Richard Donald Skinner was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on February 15, 1939. He grew up on a farm near Greenwood, Arkansas. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1957. That fall he began his studies in chemical engineering at the University of Arkansas, receiving his BS degree in 1962. That fall he began graduate school at Oklahoma State University. He received his MS degree in chemical engineering in 1964 and his PhD in 1967. While at OSU Richard married Sandra Sue Hadwiger. They have three daughters, four grandsons and one granddaughter. Richard began employment with Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville in November of 1966. He was involved in economic evaluations and experimental developments of chemical, plastic, and coal gasification processes and research in treatment processes for waste water and solid waste. He was environmental director of the Exploration and Production Department, director of process technology and director of process enhancements. Following twenty-eight years of service with Phillips in Bartlesville, Richard worked with a partner to develop a process for recovering energy and fertilizer from poultry litter. This development is ongoing. In retirement Richard enjoys spending time with his grandchildren. He particularly enjoys helping them with science fair projects and sports. He is one of their best fans at games!

Arkansas Academy of Chemical Engineers, 2008.