Mayers Endowed Fund for Applied Anthropology

The Mayers Endowed Fund for Applied Anthropology honors Dr. Marvin K. Mayers—an influential teacher, writer, researcher, and leader in the field. Established in 2012 as Dallas International University’s first endowed faculty chair, the fund was initiated by the McKee family in memory of Margaret McKee, mother of DIU senior faculty member Dr. Rob McKee.

Dr. Mayers’ impact was far-reaching. Born in 1927, he earned degrees from Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the University of Chicago, and taught at institutions including Wheaton, Texas SIL, and Biola University. He played key roles in launching Biola’s Cook School of Intercultural Studies, leading Texas SIL, and heading Wheaton’s Sociology and Anthropology Department.

Today, the fund provides financial support to students and faculty who demonstrate a commitment to applied anthropology from a Christian perspective—helping them prepare for and contribute meaningfully to the field.