June 4, 1999

KU HONORS SHANKEL FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE

LAWRENCE -- A University of Kansas faculty member who rose to the chancellor's office was recently honored for his outstanding contributions to students.

Del M. Shankel, professor of microbiology and chancellor emeritus, has taught microbiology and freshman biology classes to KU students for 40 years. Many of his current students got the tip to enroll in his classes from their parents, family doctors or high school science teachers whom Shankel taught years earlier. Shankel also taught Western civilization honors courses for 18 years and freshman honors tutorials for eight years.

For his excellence in teaching, Shankel received the university's first Career Achievement Teaching Award during KU's 127th Commencement May 22. Sally Frost Mason, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, presented the award of a plaque and $1,000.

"To be honored for doing what you love is a unique privilege," Shankel said recently.

"KU has many outstanding teachers," Frost Mason said. "Many excel because they have a mentor like Del Shankel who sets a high standard for himself and for those around him."

The associate deans of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences selected Shankel. In future years, a nomination process will be established to honor KU faculty within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences who have retired or are entering a phased retirement plan.

Shankel came to KU in 1959 as an assistant professor of microbiology. He was named professor in 1968, served as acting dean of the College of Liberal Arts in 1973-74 and, from 1974-1980, served as executive vice chancellor for the Lawrence campus. He served as acting chancellor in 1980-81, acting athletic director in 1982, acting vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1986 and acting executive vice chancellor in 1987. He served as executive vice chancellor from 1990 to 1992 and succeeded Gene Budig as chancellor in 1994.

During all of his administrative appointments, Shankel continued to teach, frequently at the freshman-sophomore level. He has also supervised the graduate study of 30 doctoral or master's degree candidates. Though officially retired, Shankel continues to teach freshman biology once a year and to publish research papers with colleagues and former students. He has written or co-authored more than 50 papers in scientific journals.

Contact: Tom Hutton, University Relations, (785) 864-3256

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