John Kirksey, an experienced mortuary science educator and program director at the University of the District of Columbia, is dedicated to advancing funeral service education through curriculum development, student recruitment, and leadership in accreditation and advisory board engagement.
Experience
Education
Masters of Public Administration, University of the District of Columbia Bachelor of Science in Music Education, Bowie State University Associate of Applied Science: Mortuary Science, Delgado College
Roles
Program Director, Mortuary Science Department Assistant Professor of Mortuary Science
Courses Taught
Small Business Management for Funeral Service Funeral Merchandise and Cremation Funeral Service Orientation Theories of Embalming Embalming and Disposition I (Lecture) Embalming and Disposition II (Lecture) Embalming and Disposition Lab I Embalming and Disposition Lab II Restorative Art I (Lecture) Restorative Art II (Lecture) Restorative Art Lab Psychology of Grief History and Sociology of Funeral Service
Expertise
Mortuary Science Program Director responsibilities Mortuary Science Program Self Study Mortuary Science Program Assessment responsibilities Mortuary Science Admissions Responsibilities Mortuary Science Program Advisory Board American Board of Funeral Service Education Annual Report Information Submission American Board of Funeral Service Education Student Tracker Information Submission
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Recruitment and retention of mortuary science staff and students; morturary science program curriculum development
Leadership
Program Director, Mortuary Science Program, 2022-Present Faculty Advisor and Coach, Trap and Skeet Club, UDC, 2014-Present Member, Recruitment and Retention Committee, UDC Faculty Senate, 2014-16
Impact
Selected Presentations
Kirksey, J. (2025). How to get the most from your advisory board members. American Board of Funeral Service Education Seminar.
