 years.  For the first seven years of his career at Ball State, McKenzie also served as chairperson of the department. 

Prior to working at Ball State, McKenzie served on the faculties and held administrative positions at Mankato State University and Bowling Green State University. He has also worked as a consultant for several organizations, including the Ohio Department of Health, Indiana State Department of Health and Ball Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency program.

The author or co-author of more than 50 articles and book chapters, McKenzie was the recipient of more than $3 million in external grants and contracts during his career.  He also served as a reviewer on seven health-related journals and co-authored four textbooks.

During his professional career, McKenzie provided service to a number of organizations, including Tobacco Free Coalition of Delaware County, the American Cancer Society, the Indiana Society for Public Health Education, American Association of Health Education, Society for Public Health Education and the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.  He is a distinguished fellow of the Society for Public Health Education, a fellow of the American Association of Health Education and was named the outstanding faculty member at Ball State in 2005.

Availability of the James F. McKenzie Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students is dependent upon an award selection process established by Ball State. For specifics about this and other scholarships available at Ball State, contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at 765-285-5600 or visit www.bsu.edu/finaid.

By Chanel Richards