The University of Alabama in Huntsville (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. “Bob” 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 – Oct. 22, 1943-May 28, 2024 – 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.
“I’ve had the honor of serving here at UAH for three years, so I did not know Dr. James,” said UAH President Dr. Charles L. Karr. “But over the course of the last month, I’ve 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.”
Before Lane shared examples of James’ impact, he admitted that “my brief remarks will not do complete justice to Bob’s 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.”
Dr. Robert E. “Bob” James left a bequest of more than $1 million to the UAH College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Michael Mercier | UAH
James “described effective teaching as performance art,” 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.
“During the time he is with [his students], they are the center of the universe,” wrote one of James’ graduate teaching assistants. “Their interests are the most pressing concern. I have seen his enthusiasm spread to the students again and again.”
“I am a better actor because of Dr. James,” wrote a former student who became a high school teacher. “Even more importantly, I am a better teacher because of him.”
James even won over an unenthusiastic theater appreciation student: “Dr. James instilled in each of us a new appreciation and love of theater that we may not have found otherwise.”
The larger Huntsville community also benefited from James’ 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.
“The lives of so many have been enriched by the passionate, generous spirit of Bob James,” Lane said. “We 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.”
Family, friends and students of James joined UAH officials at the dedication ceremony to remember the many ways he touched their lives.
“This is such a wonderful celebration, and I know Bob’s enjoying it from wherever he is,” said Dr. Carolyn Schroeder, a pioneer in the field of pediatric psychology. “He was my beloved cousin, and we really grew up together. He was more like a brother to me.”
She recalled that James showed his love of performing from an early age, and that passion never dimmed.
“Bob loved this university, and he loved the city of Huntsville,” Schroeder said. “He saw academia and performance, as Dr. Lane pointed out, as complementary. Bob said, ‘An effective teacher is an effective performer. He or she must provide the information in a way that gets it across to the student.’
“The 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’re so thankful for this recognition of his work.”
