Biography

John A. Kline was born and grew up in Iowa, lives in Montgomery, Alabama, and is the Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Director of the Troy University Institute for Leadership Development.

After graduating from Conrad High School, John farmed for six years before leaving to attend Iowa State University where he completed his Bachelors degree in English and Speech. Next he earned both Masters and PhD degrees in Human Communication from the University of Iowa. Perhaps the most remarkable thing is he completed all three degrees in 6˝ years, all the time working his way through school.

After serving as professor at both the University of New Mexico and the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dr Kline accepted a teaching position in 1975 as a civilian professor at the USAF Air University located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

Dr. Kline completed post doctoral study at Harvard University's JFK School of Government and moved into positions of increasing responsibility. In 1986 he achieved Senior Executive Service (SES) status and later received several awards including the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. From 1991 until 2000 he was the Air University Provost with responsibility for faculty, academic programs, libraries, technology, budget and support of 50,000 resident and 150,000 distance-learning students annually. During this time, Dr. Kline was the federal employee equivalent of a two-star general, reporting directly to the Commander of Air University, a three-star general.

In early 2000, Dr. Kline joined Troy University (Alabama) as a Professor of Education. In 2003 he assumed his present position.