Megill, Kenneth A., 1939-

Kenneth A. Megill was on the faculty of the Dept. of Philosophy at the University of Florida from 1967 through the spring of 1973. Megill's controversial views on the purpose and role of the university, as well as his political activism, prompted a motion for his dismissal in the Florida Senate in 1969. In 1971, President Stephen C. O'Connell rejected Megill's tenure application despite the overwhelming support of the Philosophy Dept. Megill's contract expired in 1973.

Megill was the first Florida faculty member to hold a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship. He was active in the anti-war movement and was faculty advisor to several left student groups. His unsuccessful struggle for tenure was a key factor in the creation of the United Faculty of Florida of which Megill served as President.

From the description of Papers, 1967-1973. (University of Florida). WorldCat record id: 40115341

Kenneth A. Megill was a faculty member of the Department of Philosophy from 1967 through the Spring of 1973. Dr. Megill's controversial views on the structure, purpose, and role of the university, as well as his political activism, prompted a motion for his dismissal in the Florida Senate in 1969. In 1971, President O'Connell rejected a recommendation by the Philosophy Department for Dr. Megill's tenure promotion and he was subsequently denied tenure by the Board of Regents. In June of 1972 Dr. Megill was dismissed by O'Connell on the grounds of "unprofessional behavior."

Dr. Megill was the first Florida faculty member to hold a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship and was the author of The New Democratic Theory (1970). He was active in the anti-war and civil rights movements and a supporter of several left student groups. His unsuccessful struggle for tenure--based on his excellent academic record--was a key factor in the creation of the United Faculty of Florida of which Dr. Megill served as President.

From the guide to the Kenneth A. Megill Papers, 1967-1973, (Special and Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida)