January 16, 2012

The entire AICU Rhode Island Membership mourns the loss of Dr. Robert J. McKenna, a tireless advocate of higher education, who served as the Association’s president (formerly Rhode Island Independent Higher Education Association) for 17 years, from 1985-2002.

Dr. McKenna served two terms in the House of Representatives followed by 12 years in the Rhode Island Senate. He was mayor of Newport from 1988 – 1993.

Dr. McKenna was also a professor of politics, director of community relations and assistant to the president at Salve Regina University from 1965-1995. In addition to serving on various boards and commissions, he was chairman of the American and Irish Cultural Exchange Commission, the Senate Finance Committee, The Rhode Island Higher Education Assistance Authority, and the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, where he made higher education accessible and affordable to thousands of Rhode Islanders. Recognized for his work to support education and collaboration among all colleges and universities in the state, Dr. McKenna is also credited for establishing a program offering free SAT preparation courses to area high schools and overseeing more than 200,000 loans to help 100,000 students achieve their higher education goals.

He is survived by his wife Mary Jean McKenna ’79, and their seven children.

Calling hours are Friday, January 20 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home on Broadway in Newport.

Services will be Saturday, January 21 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church on Broadway in Newport.