Kenneth E. Schilling was born in New Holstein, Wisconsin on October 1st, 1913. In 1935 he graduated from Lawrence University, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He then taught at Eastern Oregon College before joining the Whitman faculty in 1944. Schilling married Martha Phillips in 1954.

Schilling’s 35 years of teaching service at Whitman College included 25 years as chair of the Music Department. During his tenure at Whitman, Professor Schilling conducted over 2000 public performances with college and church choirs on the West Coast, Canada, and Alaska and adjudicated in 150 choral and vocal competitions and festivals. For 20 years he served as an officer and board member of the Walla Walla Community Concert Association. He was a charter member and past governor of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He retired from Whitman in 1979. Schilling died in 2001.