Remembering Chad McBride

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

It is with sadness that I share news of the passing of M. Chad McBride, PhD, a professor of Communication Studies, former department chair, and member of the Creighton faculty for 20 years. Dr. McBride died on Sunday, April 21, following a multiyear battle with ALS, despite which he continued teaching, engaging in scholarship, and serving as an inspiration to his students and colleagues.

Joining Creighton in 2003, Dr. McBride’s expertise in interpersonal communication theory and practice made him an internationally respected scholar. In addition to being named to the Central States Communication Association Hall of Fame in 2022, and receiving several research grants through Creighton, he was nominated for an outstanding book award and his insights were often featured in local news as well as national outlets for his work on “work spouses,” including The Atlantic magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and the BBC.

As an educator, Dr. McBride was beloved by his students. Drawing on his research, he would place a significant amount of intentionality into fostering meaningful relationships in his classes. As a colleague, he was a pillar within the Department of Communication Studies, establishing more than a dozen new courses over his tenure and serving as chair for nearly a decade from 2013 to 2022.

Dr. McBride also contributed to mission and service. He participated in a semester-long Ignatian seminar, a silent retreat with his colleagues, and was a member of the Cardoner Reading Group. He also served Creighton as a reviewer for CURAS events, as a member on numerous benefits-focused task forces, and as a panelist during campus speaking engagements. In the community, he was a volunteer speech judge, a member of Project Homeless Connect, and was a faculty member for the Higher Education at the Margins program.

Dr. McBride leaves behind a husband, Allen, and son, Jackson, as well as many other loved ones. I encourage anyone in need to utilize the support resources Creighton offers. Representatives from our Student Counseling Services, Campus Ministry, and Employee Assistance Program are available for anyone to use at any time. Information regarding Dr. McBride’s services will be shared through Creighton Today as soon as they are available.

Please join me in remembering Dr. McBride as the Creighton community extends its prayers and support to all who are grieving his loss today. Let us also honor his life by extending care for others and cherishing the deep relationships we have with each other.

Sincerely,

Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD

President, Creighton University