Retired Educator Receives National Economic Education Award

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Thomas R. McKinnon, retired University Professor from the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas, has received the Bessie B. Moore Service Award presented by the National Association of Economic Educators (NAEE) at its annual conference in Little Rock, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 2004.

McKinnon was the founder and former director of the Walton College Bessie B. Moore Center for Economic Education. He retired July 1, 2004.

The Bessie B. Moore Service Award is designed to recognize individuals who are, or have been, affiliated with the National Council of Economic Educators and NAEE organizations and whose outstanding and dedicated service has had a significant impact on the delivery and enhancement of economic education. As one of the nation's foremost economic educators, Bessie B. Moore organized and conducted economic education programs that gained community support, operated on a sound financial basis, reached virtually all Arkansas schools, and attained national recognition for teacher curriculum projects. The Arkansas program, under her leadership and skillful management, became a model for other states.

McKinnon founded the Moore Center in 1978 and served 33 years in the Walton College, where he has received five national awards for Moore Center programs. He served as interim dean of the college from 1992-1993 and later became a University Professor in 1999. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Southern State College, an Master of Education. in secondary education from the University of Arkansas, an Master of Arts in economics from the University of Illinois, and a doctorate in economics from the University of Mississippi. McKinnon retired from the center in June 2004.

McKinnon joined the University of Arkansas in 1972. His research areas included economic education, history of economic thought, international economics and public utilities. He served as chair of the UA Campus Council and spearheaded the founding of the faculty senate. He served as co-director of the University Teaching and Faculty Support Center and president of the Teaching Academy. For the past four years, he served as co-director of the Walton CollegeCenter for Teaching Effectiveness and Faculty Development.

Moore founded the Arkansas Council on Economic Education and fostered its development into one of the pre-eminent councils in the nation. In the early years, she raised money, recruited the teachers, developed the program, and conducted the workshops in a manner that was much admired throughout the country. For more information regarding the NAEE, visit http://ecedweb.unomaha.edu/naee.htm