Kansas Wesleyan University cancels classes after professor's death on campus

Charles Rankin, Salina Journal
·2 min read

Kansas Wesleyan University announced the cancellation of classes Thursday and Friday after a faculty member died in her office.

President Matthew Thompson sent a campus-wide message Thursday morning announcing the death on campus of professor Eileen St. John, head of the teacher education department.

Dr. Eileen St. John, head of the teacher education department at Kansas Wesleyan University, died in her office on campus Thursday, Feb. 8.
Dr. Eileen St. John, head of the teacher education department at Kansas Wesleyan University, died in her office on campus Thursday, Feb. 8.

"Dr. St. John was a leader on campus and a family-oriented individual, who gave her all to her students every day," Thompson said. "She will truly be missed, and we will post additional information remembering her life and her effect on KWU in the very near future."

According to the university, chaplains were available Thursday morning at the student activities center, Shriwise Dining Hall, University United Methodist Church and the campus ministry house at 1808 Highland Ave.

"In addition, the community is supporting us by offering counselors from USD 305 and other organizations," Thompson said. "People grieve differently, in different ways and at different times, and we want you to know that we respect that. Services will be available for some time and at different locations through the KWU footprint. If, at any time, you have a question about the location of those services, you may visit with Student Development or Human Resources."

Salina police on scene at campus Thursday morning

The Salina Police Department said in a separate release that officers were dispatched to the campus at 7:48 a.m. in regard to an injured person in one of the buildings. Salina police, the Salina Fire Department and EMS responded and worked with campus security to locate the scene.

"The location was secured by officers and the paramedics entered the location," police said. "The person was declared deceased."

Salina PD said there was no indication of any danger to the facility, staff or students at the university, but detectives had responded and the investigation is ongoing.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Kansas Wesleyan cancels classes after faculty member dies on campus