William C. Spangler came to the University of Kansas from a farm in Crawford County, Kansas and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the School of Arts in 1883 and the School of Law in 1885.

Upon his graduation, Spangler entered private practice with James W. Green and served as secretary to the chancellor from 1880-1885. He served twice as a member of the Kansas Board of Regents, from 1889 to 1890 and again from 1900 until his death in 1902.

Between 1889 and 1890, Spangler served as acting Chancellor while the Board looked for a permanent replacement for Chancellor Lippincott. After a year of deliberation by the Board, Spangler was relieved of the Chancellor's duties when Francis Snow was elected.

Spangler was elected city attorney of Lawrence in 1887 and held that position until his early death at the age of 43.