Cathy Harbison McKinney, professor emerita of music of Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, passed away on June 24. She was 74 years old.
A native of Morganton, North Carolina, Dr. McKinney earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and music from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. After studying music therapy at Western Michigan University, she went on to receive her master’s degree in music therapy from the University of Northern Colorado and her doctorate in music therapy and behavioral medicine from the University of Miami in Florida.
Dr. McKinney’s career began as a clinician with Broughton Hospital in her home town of Morganton. She ultimately transitioned to academia, holding appointments at the University of Miami and Alaborg University in Denmark.
At Appalachian State, Dr. McKinney was the founding director of the graduate and undergraduate music therapy programs, the Appalachian GIM Institute, and the Music Therapy Clinic. She retired from the university in May after 31 years of service.