Memorial for speech professor set for 3 p.m. today

A memorial for Dr. John Skinner, speech communication professor here, is set for 3 p.m. today in the auditorium of McAllister Fine Arts Center.

Skinner died Tuesday after suffering a heart attack in his office in McAllister.

Born Aug. 1, 1949, in Long Beach, Calif., Skinner became a full-time faculty member of the fine arts department in 1984 after teaching for three years at Trinity University.

David Mrizek, vice president of college services and former department chair, said he made a recommendation to hire Skinner.

“The one thing that really stands out, obviously, is the fact that he was extremely knowledgeable in the area of public speaking,” he said.

Skinner co-authored “Mastering Public Speaking” and “Communication: The Handbook” with George Grice.

“John was an excellent teacher, very much focused on his students’ success,” he said.

“He was the kind of individual who had a broad spectrum of skills and abilities,” Mrizek said. “He was a lot of fun to talk to as well. He had a good personality, kind of a dry sense of humor that I always enjoyed.”

Mrizek said he considers the publishing of Skinner’s books his legacy.

Visitation took place Sunday at Porter Loring Funeral Home, 1100 McCullough.

Skinner is survived by his wife, speech communication Professor Suzanne Skinner; sons, Drew Skinner and wife Amy and Devin Skinner; granddaughter Phoebe; mother Beverly Skinner; brothers Rick Skinner, Randy Skinner and Russell Snider; sister Nanine Williams; and nieces Taylor, Stevie, Katy and Makenna.

Donations may be made to the Barbara Strain Memorial Scholarship Fund in the fine arts department.

To sign Skinner’s guestbook, visit http://porterloring.com, click on “Obituaries” at the top of the page and click “Dr. John Skinner.”