Dr. John A. Moore, Sr.

Dr. John A. Moore, Sr. was born to the late Rev. Thomas E. Moore Sr. and Kathleen (Steele) Moore, on December 29, 1957, in Lexington, KY.

John was a scholar and graduate of Henry Clay High School, in Lexington KY. He continued his education with receiving his BA from Western Kentucky University, as well as his MA and Ed.D from the University of Kentucky. Dr. John A. Moore, Sr. was Professor Emeritus in the School of Teacher Education at Western Kentucky University (WKU). He has served as Chair of the WKU Department of Middle Grades and Secondary Education. Dr. Moore is a former president of the National Council for Social Studies (2012-2013). Before coming to WKU, Dr. Moore taught high school social studies in North Dakota for two years and middle level social studies in Lexington, Kentucky, for eight years. He earned his doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Administration from the University of Kentucky. He was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and served State Street Baptist Church as a Deacon, member of “Operation Inasmuch,” and member of the men’s choir. Prior to joining State Street Baptist Church, John was a member of the Historic Pleasant Green Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir among other duties.

On December 11, 1982, John married the woman who completed his life, the late Anna Carol (Harris) Moore. This marriage of 40 years was blessed with two loving children and one beautiful granddaughter.

Dr. Moore was a published writer, where he most recently co-wrote the book “Teaching the Struggle for Civil Rights 1977-Present.” As a voice for equity in education, he received multiple awards including the Ambassador of Education Award from the NAACP in Bowling Green/Warren County. John served on multiple national and state councils where he presented often and was a mentor to other distinguished educators. His community involvement included serving as a member of Bowling Green (KY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi; Bowling Green Chapter of the NAACP; WKU Alumni Association; Kentucky Council for Social Studies; Kentucky Middle School Association; National Council for Social Studies; and the National Middle School Association.

On August 10, 2023, John was relieved of all of his labor as he found rest in his Eternal Father’s arms at the age of 65 years, 7 months and 12 days. Along with his parents and loving wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters (Brenda Marriner and Anna Letton).

His commitment, contributions, and legacy will always remain dear in the hearts of those he has left behind: his children, John A. Moore, Jr., and Angela Camille Moore; grand-daughter, L’Wren McDonald Moore; 2 brothers; 3 sisters; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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