Flag Lowering for Donald Shult

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) flag will be lowered on Tuesday, March 23, in memory of retired UNO faculty member Donald (Don) Shult, Ph.D.

Don passed away on March 8, 2021 at the age of 91 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dona, as well as their children, Bob Schult, Kathy (Greg) Hagen, and Tom (Theresa) Shult, as well as grandchildren Andrew, Kristine, Nolan, and Don.

In his time at UNO, Don taught for the Department of Physics for 30 years until his retirement in 1991. He came to UNO following a degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, prior to which he had served as a non-combat officer in the Korean War.

Don received the UNO Excellence in Teaching Award in 1984 and was well regarded by both students and colleagues:

“He was a fine man and genuinely excellent teacher,” says Kevin L. Barton, a science technology specialist for the College of Arts and Sciences and former student of Don Shult’s. “He knew his students and kept detailed records of all.”

“I knew Don since 1984 when I came to Omaha for an interview,” says Wai-Ning Mei, professor in the Department of Physics. “Don was not at my presentation, yet he came after lunch and asked me if I would stay in Omaha if offered.”

“I remember Don Shult for his wry sense of humor and quick wit,” says Charles St. Lucas, an instructor in the Department of Physics. “The ‘Shult Effect,’ the tendency of leaves and snow to swirl around outside the South entrance to the Durham Science Center, was named after him. He will be missed.”

In keeping with Don’s love of science and teaching, he made arrangements for his body to be donated to further the education of the next generation of medical experts. Memorials in Don’s name can be made the UNO Physics Department Fund for Excellence.

The thoughts and condolences of the university community are with Don’s loved ones during this time.