Kansas Wesleyan University Professor's Death: Classes Cancelled
A tragic incident shook Kansas Wesleyan University yesterday, as Dr. Eileen St. John, the head of the teacher education department, was found dead in her office on campus.
Classes were immediately canceled as a result of the news, sending shockwaves throughout the academic community. University President Matthew Thompson sent a campus-wide message to inform students and faculty of the passing.
Dr. St. John, a respected leader on campus and family-oriented individual, was deeply devoted to her students. She will be deeply missed, and the university plans to release additional information to celebrate her life and impact on the college community in the coming days.
Campus chaplains were available to support students in the aftermath, with counselors from USD 305 and other organizations also offering their support. The university acknowledged that people grieve in different ways and at different times, and they will provide services to support students through the KWU footprint.The Salina Police Department responded to the scene at 7:48 a.m. and secured the location, working with campus security and medical professionals. While there was no indication of danger to the facility, staff, or students, detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding Dr. St. John's death.Cancellations and Postponements:
- All school activities, including athletics, were canceled from Thursday to Sunday.
- Athletic contests and practices through the weekend were postponed.
- The softball team was able to play its scheduled away games on Thursday before returning to Salina.
- The men's and women's basketball double-header planned for Saturday at KWU has been postponed.
The Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes expressed their condolences to the university community, and the Ottawa Braves basketball team also postponed their double-header, scheduled to be held at KWU on Saturday.
Rest in peace, Dr. Eileen St. John.
