Dr. Ken Pinkerton, a member of Southeast Community College's Board of Governors in the 1980s and early 1990s, died June 14, 2020, at the age of 86. Pinkerton served on the Board from 1983-1991.
"I remember him as a thoughtful, principled Board member who was dedicated to improving higher education opportunities for all students across the SCC district," said Dr. Jack Huck, former SCC President. "He was also committed to improving economic opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs throughout southeast Nebraska through the provision of quality education and training."
After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1955, Pinkerton served in the U.S. Air Force as a helicopter pilot. He then returned to Nebraska and graduated from the UNMC College of Dentistry in 1966. He was a dentist for four decades in Norfolk, Wymore and finally in Beatrice. In addition to his board duties at SCC, he also was a founding member of the Gage County Historical Society, member and president of the Beatrice Rotary Club, the Southeast District Dental Society, and Beatrice High School Booster Club. He also sang in the church choir at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
"Ken was very musical, part of the Homestead Harmonizers, and so he also was very supportive of the musical program at the College, whether it was a music performance or a musical play," said Dr. Dennis Headrick, former Beatrice Campus director at SCC. "In my years as campus director I always appreciated the support and wisdom he was able to provide to me and help make SCC a part of Beatrice and the surrounding communities."
Pinkerton is survived by his seven children, 21 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ardie Pinkerton. Mass of Christian Burial (family only due to pandemic restrictions) will be held on Friday, June 19, at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Beatrice.