History of Kenneth McFarland in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 21, 2025

Kenneth W. McFarland, born in Caney, Kansas, was an educator, public speaker, writer, and early conservative commentator. He served as superintendent in Coffeyville, Kansas, where he founded the McFarland Trade School, and later in Topeka, Kansas, during the Brown v. Board of Education case. McFarland reportedly supported the existing political and racial norms of his time.

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Full Timeline

October 12, 1906: Kenneth McFarland's Birth

On October 12, 1906, Kenneth W. McFarland was born in Caney, Kansas. He later became an educator, public speaker, writer, and conservative commentator.

Others born on this day/year

1927: Bachelor's Degree

In 1927, Kenneth McFarland received a bachelor's degree from Pittsburg State College of Kansas.

1931: Master's Degree

In 1931, Kenneth McFarland received his Master's degree at Columbia University.

1940: Doctorate from Stanford University

In 1940, Kenneth McFarland received a doctorate from Stanford University.

1942: Appointment as Superintendent of Schools in Topeka

In 1942, Kenneth McFarland was appointed superintendent of schools in Topeka, Kansas. Following his appointment, he consolidated authority over the school system and focused on vocational education and cost reduction.

1951: Political Opposition in Topeka

In 1951, political opponents supported a slate of three candidates for the school board to oppose incumbents who supported Kenneth McFarland, due to resentment over segregation, his authoritarian governance, and time spent away from his duties.

1954: Brown v. Board of Education

In 1954, the Topeka, Kansas school system, where Kenneth McFarland was superintendent, was involved in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education 347 U.S. 483. At the time, McFarland was reportedly a staunch supporter of the political and racial status quo.

1963: "Eloquence in Public Speaking, How to Set Your Words on Fire" Published

In 1963, Kenneth McFarland authored the speaking guide, "Eloquence in Public Speaking, How to Set Your Words on Fire".

1965: McFarland Trade School Renamed

In 1965, the McFarland Trade School, which Kenneth McFarland designed and built in Coffeyville, changed its name to the Southeast Kansas Area Vocational-Technical School.