Records of the Office of the Director of College and Community Relations, Robert J. McKenna (RG.5.6.1)

Biographical Note

Robert J. McKenna (1931-2012) served as Director of College and Community Relations at Salve Regina College/University from 1975 to 1991, and Assistant to the President from 1991 to 1995.

Son of James C. McKenna and Margaret V. (Gorman) McKenna, he was born in Providence, RI, on February 23, 1931, he attended La Salle Academy and Brown University, where he graduated in 1953. Afterward, he served in the United States Army and as a Russian Linguist in the Army Language School in Monterey, California. He married Mary Jean Kelly and moved to the District of Columbia, where he worked in a number of political departments, including as a Special Assistant to Senator Claiborne Pell. He received his Master of Arts from Catholic University of America.

McKenna married Mary Jean Kelly of Pawtucket, RI in 1956 and they had seven children.

In 1965, McKenna moved to Newport to work at Salve Regina College. He was a professor of Social Studies, History, Philosophy, and Political Science. He served as President of the Faculty Senate 1969-1970. In 1973 became Director of College and Community Relations, a position he filled until 1991. From 1991 to 1995, he worked as Assistant to the President.

McKenna was also a politician, serving as a State Representative 1969-1973 and as a State Senator 1974-1985. He was also mayor of Newport 1988-1994. Additionally, he was involved in organizations such as the Preservation Society of Newport County; Oldport Association; Rhode Island Independence Commemorative at Newport, Inc.; Historic Hill Association; Ancient Order of Hibernians; Newport Boys Club; and the Church Community Corporation of Newport.

Our Lady of Providence Seminary presented McKenna with an honorary Doctor of Education in 1975. McKenna served as president of the Rhode Island Independent Higher Education Association for 18 years. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and the La Salle Academy Hall of Fame, and he was a Knight of Saint Gregory the Great.