Progressing toward a New Look: A Tribute to Dr. Kendall N. Starkweather, DTE, CAE

A hearty and well-deserved salute is extended to Kendall Starkweather upon his 25-year tenure as ITEA's Executive Director/CEO. Beginning this role in June 1980 with challenge from the Executive Committee to introduce new to the Association, he has surely been successful supporting the organization and members to answer that charge. The Association's Executive Committee at that time held profound vision of what was to be. They envisioned great potential to invigorate and diligently serve their field of work through an increasingly dynamic professional association. Reflecting upon this quarter century, we the members--indeed the profession--are grateful for their thoughtful action and the decision-makers thereafter who enabled Dr. Starkweather to apply his knowledge and talents through the Association. Indeed, today there is continuing new to both the organization and its profession from that which was evident when he began this role. Kendall's friendliness (he never met stranger) and quick wit, combined with deep interest in our field of study, made very positive impression when I first met him. We were participants in regional forum sponsored by the American Industrial Arts Association at the Goddard Space Flight Center in November 1971. He was one of several graduate students from the University of Maryland hosting educators and community leaders from the Mid-Atlantic States at three-day Man/Society/Technology Forum. It was stimulating program with noted scientists, researchers, and educators motivating participants to encourage thought-provoking programs that would teach students more significantly about technology. I vividly recall Kendall's keen curiosity and jovial demeanor. He showed much enthusiasm for the consistent message that learners could have better future and more fulfilling education when the school's curriculum more realistically included experiences with the world's technology. Nearly nine years later, those positive characteristics, along with his academic achievements and experiences as classroom teacher and university professor, undoubtedly helped him to be chosen the new Executive Director. His appointment followed four Association executives who served from 1960 to 1980. Before 1960 executives were unpaid volunteers. Each experienced challenges, but none had the severity that he would face, yet master. His tenure has coincided with tenacious challenge to improve and strengthen education for all learners, which has meant massive work to provide totally new for education throughout most states and beyond. Early on, calls for dramatic reform emerged from national commissions as well as state studies. This reform movement, in conjunction with changes wrought, from the advancing information age, caused each segment of the profession to need an ever-stronger supportive organization and one in which the Association executive could mobilize the varied interests to struggle for shared aspirations. The concept of achieving a new look was far more than one-time process. The expression relates to the ongoing need for any endeavor to continually and positively adjust what it does to keep pace with evolving conditions. Thus, the 1980 Executive Committee's charge was about maintaining relevant Association that serves the current needs of the profession. Consequently, the challenge has been to have an Association executive with clear vision for both the Association and the profession it serves. Starkweather's vision encompasses the futuristic views of those motivators heard years before at the M/S/T Forum, plus far more. Complementing his vision has been his close observation of changes in trends and the recognition that change is not threat, but an opportunity for innovation. Equipped with vision and keen observations, he has taken his role seriously to be engaged within the profession so that the Association acts efficaciously in bringing advancements to both the organization and its profession. …

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