Birth date: Aug 18, 1926 Death date: Feb 14, 2009
Dr. Leo Van Scyoc was one of my mentors at the University of Arkansas. I am currently in my 50th year as Professor of English at Wiiluams Baotist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. I
have attempted to teach like Dr. Van Scyoc for most of my teaching career,
I looked up Dr. Van Scyocs name to remind myself how to spell it because I was posting on Facebook about how he instilled in me high standards for teaching when I was a graduate student at the University of Arkansas. I am a professor of English in New York State now, and I think of him often. He made a big impact on my teaching style, especially because of a memorable lecture he gave me about reserving the grade of "A" for truly excellent work. Otherwise, he said, I would lessen its meaning at the University of Arkansas, and I would carry our universitys standards with me wherever I went. I have been teaching for over fifteen years now, and I think of that lecture almost daily as I strive to live up to that lesson. He was an excellent professor.
I learned an enormous amount about teaching from Dr. Van Scyoc and have tried to live up to his example throughout my career. I have just discovered this loss and am saddened by it.
Dr. Van Scyoc was absolutely the kindest, gentlest soul. He was also incredibly sharp at every academic and personal level. It was an honor to learn from him.
