Jeffery Lynn Kennington

KENNINGTON, JEFFERY LYNN died of cancer on November 26, 2013 at age 68. He was a University Distinguished Professor at Southern Methodist University in the Department of Engineering Management, Information and Systems in the Lyle School of Engineering. Jeff is survived by his loved and loving family: his wife Carolyn Kennington, daughter Catherine Kennington, and son, Charles "Chaz" Kennington. Chaz is married to Joey and they have a darling 14 month old boy, Charlie. All live in the Dallas area. Jeff is survived by his mother Frances Pickens Kennington of Dallas and his brother Richard Kennington and his wife Mary Beth; their sons John and David all of Virginia. Jeff was born in New Boston, Texas and grew up in a small town, Malvern, Arkansas. He knew from his college days that he wanted to be a professor and has loved every minute of it at SMU as well as his chosen area of expertise, Operations Research. His research was in the areas of telecommunication design, network flows, and integer programming. Jeffery L. Kennington received a Bachelor of Science Industrial Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1968, a Master Of Science Industrial Engineering in 1970, and a Doctorate degree in Operations Research in 1973 from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He joined Southern Methodist University June, 1973. For a boy from Arkansas, having a job at SMU in Big D was as good as it gets. He has been at SMU for 40 years serving as chair of his department for 17 of those years. Jeff has received many awards and is known nationally and internationally. He was selected as the University Scholar/Teacher of the Year for 2003, and as an SMU Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor in 2004. He was granted membership in the SMU Academy of Distinguished Teachers (2004-2006). Jeff became an INFORMS (his professional organization) Fellow in 2005. In 2008 he was selected as a SMU Distinguished University Citizen. In 2010 he was chosen as a University Distinguished Professor, the highest level of professorship. In 2012 he received the SMU "M" Award for outstanding service to the University and the SMU Faculty Club Supereminence Award. Jeff has published extensively in journals in his field, co-authored a book and brought in research funds to SMU. He has also done applied research on a consulting basis over the years. In addition, he has participated as an editor for several journals in his field as well as committee work at SMU and for his professional organization. It has been fulfilling for "Dr. K" to have taught thousands of students as he shared his love of Operations Research. As the advisor, he has shepherded 29 students as they worked on their doctorate degrees. This has been especially rewarding for him. Jeff was an avid tennis player and enjoyed not only the game itself, but the camaraderie of his fellow tennis players at Brookhaven Tennis Club. He is a member of Arapaho United Methodist Church where his memorial will be held. As a son, father, husband, brother, friend and co-worker, Jeff has been first rate. He was funny, loving, and easy going. His was certainly a life well lived. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Arapaho United Methodist Church located at Arapaho & Coit in Richardson with a reception to follow. Donations may be made to: Jeff Kennington Tribute, SMU Lyle School of Engineering, PO Box 750339, Dallas, TX 75275-0339.