John Christopher Kidneigh was born on April 28, 1907 in Nyssa, Oregon. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Utah and his master's in social work from the University of Denver. He joined the faulty at the University of Minnesota as associate director of the School of Social Work in 1946. In 1949 he was promoted to director and professor of social work. Before coming to Minnesota, Kidneigh worked in community service organizations, was a supervisor in pubic welfare in Utah and Colorado and was a consultant and director of the Social Security Board in Minneapolis. He retired from the University of Minnesota as professor emeritus in 1975.
Professor Kidneigh was a leader in the social work movement and freely gave of his time to national organizations, including serving as president of the National Association of Social Workers (1959-1961) and of the American Association of Schools of Social Work (1949-1951). He was involved in various committees and advisory groups, many of which he served as chair. In Minnesota, he was president of Group Health Association (1969-1971) and a board member (1966-1971). In addition, Professor Kidneigh conducted research, taught or consulted social work programs in Canada, Korea, Mexico and South Africa. John Kidneigh died on July 5, 1986.
From the guide to the John C. Kidneigh papers, 1948-1972, (University of Minnesota Libraries. University Archives [uarc])
