Delbert M. Shankel, 90, Chancellor Emeritus of the University of Kansas, died on July 12, 2018, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Del was born August 4, 1927 in Plainview, NE, the son of Cecil Shankel and Gladys Dodd Shankel. He received his B.A. in English with minors in Chemistry and Zoology from Walla Walla College in Washington State in 1950. He earned his Ph.D. in Bacteriology with a minor in Biochemistry in 1959 from the University of Texas, Austin. Del served in the U.S. Army from 1951-54 and taught Bacteriology at the Army Laboratory Technicians School in Houston, Texas.
Del began his academic career as Assistant Professor of Microbiology at KU in 1959. Over his research career, he was author or co-author of more than 50 major papers in professional journals and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology.
For more than 50 years, Del Shankel served the University of Kansas. When he began his career as an assistant professor, little did Del realize how quickly he would rise through the ranks--not only professorial, but administrative as well. As he was promoted to Associate Professor and gained tenure, Del also began his administrative career as Acting Chairman of the Department of Microbiology. Not long after, he became Assistant Dean and then Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, while at the same time earning promotion to full Professor.
He became Acting Dean of the College for a year, before serving as Executive Vice Chancellor for the Lawrence Campus for six years. He was Acting Chancellor between Archie Dykes and Gene Budig, followed by two brief stints as Acting Athletics Director. He served as Acting Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Acting Executive Vice Chancellor, before assuming the position of Executive Vice Chancellor for the second time. He was Faculty Athletics Representative to the Big 8 Conference and the NCAA. In 1994, the Board of Regents asked him to serve a second time as Acting Chancellor between Gene Budig and Robert Hemenway, and then in gratitude for his leadership and service, officially recognized him as the 15th Chancellor of the University.
To top off a brilliant acting career, he was named Interim President of the KU Alumni Association. Del was always an avid fan and supporter of KU men's and women's sports. Throughout his many and varied roles, Del has been an inspiring leader, a down-to-earth colleague, and a mentor to countless undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to other administrators, faculty and staff. In 2010, the University named the Shankel Structural Biology Center on West Campus in his honor.
Del leaves his wife Carol and two daughters, Jill and her husband Dan Lopez of CA, and Kelley and her husband Brian Hahn of WA, and two grandchildren, Benjamin and Madeline Shankel Lopez. Del is also survived by two brothers, Stewart and Clinton Shankel, both of CA.
The memorial service will be Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 4 p.m. in Woodruff auditorium in the Kansas Union on campus, followed by a reception at the Adams Alumni Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Del and Carol Shankel Bio-Medical Scholarship Fund at the KU Endowment Association, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Dr. Shankel, Thank you for kindness. It was a great honor to have you in my life.
Marty Johnson
Friend
June 14, 2021
Dr. Shankel was simply just the BEST! I would not be where I am today in my career without his excellent teaching and mentoring. Above all, I will miss his friendship. Thoughts, prayers, and love to his family.
melissal larson-lewis
Student
August 8, 2018
Chancellor Shankel was a humble, down to earth person and I will remember him fondly for his great heart and character.
Robert WILSON
July 23, 2018
Dr. Shankel set the example to follow in everything he did, whether Chancellor, scientist/scholar or simply a human being. I most remember and respect him for all of the people he helped through the years and was honored to be one of his students.
Simon Kuo
July 18, 2018
I went to school with Del's son Merrill. Sorry to hear the Del has passed
July 17, 2018
I went to school with Del's son Merrill. Sorry to hear the Del has passed.
July 17, 2018
Tally Ho! Dr. Shankel.
Patti W.
July 17, 2018
Chancellor Shankel's wife Carol was my favorite teacher ever. She taught me Common Learnings at Central Jr. High back in 1962. I remember when she said she was going to marry Del Shankel. He was an amazing man! My deepest condolences to her and all his loved ones in this difficult time. Much love and God bless.
Helen Pendleton Rumbaut
July 17, 2018
I went to school with Del's son Merrill. Sorry to hear of his passing.
July 17, 2018
DEL WAS A GENTLEMAN, NO MATTER WHERE YOU SAW HIM, HE ALWAYS GREETED YOU AS IF YOU WERE VERY IMPORTANT TO HIM. ,AS THOUGH YOU WERE THE ONLY PERSON IN THE ROOM. KNOWING FIRST NAMES OF EACH. IT WAS ALWAYS A DELIGHT FOR MY HUSBAND (DECEASED )TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH DEL OR TO GET A PERSONAL NOTE. MY PRAYERS AE WITH YOU.
MRS DANIEL MERRIAM
July 17, 2018
Worked with him at KU in Chancellors Office - was a great person - So sorry to hear of his loss.
Barbara Johnson (Rutherford)
July 15, 2018
One of the finest gentlemen I had the pleasure of knowing during my time at KU.
Tom Patton
July 15, 2018
RIP Dr. Shankel,
You raised a beautiful (inside and out) daughter, Kelley. We all love her! Kelley was always so proud of you .
Sincerely,
Kelly Pearson
Tricia Phillips
Patricia Phillips
July 14, 2018
The recent losses of Dell and Bob Cobb make KU a lesser place. Del was remarkable wherever he served. As a retired faculty member who came to KU in 1966 I had many interactions with Del as a dean and as chancellor. In every case he was fair, just, civil. He will be remembered and missed by many.
July 14, 2018
I remember Del with respect and admiration; I'm glad to have known this accomplished, respected, and sympathetic man. Sincere condolences to Carol, Jill, and Kelly.
Haskell Springer
July 14, 2018
So sorry for your loss Carol, Del was great guy.
Chuck Wehner
July 14, 2018
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