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James T. McCullough was the president and CEO of McCullough Development, Inc., of Manhattan, Kansas, an organization active in the development and construction of residential subdivisions, apartment complexes and light commercial properties. His specialty was initiating and organizing creative projects that complemented the comprehensive plans of a community, respected community context and cultural heritage, and were financially sound investments for investors.

Mr. McCullough grew up in Watseka, Illinois, becoming an outstanding high school baseball player and defensive specialist in basketball. Following high school, he ventured west, enrolled in K-State's architecture program and received his bachelor of architecture in 1966. He enrolled in both architecture and planning courses--and both disciplines influenced his professional career. While in college, Mr. McCullough worked part time for local architectural firms Lippenberger and Hutchins, and Wolfenbarger and Associates.

Shortly after college graduation, Mr. McCullough joined fellow alumnus Jim Young and long-time K-State planning and architecture professor Ray Weisenburger in designing and building speculative residences while also teaching in K-State's building construction program. When his two colleagues moved on, Mr. McCullough formed McCullough Construction, Inc., and McCullough Development Company, and initiated his first planned unit development of 150 residences.

While organizing his construction and development company, Mr. McCullough used his planning education and expertise to join Weisenburger and Professor John Keller in preparing the first comprehensive development plan for Pottawatomie County, Kansas.

Mr. McCullough's work came to the forefront of public recognition when he displayed his strong beliefs in community preservation by becoming a general partner in the Wareham Partnership which converted the Wareham Hotel, Manhattan's oldest such establishment, into a functioning apartment building with restaurant and meeting rooms, yet retained its historic character. The hotel complex is composed of three historic commercial buildings that remain today as strong icons in the downtown historic district.

Later, Mr. McCullough became a general partner in the Amherst Industrial Park and the CM Brass Partnership while expanding his development organization and forming the McCullough Property Management Division. That organization manages residential and commercial property, including more than 800 units in Manhattan and 1300 residential units in Kansas, Texas, Iowa and Indiana.

Recent recognition of Mr. McCullough's beliefs in the importance of strengthening and enhancing community business areas were displayed in the construction of the Hartford Apartment Building in downtown Manhattan and the 65-unit Aggie Village in the heart of Manhattan's Aggieville.

During his career, Mr. McCullough considered community involvement to be an essential part of development. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and served one term as president. He served for 12 years on the Manhattan Recreation Commission, including two years as chairman. Additionally, he served as commissioner and chairman of the Manhattan Housing Authority. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Commerce Bank and served on the Kansas governor's committee dealing with Fort Riley.

Mr. McCullough served as guest critic and lecturer in a number of courses in the College of Architecture, Planning and Design, particularly those dealing with land development planning.

At the time of his death last year, Mr. McCullough was continuing his public service as a member of the Core Downtown Redevelopment Committee for Manhattan.

The fruits of Mr. McCullough's labors are visible throughout the city of Manhattan. The K-State College of Architecture, Planning and Design is honored to posthumously present James T. McCullough with a Kansas State University Distinguished Service Award.