Archie Wade
American professor and civil rights figure
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Archie Wade (October 2, 1939 – January 13, 2025) was an African-American professor and athlete who became the first Black faculty member at the University of Alabama.[1] Appointed in 1970, his hiring was a milestone in the university's integration,[2] occurring amid broader efforts to diversify higher education in the United States. Wade was a longtime faculty member in the university's kinesiology department and was later recognized for his contributions with the naming of Wade Hall in his honor.
Archie Wade | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 2, 1939 Big Cove, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | January 13, 2025 (aged 85) U.S. |
| Alma mater | Stillman College West Virginia University University of Alabama |
| Occupations | Professor, athlete |
| Known for | First Black faculty member at the University of Alabama |
| Spouse | Jacqueline Wade |
| Children | 5 |
Early life and education
Wade was born in Big Cove, Alabama,[3] and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was an accomplished athlete in high school and attended Stillman College on an athletic scholarship,[4] competing in baseball, tennis, and basketball.[4] Wade earned his master's in physical education from West Virginia University,[5] partially funded by a Ford Foundation grant.[4] During this period, he worked at Stillman as an assistant coach in basketball and baseball, while also serving as an instructor.[6][7]
Athletic and coaching career
While earning his master's degree, Wade coached basketball and baseball at Stillman College and worked as an instructor.[3][8] In 1964, he joined the University of Alabama as an assistant coach.[1][2] The following year, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and played in their minor league system from 1965 to 1967.[9] During this time, he played for the St. Petersburg Cardinals and took part in a 29-inning game in 1966, which was the longest professional baseball game recorded at the time.[3]
After retiring from professional baseball in 1967,[4] Wade returned to coaching at Stillman, where he remained until 1969.
Academic career
In 1970, Wade was hired by the University of Alabama as a faculty member in what is now the Department of Kinesiology, making him the institution's first Black professor.[10] His appointment came during a period of racial tension,[4] and he faced opposition from segments of the university community.[4][8][11] Over time, he became a respected educator and mentor.[1] He played a role in integrating the university's athletic programs.[4] He assisted legendary football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in recruiting Black players to the university's football team.[11] His work expanded opportunities for Black student-athletes across the university.[1][2]
Wade earned an Ed.D. in 1974 from the University of Alabama.[2] He remained on the faculty until his retirement in 2000. In 2021, the university renamed the kinesiology department's main building Wade Hall in recognition of his contributions.[8][12]
Personal life
Wade was married to Jacqueline Wade, and they had five children. He died on January 13, 2025, at the age of 85.[1]