Kathleen McVicker

Kathleen Jeannette (Scott) McVicker passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2025, with her deeply loved family nearby. Kathleen (AKA "Katey" in her early years) was born January 9, 1933, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to Alva Roy Scott and Catherine Harriet (Hattie) Cornwell Scott. She graduated from Philippi High School, Philippi, West Virginia, in 1951. She completed a BA with highest honors at Fairmont State College, Fairmont, West Virginia, in 1955, and her Master's degree at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1970.

She was a dedicated educator for over 40 years, beginning her career in 1955 at the Robert E. Lee School in Alexandria, Virginia, where she taught music to students in grades 1 through 7. Kathleen was a strong advocate for excellence in public education, the proper use of technology in teaching, and communication skills, emphasizing the value of music education and relevant professional development for all educators. She strongly believed in the potential of every human being to succeed. She married her high school sweetheart, Douglas L. McVicker, on June 30, 1956, in the historic Crim Memorial Methodist Church in Philippi, West Virginia. Doug was serving in the US Air Force at the time. Kathleen left the Virginias and moved west with her husband, continuing her music teaching career in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and San Angelo, Texas. Doug and Kathleen moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1958. Kathleen taught choral music and language arts at Jefferson Junior High School while Doug completed his studies at the University of New Mexico. She taught at Jefferson for four years, developing one of Albuquerque Public Schools' (APS) most outstanding junior high vocal music programs at the time, with over 300 students enrolled in the program. Many recall her as their "favorite teacher."

In 1962, Kathleen was asked to audition and was selected for a new position as an instructor via "live" classes on Albuquerque's public broadcasting station, KNME. This was at a time when both KNME and APS were using broadcasting to teach. It was a challenging and innovative position, and Kathleen was the producer, writer, and on-camera instructor for twenty years. The program reached homes and schools in KNME's viewing area across New Mexico. She was chosen to lead workshops on using television in the classroom at public broadcasting stations in Tucson, Arizona, and Moscow, Idaho. Kathleen also spent many years volunteering as a host for KNME's live on-air fundraising pledge drives and as a member of the Community Advisory Committee. After her career at KNME, she was selected as an Instructional Materials Specialist at the APS North Area office and later chosen to head the APS Staff Development Program.

After her retirement in 1993, Kathleen developed "McVicker Innovations," performing consulting and presentations on education, communication, and organizational development throughout the state. She spent many hours volunteering for the YWCA of Albuquerque, serving as Board President, and at KNME TV, at the UNM Cancer Treatment and Research Center, where she was a member of the statewide committee to advocate for the creation of the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center; and at the American Cancer Society, serving as the Breast Cancer Team Chair and Leadership Council President; as well as several local breast cancer non-profit organizations. She received the local "Spirit of Hope Award" from the Nancy Floyd Hayworth Foundation and the international St. George Award from the American Cancer Society for her volunteer work in eradicating cancer.

Kathleen is survived by her beloved children-son Keith of Albuquerque, NM; daughter Melissa; and grandson Timothy Hai, of Mountain View, CA.

In place of flowers, please give in Kathleens's name to KNME TV (NM Public Broadcasting), KANW (public radio), the American Cancer Society, the University of New Mexico Presidential Scholarship Fund, the UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, or the charity of your choice. Please sign the online guestbook. No services are currently planned.