Michael F. Kavanaugh and Rosa Kavanaugh Davis

Michael Flynn “Mike” Kavanaugh was born in Little Rock and grew up in Kentucky, Missouri and Mississippi. After graduating from Hattiesburg High School, he went on to earn a BS degree at University of Southern Mississippi, MSEE from University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and PhD in Electrical Engineering from University of Missouri-Rolla. As a professional, Mike had three great passions: engineering technology, teaching and educational leadership. He was able to use his engineering expertise as he worked for Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in Sunnyvale CA, worked in Motorola Labs in Phoenix AZ and was a design engineer for aircraft engines at General Electric in Cincinnati OH. He taught and/or was an academic administrator at Northrop University in Inglewood CA, University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Ohio College of Applied Science of the University of Cincinnati, Bradley University in Peoria IL, Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie MI, Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids MI and Missouri State University in Springfield. He had a diverse career using his variety of talents. He was active in the American Society for Engineering Education and presented sessions at a number of their conferences. He was also a consultant-evaluator for the North Central Association (now Higher Learning Commission) for accreditation of colleges and universities.

Mike was described as having “unbounded enthusiasm” that was evidenced in all that he did. He was a “ham” (amateur radio operator) and talked to people all over the world. He loved people, especially his friends and family. He and his first wife had four children: Joyce, Cathy, David and Melinda.

Rosa Jean Kellner was born and raised in northeastern Ohio. She graduated from North Lima High School, earned a BA degree from Thiel College and earned a MS degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette IN. When Rosa and Mike met, she was teaching mathematics and physics at the Ohio College of Applied Science of the University of Cincinnati. The southern boy and the Yankee girl were married in 1978. They had two children: Elizabeth “Beth” and Timothy “Tim.”

During her career Rosa taught mathematics at Bradley University, Lake Superior State University and Grand Valley State University. When Mike accepted the position at Missouri State University, Rosa was able to become one of the founding faculty members at Ozarks Technical Community College. She taught mathematics, became Division Chair of Mathematics and was later Assistant Dean of General Education. Mike passed away in 2004.

In 2009, Rosa retired as Interim Dean of General Education at OTC. In that same year, she married Richard “Rick” Davis. They live in Nixa, have traveled extensively and enjoy time with friends and family.