Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

People

Rodney J. O’Connor

by Susan J. Ainsworth
November 24, 2014 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 92, Issue 47

O’Connor
[+]Enlarge
Photo of Rodney J. O'Connor.

Rodney J. O’Connor, 80, a retired professor and director of freshman chemistry at Texas A&M University, died on Aug. 7 in College Station, Texas.

Born in Cape Girardeau, Mo., O’Connor earned a B.S. in chemistry, physics, and mathematics at Southeast Missouri State College (now Southeast Missouri State University) in 1955 and a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1958.

After a brief stint as an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Omaha, he held associate professor positions at Montana State University, Kent State University, and the University of Arizona. He also served as a visiting professor at several other universities.

O’Connor joined Texas A&M in 1973, serving as a professor of chemistry and director of freshman chemistry until his retirement from the university in 1986. From 1980 until 1983, he also served as vice president and president of Romec Environmental Research & Development.

He was a professor of environmental studies at Baylor University from 1996 until 1999 and worked as a consultant.

O’Connor received numerous accolades, including several teaching awards from Texas A&M.

He was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Chemists and an emeritus member of ACS, joining in 1961.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Shirley; daughters, Kara Sabrsula and Shanna; son Tim; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Mark.

Obituary notices of no more than 300 words may be sent to Susan J. Ainsworth at s_ainsworth@acs.org and should include an educational and professional history.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.