Meadowlark Hills

Jim Shanteau

The truth is, you’re just as likely to find resident Jim Shanteau on K-State’s campus as Meadowlark’s. A longtime professor of psychology at the university, Jim teaches regularly, riding his bike to campus most days. In 2005, he earned the title of university distinguished professor, K-State’s highest faculty ranking, and served as president of K-State’s University Distinguished Professors Group for the 2007 to 2008 term.

Beyond his contributions to K-State, Jim is also actively involved in the Manhattan community. He’s played alto saxophone for 28 years with the Manhattan Municipal Band, and leads Woodwinds Anonymous, a small chamber ensemble that frequently performs at Meadowlark.

“Exercise and music has just always been a part of who I am,” he said.

Jim and his wife, Doreen, moved to Meadowlark in 2006, in great part because of the available health services. Doreen passed away in May 2008, but she was able to stay in their home prior to her death with the available in-home medical services on campus.

“She didn’t go into assisted living, but she did take advantage of the home health services as well as social services,” Jim said. “It was extremely convenient to have them so close, and we certainly wouldn’t have had that if we didn’t move here.”

Jim also appreciates having household maintenance taken care of by Meadowlark staff.

“Light bulb changing is done quickly and it’s so nice that they do that — my wife always said to take advantage of it. They do very nice lawn work for me, too” Shanteau said. His custom cottage plan included a patio off his kitchen, which has been a major source of enjoyment.

Traveling is another favorite pastime for Jim, with his work having taken him to several foreign countries over the years, including Canada, Scotland, Sweden and Italy. He and Doreen even joined Elderhostel, a program for people over age 55 who take international trips and bus tours. Jim enjoys the group, which includes informal classes, because it’s for “people who never stop learning.”