Don R. Schol

June 11, 1941–Feb. 2, 2023
UNT Faculty and Administrator: 1969–2010
Married to UNT alumna Pamela Burnley-Schol, M.F.A., 1989, Studio Art: Drawing & Painting
Portfolio: Don R. Schol

Many alums will remember Don Schol, former professor and associate dean for administrative affairs, who worked at UNT in the School of the Arts for 41 years.

A self-described artist, soldier, academic and thin-ice skater, Shol devoted this work to his art, family and faith and dog named Kahlo. Born in Buffalo Center, Iowa, he graduated with a B.A. in philosophy in 1962 from the University of Dallas and an M.F.A. in sculpture and drawing in 1966 from the University of Texas at Austin, Texas.

He volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1967 to 1969 and separated as a captain after working as a combat artist in the Republic of Vietnam and the U.S. Army Center of Military History in the U.S. Army Combat Artist Program.

Taken from Schol's U.S. Army citation: More than once, in performing his duties as a combat artist, he courageously subjected himself to hostile fire to depict the role of the United States soldier more realistically in photographs, sketches, and color studies. Lieutenant Schol, on occasion, due to the tactical situation of the unit, was required to drop his role of combat artist and turn his attention to the action around him.  He once performed as a helicopter door gunner in an aerial battle. His constant even temperament and resolute courage of convictions portray him as an officer who was not easily swayed under extreme pressure.

In 2011, Schol published a book of woodcut prints and narrative commentary about his Vietnam experience titled War Cuts. The forward was written by then-Senator John Kerry. A full set of the original woodcut prints on which the book was based is on permanent display at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire, N.M. The sculptures and drawings he produced for the U.S. Army in his capacity with U.S. Army Combat Artist Team V are archived at the Smithsonian Institution. 

Immediately following his military service, Schol was hired as an assistant professor by the Art Department at then-North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. He is credited with founding the Photography program and teaching Studio Art courses. Forty-one years later, he retired as the associate dean of what had become the UNT School of Visual Arts and Design. His office was the one now occupied by Senior Associate Dean Eric Ligon. His primary studio pursuit was wood sculpture, always featuring his favorite Honduran mahogany as his preferred medium. He worked exclusively with hand-carving chisels, using many of the same techniques in the Middle Ages. He believed art could enhance the faith experience, and he often worked with church architects and parishes to help them achieve that goal. Schol leaves behind many liturgical sculptures commissioned by churches throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region and even as far away as Nigeria. He also leaves behind an international legacy of students and colleagues.  

His separate and equally prolific body of secular work often reflected on the philosophical conundrums of the ‘Everyman’ and allowed him to express his wry sense of humor. 

In addition to alumna Pamela Burnley-Schol of Argyle, Texas, he is survived by his son, Mark E. Schol and his wife, Sue Schol of Columbus, Texas; two grandchildren, Laney M. Schol and Tommy Schol and his wife, Kristin Nicole Schol; and one great-grandchild.

Photos courtesy of Pamela Burnley-Schol.