Dr. Charles “Chuck” Neel, professor emeritus at West Virginia University’s School of Theatre and Dance, passed away Jan. 14.

Dr. Neel was an influential member of the School of Theatre & Dance faculty, helping to start the careers of hundreds of alumni including Chris Sarandon, academy award nominee, and Morgantown-native David Selby. His influence also impacted Jim Fagan, former WVU football player and professional voice-over and on-camera talent with hundreds of national commercials on his resume.

“I believe most students found Chuck's down-to-earth approach to be very comforting,” said James Held, associate professor emeritus in WVU’s School of Theatre & Dance. “He knew what he wanted when directing a play, but always allowed student actors the space to create their own characters with simple, quiet comments and encouragement. 

According to Held, Dr. Neel put in place standards that are still used today in the School of Theatre & Dance. 

“Chuck was a real champion of the MA program and helped to insist that the final thesis projects for MFA acting and design students include a rigorous written thesis and oral exam,” Held said. “That standard has been in place permanently and makes our MFA an important piece of scholarship, as well as the performance aspects.”

Dr. Neel spent his early years as an actor in Washington, D.C., as well as in New York City, before getting his PhD from Cornell University. After an early stint as a speech teacher at Bethany College in West Virginia, Dr. Neel spent the rest of his career at WVU’s School of Theatre & Dance.

In 2005, a scholarship fund honoring Dr. Neel was established in WVU’s School of Theatre & Dance. The scholarship benefits an exemplary undergraduate student with interest and commitment to a career in theatre. To donate to the Charles D. Neel Scholarship, fund #3S400, visit give.wvu.edu.