草榴社区 (UAH) honored the memory of an influential former professor with the dedication of the Robert E. James Black Box Theatre on Nov. 8 in the Morton Hall Atrium on the UAH campus. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System (UAS).
The event celebrated the life of Dr. Robert E. 鈥淏ob鈥� James, his many contributions to UAH and the surrounding community, and his generous gift to the UAH College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, said Dr. Sean Lane, dean of the college.
Bob James 鈥� Oct. 22, 1943-May 28, 2024 鈥� left a bequest to the college valued at more than $1 million. This gift will be used to support the college and the UAH Theatre program.
James was a member of the UAH faculty from 1971 until his retirement in 2000. As chair and associate professor in the Department of Psychology, acting chair of the Department of Communication Arts and founder of University Playhouse, which produced theater on campus in the 1980s and 1990s, he left an indelible mark on the university and a wealth of cherished memories among his students and colleagues.
鈥淚鈥檝e had the honor of serving here at UAH for three years, so I did not know Dr. James,鈥� said UAH President Dr. Charles L. Karr. 鈥淏ut over the course of the last month, I鈥檝e heard story after story after story. I think all of us would feel privileged if we had just one chance at having as huge an impact on people as he had.鈥�
Before Lane shared examples of James鈥� impact, he admitted that 鈥渕y brief remarks will not do complete justice to Bob鈥檚 legacy. Bob was a true citizen of the university, and he contributed his time and expertise freely to students, faculty, staff and the institution as a whole.鈥�
Dr. Robert E. 鈥淏ob鈥� James left a bequest of more than $1 million to the UAH College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Michael Mercier | UAH
James 鈥渄escribed effective teaching as performance art,鈥� Lane noted. The 1999 UAH Foundation Distinguished Teaching Award honored the success of James and his method. Lane read some of the recommendations for the award.
鈥淒uring the time he is with [his students], they are the center of the universe,鈥� wrote one of James鈥� graduate teaching assistants. 鈥淭heir interests are the most pressing concern. I have seen his enthusiasm spread to the students again and again.鈥�
鈥淚 am a better actor because of Dr. James,鈥� wrote a former student who became a high school teacher. 鈥淓ven more importantly, I am a better teacher because of him.鈥�
James even won over an unenthusiastic theater appreciation student: 鈥淒r. James instilled in each of us a new appreciation and love of theater that we may not have found otherwise.鈥�
The larger Huntsville community also benefited from James鈥� love of theater and the arts. Along with directing and performing in dozens of local productions, he served in a variety of roles with such cultural organizations as Huntsville Little Theatre, Huntsville Community Chorus, Huntsville Literary Association, Weeden House Museum, Twickenham Repertory Company and Fantasy Playhouse.
Standing out among the kudos James received from the community was the 1988 Virginia Hammill Simms Memorial Award, a prestigious recognition established by the Community Ballet Association to honor volunteers for their contributions to the arts.
鈥淭he lives of so many have been enriched by the passionate, generous spirit of Bob James,鈥� Lane said. 鈥淲e appreciate the trust Bob placed in us with his gift, and we will work to ensure his legacy continues in ways that do justice to his remarkable life.鈥�
Family, friends and students of James joined UAH officials at the dedication ceremony to remember the many ways he touched their lives.
鈥淭his is such a wonderful celebration, and I know Bob鈥檚 enjoying it from wherever he is,鈥� said Dr. Carolyn Schroeder, a pioneer in the field of pediatric psychology. 鈥淗e was my beloved cousin, and we really grew up together. He was more like a brother to me.鈥�
She recalled that James showed his love of performing from an early age, and that passion never dimmed.
鈥淏ob loved this university, and he loved the city of Huntsville,鈥� Schroeder said. 鈥淗e saw academia and performance, as Dr. Lane pointed out, as complementary. Bob said, 鈥楢n effective teacher is an effective performer. He or she must provide the information in a way that gets it across to the student.鈥�
鈥淭he naming of this theater after Bob is greatly appreciated. It really speaks to the work he did here. He provided energy and enthusiasm for students, both in theater and psychology. We鈥檙e so thankful for this recognition of his work.鈥�