Schnell, also an educator, taught and held administrative positions at Tougaloo College in Mississippi and Jackson State University (Mississippi).

Schnell is credited by Tougaloo College “with acquiring the majority of the African American Collection, with the first works being donated by artist Hale Woodruff after his 1943 visit to the campus.” Working in conjunction with famed historian, David Driskell, Schnell “acquired pieces by 19th century artists and championed the collection’s importance nationally.” Today, the college boasts one the most significant collections of art by African American artists in the country.

Schnell was a revered teacher and mentor. A 1964 New York Times article documented his visit to New York, via “two automobiles,” with fourteen students from Tougaloo College. They had arrived in the city to visit art museums and other cultural institutions. Further, the article added that “The college, with a predominantely Negro student body, is seeking to establish an art collection and art library. A special committee of writers and artists was recently established to seek funds.” Tougaloo honored Schnell’s leadership and dedication by naming a gallery in his honor.