NW Valley Times

Retired Air Force veteran Bruce McKenzie, an accomplished gospel guitarist, is pursuing a doctoral degree at Grand Canyon University (GCU). McKenzie's musical career includes opening-act gigs with renowned gospel artists such as 11-time Grammy-winner Shirley Caesar and three-time Grammy winners the Mighty Clouds of Joy. He has also released his own smooth jazz albums.

McKenzie's journey extends beyond music. He served in the Air Force for 30 years, is a nationally certified health care professional, and is currently working towards a doctorate in general psychology with a specialization in industrial/organizational psychology at GCU. He is on track to graduate in October.

After dropping out of college to enlist in the military, McKenzie later earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while stationed at Luke Air Force Base. He was the command chief of the 56th Medical Group, an outpatient-only medical treatment facility. Inspired by friends and colleagues, he decided to enroll in GCU's doctoral program after visiting the campus.

“It’s just overwhelming what they do for you to be successful,” McKenzie said. “I have enjoyed every class and met a lot of great people along the way... I will turn 60 this year. It’s a challenge trying to work, have a teenage daughter at the house while my wife works. GCU works around that. It’s almost like having an extended family.”

Dr. Nancy Bridier, professor in the College of Doctoral Studies and McKenzie's doctoral chair, recognized his potential early on when he brought Andrew Hayes’ "Introduction to Mediation, Moderation, and Conditional Process Analysis" to her class.

“He was the first learner I worked with who brought such an advanced statistical book to residency,” Bridier noted.

McKenzie grew up in Laurinburg, North Carolina. His musical journey began when he received a guitar from his cousin at age 12. This led him to form a band during junior high school and later join local gospel quartets that opened for notable gospel artists.

“When you’re in the military, you’re far away and dealing with stuff,” McKenzie said. “I’ve seen stuff I wouldn’t wish on anybody... When I started playing gospel music, that’s when things started happening."

Enlisting in the Air Force meant leaving behind performances with his quartet but led him to pursue a solo career as a jazz artist. His experiences include producing an album demo in England with Darryl McEachin and performing at various events such as Hurricane Katrina fundraisers.

“Traveling with the gospel group... did more for me than it was doing for them,” McKenzie reflected.

After retiring from the Air Force, McKenzie became a health care accreditation and compliance specialist with the Defense Health Agency overseeing accreditation for military treatment facilities across the Department of Defense.

His dissertation focuses on “Does Self-Affirmation Moderate the Relation Between Perceived Workplace Racial Prejudice or Racial Discrimination, and Employee Engagement.”

“Detail and structure help Bruce maintain focus in everything he does,” Bridier said about McKenzie’s dedication to faith, family, music, and research.