George Edward Kenny, former chair of the UW Pathobiology department, passed away on October 13, 2022.  

George, known around the world for his extensive research on mycoplasmas, organisms that cause respiratory and genital infection, joined the Department of Preventive Medicine in the UW School of Medicine in 1961.  

When the preventive medicine unit became the School of Public Health and Community Medicine in 1970, he was named chair of the Department of Pathobiology and held that role for 20 years. During his tenure, he spearheaded the proposal to establish a Ph.D. program in pathobiology. When the program was transferred to the Department of Global Health, he became a member of the DGH faculty. George retired in 2003 and was named professor emeritus. 

“Dr. Kenny was passionate about research, teaching, and training future scientists” said longtime colleague and DGH Emeritus Professor Lee Ann Campbell. “George was a tireless advocate for Pathobiology students and a patient listener who always had an open door for all.”  

Along with colleagues, students, and fellows he was an author of 158 peer reviewed scientific articles, 55 book chapters and invited publications and 102 abstracts of presentations given at national and international scientific meetings. His research included studies of biology, immunology, and epidemiology of agents of infectious disease (mycoplasmas, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and other agents.)  

George's family has decided his honor his dedication training the pathobiology scientists by asking that all remembrances be made to the UW Kenny Pathobiology Fellowship. George's legacy will continue to live on through every UW Pathobiology student.