Wooster mourns the passing of Gordon L. Shull, professor emeritus of political science

Gordon L. Shull, professor emeritus of political science and co-founder of the international relations major at The College of Wooster, passed away on April 8, 2023. He was 97 years old.  

Shull taught at The College of Wooster for 38 years. He was a leader in developing the Great Decisions of Wayne County lecture series, which brings prominent sociopolitical figures to the Wooster campus to speak on current issues, offering diverse perspectives to students. Shull wrote countless articles on international and social issues but was always careful to let his students fully explore all sides of an issue when he taught. He was a featured guest author in The Wooster Voice, Wooster’s student newspaper, where he occasionally offered thoughts on current events or philosophical conundrums.  

Wayne A. Cornelius ’67, distinguished professor emeritus of political science at University of California San Diego, recalled his time as Shull’s student at Wooster in a letter in memoriam: “In the classroom, he had a soft-spoken but authoritative demeanor and an easy sense of humor. He always came to class armed with an impressive stack of books, into which he would delve to pick out just the right quote to illustrate his lectures. He treated all students respectfully and seemed genuinely interested in them.” 

Shull obtained his bachelor’s degree from Manchester College, a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. Shull’s full obituary and online tribute wall can be found here. 

Posted in News on April 14, 2023.