Ray Skinner

Professor Skinner was a theoretical physicist best known for his work on relativity. His books on relativity are still available in Dover reprints. During his career at the University (1954 - 1988), his greatest contribution to the institution and the Physics department was his dedication to teaching and to motivating the students. He gave students liberally of his time, frequently providing additional help on Saturday mornings. He counselled students about their problems, progress in courses (including those taught by other professors), and helped to solve personal problems. Besides being a task master, he was also a compassionate man who could stimulate both gifted and less talented students. He could explain very abstract and difficult subjects in simple and clear terms. Throughout his career, he was a dedicated academic with concern for the quality of education at the University. His courses were always demanding but extremely rewarding as well. Professor Ray Skinner passed away in 1988.