 He then moved to Wichita State University where he was the Curtis D. Gridley Professor in the History and Philosophy of Science.Shanks served a term as President (2008–09) of the Southwest and Rocky Mountain Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science; He was vice-president and board member of Americans For Medical Advancement for ten years; and an honorary board member of Internet Infidels.In 1993 he served a term as President of the Tennessee Philosophical Association.