The Salem State Sociology Department shares the news that our emeritus colleague, Kenneth MacIver, 90, of Marblehead, has passed away. Professor MacIver retired from Salem State in 2013, having served 51 years as a faculty member at Salem State. He taught history, political science, sociology, and anthropology (when many of these disciplines were in joint departments), but his primary appointment was in the sociology department.
Professor MacIver earned degrees in history and political science. He studied at the University of New Hampshire, where he graduated summa cum laude. He earned a graduate degree from Brown University.
According to his friend and colleague, Arthur Gould (professor of sociology, ret.), Professor MacIver not only was the first sociologist at Salem State but, in directing a federal grant in which he had been awarded, Professor MacIver helped establish Salem State’s social work department.
Professor MacIver’s contributions to Salem State are countless. Among his proudest achievements, however, was initiating and directing the sociology department’s community involvement program. The community involvement program exposes students to real-life sociology through fieldwork and community service.
Professor MacIver was very active in the campus community, serving on multiple university committees. He also served as the sociology department chairperson.
Outside of Salem State, Professor MacIver was an avid reader and writer. His works were published in several periodicals and magazines, including in the Saturday Evening Post. A published author of at least seven fictional works, many of Professor MacIver’s works include images and adventures set in New England, while other works meld Irish and Scottish history with American history.
Professor MacIver was a supporter of the Patriots and the Red Sox.
Professor MacIver is survived by his wife, Barbara, two children, a stepson, and a grandson, as well as relatives in Scotland.
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