K is for Kinard, Lee Kinard

Today, we share a photo of Lee Kinard Jr. at the corner of Tate and Spring Garden Streets. As seen on the above bronze plaque, this section of Spring Garden Street was dedicated to Dr. Kinard by Greensboro City Council in 1998.  Dr. Kinard founded one of the first early morning shows on television (The Good Morning Show) and went on to have a 43 year career at WFMY-TV in Greensboro. For his exemplary service to North Carolina, he was awarded the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. Presently, Dr. Kinard is the Executive Assistant to President George R. Parker at Greensboro Technical Community College (GTCC).

Listening to Edward Murrow's coverage of World War II, Lee W Kinard, Jr. knew by age eight that he wanted to be a broadcaster. Kinard dropped out of high school at the age of 17 to pursue this dream.  He started at a radio station in Albemarle (NC) as a janitor and record filer and worked his way through the ranks, eventually buying the station. He joined the army during the Korean War and continued to work in broadcasting for the military. After returning to civilian life, Kinard moved to Greensboro where he not only started the Good Morning Show but also pursued his dream of higher education. He earned an M.Ed. in English from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro in the early 1970's-- as the oldest student in the program. In 1988, he earned a doctorate from UNCG. A passion for education and love of helping students led Dr. Kinard to speak regularly, at approximately 100 schools a year, encouraging students to stay in school. To quote Dr. Kinard, he has been "deep into education for the last thirty years of his career."

In 2008, Dr. Kinard published a 50-year history of GTCC.  Perhaps he could be convinced to write his autobiography, since when asked if he had plans for retirement, Dr. Kinard paused.... reflected.... and responded, "I do not feel compelled to stop." Today is ABC Wednesday and "K" is for Kinard, Dr. Lee Kinard. We are honored to feature him today. See previous entries of other fabulous Greensboro citizens, past and present, here.

Comments

[Jane Mitchell]

A nice tribute to a dedicated individual. Your listing of all these contributing members of our community makes me proud to be a Greensborian or whatever our demonym is.

[Irina]

I like your posts about people so much. Great work.

[Andy]

Hello.
My first time visiting from ABC Wednesday.

Interesting information.

Thanks for sharing.

Kiss Me With Desire

[Linda]

What an interesting individual.

Linda
ABC Wednesday Team