Melody McCray-Miller, a Wichita State adjunct instructor in the Political Science department and local politician, died after a long-term illness in February at the age of 69. Her legacy, however, can be seen at the university and across Wichita.
“It’s just (a) shock that somebody so vibrant and active and just meaningful to our community work could be gone so suddenly,” said Nikki Keene-Woods, a professor and department chair of public health sciences.
McCray-Miller and Keene-Woods worked together on research that focused on infant mortality and improving the quality of healthcare in Sedgwick County.
“Melody is well known in the community from her policy background, and just an advocate for making positive changes in her community and representing those unusual voices or those voices that aren’t normally heard,” Keene-Woods said. “But my work with her is really more of maybe a less-known side in her work as a community scholar.”
Keene-Woods recalled memories where she admired McCray-Miller’s personality.
“I just remember that Melody had this positive, just aura or being about her, and that was definitely something I remembered right away is being there with our community partners and celebrating their success,” Keene-Woods said.
The pair started their work about 16 years ago, and Keene-Woods said they kept in touch after they stopped working together.
“We’re lifelong friends,” Keene-Woods said.
McCray-Miller was more commonly known for her work in the public service sphere. She served on the Wichita Board of Education, represented Wichita’s 89th District in the Kansas House from 2005-2013, and served as the first Black woman on the Sedgwick County Commission from 1996-2000.
“She has an incredible wealth, experience and knowledge and wisdom,” said Ngoc Vuong, a fellow school board member.
Vuong and McCray-Miller were elected onto the Wichita Board of Education in 2023, and McCray-Miller stepped down from her role earlier this year in relation to her illness.
“She was my favorite school board member — was my favorite elected official in general,” Vuong said.
Neal Allen, an associate professor in the political science department, highlighted the importance of bringing public officials into the classroom. He said McCray-Miller was a great asset to the students she taught prior to joining the Wichita school board.
“There are many examples of people that have degrees from Wichita State and go on to serve in elected office,” said Neal Allen. “But Melody is one who shows … the best of the American system.”
