In Memoriam: Professor James M. Scannell

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In Memoriam: Professor James M. Scannell

1966-2022

James “Jim” Scannell, beloved English professor at Utica University, passed away on May 13, 2022 from complications due to a stroke. He was 56.

Scannell taught English literature at Utica for over 20 years. He was passionate about his subject and was known for sharing his passion with students and helping them develop as readers and writers. In a campus-wide announcement of Scannell’s passing, President Laura Casamento wrote, “With his boundless humor, intelligence, and humanity, he was truly one of our guiding lights."

Gary Leising, distinguished professor of English and director of general education at Utica, shared this memory of his colleague: “Jim was famous for the detailed questions he asked students in his reading quizzes. Though students complained about the questions, they learned how to be better readers from him. He cared about making his students into better close readers, and he did the same for his colleagues. He designed a handout that many of us have used in our classes to show students how close reading leads to interpretation.”

A memorial service honoring Professor Scannell was held on campus on October 28, when members of the University community gathered to remember their professor, colleague, and friend.