John Roy McLane

John Roy McLane (1935–2020), known as 'Jock,' was a Professor of History at Northwestern University from 1961 until his retirement in 2010. He served as Chair of the History Department three times (1983–1986, 1994–1997, 2004–2005) and twice as Associate Dean of the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences (1990–1994, 2007–2010). A dedicated educator and administrator, he shaped Northwestern’s curriculum through roles like Chair of the CAS Committee on Afro-American Studies and creator of the Asian Studies Program. His legacy includes the John R. McLane Prize in Asian Studies and foundational contributions to internationalizing the university.

Education:

• B.A. in History, Harvard College, 1957
• Ph.D. in South Asian History, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 1961

Research Interests: Jock specialized in South and Southeast Asian history, with a focus on pre-colonial and colonial dynamics. He expanded interdisciplinary studies through programs like the Asian American Studies Program and played a pivotal role in establishing the International Studies Residential College. His research was supported by institutions including the American Institute of Indian Studies and the Social Science Research Council.

Awards & Recognition:

• Watamull Prize (1977) for Indian Nationalism and the Early Congress
• Namesake of the annual John R. McLane Prize

Advising & Leadership: Jock advised countless students and faculty, fostering a welcoming academic culture. He championed diversity in hiring, serving on search committees for specialists in China, Africa, and the Middle East. His administrative innovations included revitalizing residential college systems and promoting non-Western studies requirements.

Labs/Teams: Though primarily a faculty leader, he collaborated with interdisciplinary teams through his curriculum reforms and cross-departmental initiatives.