Margaret L. Jantze

is honored with a Brick from R. Dale Jantze Ed.D.

Dr. Margaret L. Jantze, associate professor emeritus of Business Education at Wichita State University, graduated from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science degree, and from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a M.Ed. degree and an Ed.D degree.

She taught at Union College in Lincoln and at the University of Nebraska before coming to WSU, where she was chairperson of the Department of Business Education.

For many years she conducted business education seminars at the university for public school teachers of business, featuring nationally recognized speakers in that field. She served as a consultant to various groups and also served on college and university accreditation teams.

She is a member of the National Business Education Association and the Kansas Business Education Association where she served as president. She also served as executive secretary of the Mountain Plains Business Education Association. She is a life member of Delta Pi Epsilon.

One of her specialties is work-study programs for which she wrote her doctoral dissertation. She also was the recipient of awards in shorthand and typewriting.
October 24, 2000

A tribute to Dr. Margaret L. Jantze

By: Patty H. Killman
Class of '72 and '74
November 4,2000

A heroine is defined as a woman admired for her bravery, great deeds, or noble qualities. In Greek legend, a heroine is a woman of more than human qualities, favored by the gods. I do believe these descriptions fit my heroine, Dr. Margaret L. Jantze. Having known of her strength, desire, and determination for over 30 years, I know only the gods would dare to cross her!

I first became acquainted with Dr. Jantze through a scholarship interview that took place a long time ago - in 1970! I didn't get the scholarship; but that was okay because I got something much, much better - Dr. Jantze. She offered me a job as her work-study secretary while I attended Wichita State University. I worked in this capacity for four years(or more). This really wasn't just a job; it was life! She gave me a home at WSU, and she gave me tools to reach whatever goals I wanted.
Even though I was scared to death of her for only the first year or two, I knew she was larger than life; she was favored by the gods! She expected perfection from everyone, and I worked hard to make her proud of my accomplishments whether I was typing a letter or working towards a good grade in a particular class. She was always available with help, guidance, advice, teasing, encouragement, and understanding. She worked hard; I worked hard. She expected the sky, and I gave it to her! Although I must admit that I drew the line when she offered on several occasions to pick me up at 4 a.m. so we could get to the office to get our work done; she would just have to wait until 8 a.m. before I would arrive. But what fun we had while we worked; the hours would just fly by.

Dr. Jantze had a genuine love for her students always trying to get them to reach new heights and extend their knowledge by placing new demands on them. She didn't accept "I can't" as an answer - from her students, from her staff, from her colleagues, or from herself. If we were too sleepy in her 7:30 a.m. shorthand class trying to reach 100 words a minute, outside we would go and run around the building - yes - around Neff Hall. That's an eye opener during December! We were ready to work then! Because of Dr. Jantze's strength of purpose and desire for the best for her students and program, she was well known throughout the University and Business Education communities. She would set goals and work hard to reach these goals; nothing was impossible. She was a natural leader and had the power to go with it.

After overcoming my fear, I spent years learning from her. I think my real college education was found in the Business Education Office in Neff Hall. As we met challenge after challenge, we developed a strong rapport and a deep respect for each other; it has lasted 30 years. Dr. Jantze was the role model I have tried to emulate. Her influence on my life knows no bounds. She came into my life as I entered adulthood, and she guided me as she guided so many who came both before me and after me. It is with pride that I share this tribute with the WSU community and with Dr. Jantze. This represents just a very small part of how much I admire this woman. Her drive, conviction, and desire for each of us to succeed in our lives has made her my mentor, my lifelong friend, and definitely my heroine.