Quincy University Dedicates Student Success Center to J. Kenneth Nesbit

On Monday, October 17, 2016, Quincy University formally dedicated its Student Success Center in memory of J. Kenneth Nesbit at a ceremony held at 11:00 am in the lower level of Brenner Library (18th & College). Nesbit was a 1963 QU alumnus, professor of finance, QU Board of Trustee member and community leader. This dedication was made possible thanks to the multitude of generous memorial gifts given at the time of his passing.

Though Ken Nesbit didn’t attend college directly out of high school, with positive influences from Fr. Melvin Grunloh and Ronin Hartke, among others, Nesbit powered through; graduating from Quincy College in just five semesters. Nesbit spent the next forty years as a partner with Gray Hunter Stenn accounting firm in Quincy where he worked with clients on tax planning and assisted in company acquisitions and mergers. In addition, he gave back to the Quincy University community by serving as a visiting professor of finance for thirteen years as well as a member of the Board of Trustees for three full terms.

The J. Kenneth Nesbit Student Success Center furthers student achievement at all levels through free tutoring services, peer mentoring, Supplemental Instruction facilities, and focused support for both writing and math. In addition, the facility houses QU’s Career Services department through which students can explore internships and career possibilities.

The center was established in 2014 thanks to the generosity of an anonymous local foundation. In 2016, the Spear Math Lab was made possible thanks to the support of Jeff and Theresa ’96 Spear and the computer lab was named for DOT Foods Inc. in recognition of their support of the Career Services department.