Dr. Ivie Edward “Ed” Cadenhead joined TU in 1950 and served successively as professor and chairperson of the Department of History. During his tenure, he taught U.S. history, modern Latin American history, Greek and Roman history, survey history, and contemporary American Affairs.

A recognized authority on Mexican history, Cadenhead wrote five books, including a biography of Benito Juarez, for which he was recognized by the Organization of American States. He also authored more than 60 articles in historical and political periodicals.

He and his wife Peggy raised four children, three of whom were TU alumni. As an avocation, Ed performed several roles in Tulsa Theatre productions.

In 1985, Cadenhead was selected “Mr. Homecoming” for TU’s annual homecoming celebration, but he died suddenly that year, and his loss left a hole in the lives of all who knew and loved him. The memorial endowment that honors him was funded by family, friends, and colleagues. The Ed Cadenhead Memorial Fund for History underwrites the costs associated with the history department’s annual memorial lecture.