Al Keithley Retires

C. Al Keithley is retiring at the end of the 2009-2010 academic year after a 40-year career on the faculty of the College of Architecture, Planning and Design (CAPD).

Professor Keithley came to K-State in the early 1960s to further his education. His academic background is unique in that he holds degrees in three of the four disciplines housed in CAPD. He received a bachelor of architecture in 1965, as well as a master of architecture with specialization in interior architecture and a master of regional and community planning in 1973.

While pursuing his master’s degrees, Professor Keithley served as an instructor from 1970-1973. He was appointed as an assistant professor of regional and community planning in 1973, promoted to associate professor in 1979 and to professor in 1989. From 1985 through 1993, he served as head of the Department of Regional and Community Planning. When that department merged with the Department of Landscape Architecture in 1993, he served the newly formed unit as associate head and planning graduate program director.

In addition to substantial teaching and administrative duties, Professor Keithley has authored or co-authored many publications and reports. Utilizing his unique combination of knowledge and skills, he has successfully undertaken many service assignments. He has provided innumerable planning services and socio-economic profiles to communities throughout Kansas and in the region. He has been a reviewer for many USDA grant proposals. He has been author or co-author of numerous planning and training grants that provided financial support for the planning program and its students. He has chaired a number of computing and technology committees for K-State, CAPD and his department. He is a member of K-State’s Continuing Education Advisory Committee as well as the College Student Learning Outcome Assessment Committee.

As a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Association, Professor Keithley has served his professional associations in a number of leadership roles. He has also used his skills and knowledge as a planning and design consultant. Throughout his K-State career, he has been a member of the Naval Reserve and on the Board of Trustees of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

In recognition of his teaching and service to Kansas State University, as well as his impact on four decades of planning students, Professor Keithley has earned our admiration and appreciation. He is conferred the title of emeritus professor of landscape architecture/regional and community planning.