Barbara King, who for many years led the University's work to ensure the institution's students succeeded academically and who also helped spearhead the effort to welcome the groundswell of thousands of Millennium Scholars onto the campus, passed away on March 3 in Reno.
She was 74.
A celebration of King's life will take place 10 a.m. to noon, April 2, in the Great Room in the Joe Crowley Student Union. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to Heifer International by going to https://fundraise.heifer.org/bking
King was Emeritus Director of Academic Support Services at the University, having served from 1984-2017. Her passion was in helping all students achieve success in their academic lives, most especially those challenged by disability or socioeconomic hardship. She received the Outstanding Program Award from NASPA for her development of the Rural Academic Assistance Program. She also played an integral role in the development of the Millennium Academic Persistence Program, to facilitate student success for Millennium Scholarship awardees.
King is credited with creating the Opening Ceremony for new freshman and their families, which continues to this day and includes a bag pipe performance, faculty in full regalia, speeches by a keynote and the University President, and a candle lighting ceremony. Until her retirement, King made annual trips to Japan to recruit international students on behalf of the university. In 2010 she was honored for her notable achievements at the annual "Honor the Best" ceremony.
King also taught at schools in Florida, Massachusetts and in Belgium. An avid globetrotter, she travelled the world for work, community service and adventure, visiting countries in Africa and in Europe, as well as Mexico, Japan, Nepal, Thailand and Turkey.
King was born in New Haven, Conn. She graduated in 1959 from St. Bernard's High School in Fitchburg, Mass. She received her bachelor's degree from Boston College in 1963, graduating cum laude. She earned her master's degree in English Education from the University of Florida in 1979.
King is survived by her daughter, Nicole King, and grandson Nate King, of Berkeley, Calif.; son Morgan King, daughter-in-law Leah King and granddaughter Frida King, of Arcata, Calif.; brother Peter Lehndorff, of Hampden, Mass.; brother John Lehndorff, ofLafayette, Colo., and nephew Hans Lehndorff, of Portland, Ore.; sister Lisa Lehndorff, of Lafayette, Colo.; nieces Azalea Lehndorff of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and Sarah Porretta of Phoenix.
