Ryan Mackey Receives Master’s Degree

Durham, UK – Recently, Ryan Mackey (CC ’99) received his master’s degree in musicology with an emphasis in music theology at Durham University (Durham, UK). In addition, Ryan was also recognized and awarded a “distinction” for his Master’s dissertation.

While at Central as a student, Ryan says,

“Among my favorite memories are Bible courses with Dr. Larry Anderson in the Crow’s Nest, Choir and Jazz Band with Mr. Tom Seaman, Basic Nutrition with Mr. Mike Craig, and getting to play in the Chapel Band a few times.”

Ryan’s relationship with Central did not end upon graduation in 1999. A few years later, he returned as an adjunct faculty member in 2006 before becoming a full-time instructor in 2007. For more than ten years, Ryan played a big role in the life of the CCCK Music Department, working alongside fellow Music Department faculty members, Jacob Kaufman (CC ’03), Brett Janssen (CC ’01), and Tiffany Harms among others. With relationships like those, which helped him flourish as a member of Central’s faculty, Ryan recalls that,

When I returned to Central as a faculty member, Dr. Anderson, Mr. Craig, and Dr. Jacob Kaufman were among the first people to welcome me and help me make the transition from student/alumni to faculty/mentor. I’m deeply appreciative of their investment in me, which not only helped me teach in my discipline but also demonstrated for me ways in which I could be an example and mentor to our students.

Following twelve years at Central, Ryan left to pursue further academic study in Durham, UK. With his master’s degree out of the way, Ryan will now continue on his path at Durham University to pursue his Ph.D. in the area of musicology.

ABOUT CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF KANSAS

Central Christian College of Kansas is a four-year collegiate institution that strives to offer Christ-centered education for the whole person through four core characteristics: heart, soul, mind, and strength. Its history dates back to 1884, and it is located in the friendly town of McPherson, Kansas. Central is a strategically small college that offers over forty areas of residential study and a thriving online program for non-traditional students. To learn more about Central, go to centralchristian.edu/about. Visit the Foundation of Central Christian College to see what projects and events are coming up.