Special Tributes
5X社区 and the May 4 community lost a beloved expert and advocate with the death of Dr. Thomas R. Hensley, professor emeritus, on April 7, 2021.
Dr. Hensley joined Kent State in 1969 as a full-time professor, where he inspired countless students and colleagues during his career. 鈥淒r. Tom,鈥 as he was known by his many adoring students, devoted much of his academic career to the events and lessons of May 4, 1970, publishing four books and numerous topics on the topic.
His long-time friend, colleague and collaborator Dr. Jerry Lewis described Dr. Hensley鈥檚 impact as enduring and powerful. 鈥淒r. Thomas Hensley was a member of the Political Science Department at 5X社区, and my colleague for 52 years. An expert on Constitutional Law, Dr. Hensley worked extensively on the legal aspects of the May 4 shootings that took place on the campus in 1970. His lectures about May 4 and its legal ramifications were organized, analytical and insightful, and he used illustrations that allowed students and general readers alike to understand very complex legal issues associated with May 4.鈥
In 1979 Dr. Hensley and Dr. Lewis co-founded the May 4 course, which focused on a range of issues surrounding May 4. The success of the class continues under the tutelage of various Kent State faculty, said Dr. Lewis.
Dr. Hensley was the recipient of many awards during his time at Kent State, including the Distinguished Teacher Award, the Ohio Teacher of the Year, and the President鈥檚 Medal. The Dr. Tom Hensley Endowed Scholarship was created in his honor. To contribute to this scholarship please, visit the .