Donald Kennedy

Donald Kennedy photo

Donald Kennedy (August 18, 1931 – April 21, 2020) was an American scientist, public administrator, and academic. He served as the President of Stanford University from 1980 to 1992 and was the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 1977 to 1979. Kennedy was also a professor of biology and a noted neuroscientist.

Early Life and Education

Donald Kennedy was born on August 18, 1931, in New York City. He attended Harvard University, where he earned his B.A. in 1952, his M.A. in 1954, and his Ph.D. in 1956, all in biology.

Academic Career

Kennedy began his academic career at Stanford University in 1960 as an assistant professor of biology. He became a full professor in 1966 and served as the chair of the Department of Biology from 1969 to 1972. His research focused on neurophysiology, particularly the mechanisms of neural transmission.

Public Service

In 1977, Kennedy was appointed Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by President Jimmy Carter. During his tenure, he worked on various public health issues, including the regulation of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Presidency of Stanford University

Kennedy became the President of Stanford University in 1980. His presidency was marked by significant growth in the university's endowment and the expansion of its research programs. However, his tenure also faced challenges, including the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 and controversies related to federal research funding.

Later Career and Contributions

After stepping down as president in 1992, Kennedy continued to contribute to academia and public policy. He served as the editor-in-chief of the journal Science from 2000 to 2008. He was also involved in various environmental and public health initiatives.

Personal Life

Kennedy was married to Mary Kennedy, and they had two children. He passed away on April 21, 2020, at the age of 88.

Legacy

Donald Kennedy is remembered for his contributions to neuroscience, his leadership at Stanford University, and his public service as the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

See Also

• Stanford University
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Neuroscience
• Science (journal)