How often does a renowned broadcast journalist receive an honorary degree from Knox College the same year its president reaches a leadership milestone? Not very often, so it was an easy decision to have 2026 honorary degree recipient and award-winning journalist Dorothy Tucker interview President C. Andrew McGadney as he concludes his fifth year as the president of our prairie college. During their two-hour discussion, President McGadney and Ms. Tucker explored a wide variety of topics, from his start at Knox in 2021 to current enrollment challenges, the launch of the Venture Boldly comprehensive campaign, and his plans and aspirations for Knox.
President McGadney’s discussion with Ms. Tucker provides us with a rare moment to learn about the ways Knox’s leadership is moving the College forward at a challenging moment with clarity, optimism, and urgency. And when this discussion is paired with other magazine stories that celebrate 50 years of First-Year Preceptorial, a new vision for Auxiliary Gym, the Class of 2026, newly tenured and retiring faculty, and our alumni community, I’m certain this issue of Knox Magazine showcases the very best of Knox—a school small enough to nurture lifelong bonds between classmates and community members, yet big enough to reach every corner of the world where alumni can be found making a difference across all endeavors.
I’m proud to say that the Knox community’s influence far outweighs its size. Our dedicated faculty have taught and mentored alumni who have touched all facets of our world and its endeavors, professional and personal. Knox graduates have redefined American journalism, co-created the computer language that launched a digital revolution, participated in the renewal of space exploration, used cell phone technology to support public health, been recognized as teachers or coaches of the year, or simply volunteered to make their communities better.*
The 40-plus pages at the back of this magazine are also a wonderful reminder of the transformative power of a liberal arts education. Knox has been known as one of the Colleges that Change Lives since 1996, thanks to an education that challenges students to question, grow, and engage with individuals of all kinds. And the lives that are changed as a result go beyond a single individual, extending to friends and families, communities, cities, and nations. In this issue alone, I learned that Robert Long ’75 was elected to the board of directors of his law firm; Heidi Leuszler ’92 owns Berries & Flour, a line of native foods; Steve Batcha ’03 is both a pediatrician and a four-time American Ninja Warrior; and photographer Becky Duffyhill ’15 has documented every inaugural professional women’s game that has been in Denver. And that just scratches the surface!
At a moment in history when the value of higher education is being questioned and schools like Knox face headwinds like never before, I encourage you to dig into this issue of Knox Magazine. You’ll not only be proud of the amazing things the Knox community is doing, but you also have an opportunity to learn more about President McGadney’s vision for making this great big small school even better. When you’re done, I hope you’ve gained an even greater appreciation for our prairie college.
Happy reading,
Megan Scott ’96
Editor
*Alumni referred to in this sentence, in order of appearance: Ellen Browning Scripps, Class of 1859, and S. S. McClure, Class of 1882; Thomas Kurtz ’50; Carol Craig ’89; Matt Berg ’00; and far too many alumni to name.