In Memoriam: Karen Faye Steckol (1949-2011)

Karen F. Steckol, professor of communicative disorders at the University of Alabama, has died after a three-year battle with cancer. She was 62 years old.

Dr. Steckol was a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Indiana University and a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in speech pathology from what is now the University of Memphis.

Dr. Steckol came to the University of Alabama in 2003 after serving as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cleveland State University. At the University of Alabama, she chaired the department of communicative disorders and served as clinical director of the university’s Speech and Hearing Center. She also served for three, one-year terms as president of the Faculty Senate.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Steckol taught at Saint Louis University, Spalding University, and the University of Louisville. She also served as dean of the School of Applied Science and Education at Buffalo State College.