Walter T. Schrenk

Walter T. Schrenk (1891–1979) was a Professor of Chemical Engineering and served as the Third Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy). He joined the institution in 1923, retiring in 1961 after 38 years of service. Schrenk held academic ranks from Assistant Professor (1923) to Professor (1929) and chaired the department from 1928 to 1956. The Chemistry Building, later renamed Schrenk Hall in his honor, symbolizes his legacy.

• B.S. Chemistry, Monmouth College (1915)
• M.S. Chemistry, University of Wisconsin (1919)
• Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Wisconsin (1922)

His research interests spanned chemical engineering and industrial chemistry, with contributions to mining technology through his consultancy roles with the Missouri Mining Experiment Station (1929–1961) and the Mississippi Valley Research Station (1929–1946). Schrenk was actively involved in professional organizations, serving as National President of Alpha Chi Sigma (1954–1956) and a founding member of the Order of the Golden Shillelagh (1977).

He received notable recognitions, including a 50-Year Certificate and Life Membership from the American Chemical Society (1967). Posthumously, he was inducted into the Academy in 1998.