Leo Jackson “Jack” Malone Jr., Ph.D., a former professor and assistant dean at Saint Louis University, passed away on April 22, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on July 24, 1938, in Wichita, Kansas, Malone remained in his hometown to pursue higher education. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1960 and his master’s degree in 1962 from the University of Wichita. During this time, he worked as a research assistant at Los Alamos Scientific Lab in New Mexico.
Malone continued his academic journey at the University of Michigan, where he earned a doctorate in chemistry in 1964 and was named a NASA fellow. His teaching career began as a teaching fellow at both Wichita and Michigan.
In February 1965, Malone joined Saint Louis University’s faculty as an assistant professor in the chemistry department. Over the next four decades until his retirement in 2005, he advanced through various academic ranks to become a full professor by 1973. His teaching focus included general and inorganic chemistry.
Beyond teaching, Malone served as Assistant Dean of the Graduate School from 1968 to 1971 and briefly acted as the school’s dean. He participated actively in university governance through several committees such as the Curriculum Review Committee and the University Budget Committee. Additionally, he presided over the Inaugural Committee for SLU’s President Lawrence Biondi.
Malone’s professional affiliations included membership with the American Chemical Society where he served as Program Chairman and treasurer. He also belonged to organizations like the New York Academy of Science and the American Association of University Professors. In recognition of his contributions to academia, he became a Danforth Associate in 1968.
He authored numerous publications including “Basic Concepts of Chemistry,” an introductory textbook for college-level and AP high school students that saw nine editions.
