Dr. Frederick B. McKay was a professor of speech at Michigan State Normal College from 1911 until 1944. McKay was born January 15, 1876 in Ontario, Canada and was always involved in education. He taught in county schools, and was principal of Croswell High School and superintendent of schools in Bad Axe, Michigan. McKay graduated from Michigan State Normal College and the University of Michigan. He taught at the Massachusetts Agricultural College from 1909 to 1911, and soon after became a member of the Speech Department faculty at Michigan State Normal College. He taught at MSNC for 35 years and eventually served as the head of the department.

McKay continued his own education earning a Masters Degree from Harvard University in 1918, and his Doctorate in Speech Science from the University of Michigan in 1932. McKay was an involved Ypsilanti community leader and was a member of the First Congregational Church, and president of the Kiwanis Club. In 1947, McKay received the Community Service Award from the Chamber of Commerce, and in 1968 the Distinguished Citizen Award from Kiwanis International. In addition to his community involvement McKay was a member of national and state educational associations, the National Speech Association, the Michigan Schoolmasters Club and the Michigan Speech Association.

McKay died in 1971 at the age of 95.