West Virginia University faculty and staff are mourning the death of John Schnabel, a long-time faculty member and associate dean in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Schnabel died Sunday (Jan.30) at his home in Fort Myers, Fla.

John Schnabel was a special person,said Nicholas Evans, associate dean for undergraduate education in Eberly College.I worked with him in my role as a faculty member and subsequently as a fellow administrator in the Eberly College. I will remember him for his wit and for his concern for the feelings of others, students and colleagues alike.

A native of Madison, Ind., Schnabel received a bachelors degree in psychology and business administration from Hanover ( Ind.) College before completing three masters degrees and a doctorate.

He held a masters of divinity degree in systematic theology from Yale University; a masters of sacred theology degree in historical and systematic theology from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia; and masters and doctoral degrees in sociology from the University of Notre Dame.

He also did postgraduate work in ecclesiastical history at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, on a Rotary Foundation Fellowship.

Schnabel joined the WVU faculty in 1972 as an assistant professor of sociology and was subsequently promoted to associate professor in 1977. During his tenure as chair of the undergraduate committee in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, he was responsible for a major revision of departmental curriculum that strengthened the bachelors degree programs substantially.

He became assistant dean for undergraduate studies in 1985, then associate dean for development in 1994.

I had the pleasure of appointing John as the associate dean for development,Provost Gerald Lang recounted.He and I oversaw theOur Star is Risingcampaign for the Eberly College, which led to the naming of the college and the resources to support some 20 chairs and professorships for the faculty. He was a terrific asset for the Eberly College during this campaign, which was really WVU s first major fund-raising effort.

Johns warmth and caring personality, his ability to speak to anyone, and his abiding commitment to our students and the value of an arts and sciences education made him an excellent representative for the college,Lang added.Alumni were always receptive to Johns visits. His efforts led to many endowments that continually support the colleges mission every day. He was a good person who will be missed.

Upon his 1997 retirement, Schnabels colleagues honored him with the designation of professor emeritus.

Schnabel was active in the American Sociological Association and founder and past president of the West Virginia Sociological Association. He served as program coordinator for the Appalachian Regional School for Church Leaders, sponsored by the Commission on Religion in Appalachia and WVU s Center for Extension and Continuing Education.

Before coming to WVU , he taught at Indiana University and the University of Notre Dame. He was an ordained minister in the Lutheran Church in America.

He is survived by his three children, Jeffrey, Timothy, and Mary Kay.