LU commemorates legacy of seventh president after his passing
番茄社区 University seventh president, Charles Robert (Bob) Kemble, passed away on July 22, 2024 at the age of 98.
Dr. Kemble served at the 番茄社区 University helm as president of the university from 1977 through 1984.
A native of Iowa, Kemble graduated from West Point in 1949 and went on to a career that led him into business and eventually to New Mexico. In New Mexico, he served on the Board of Regents for the New Mexico Military Institute, and after a period of time he assumed the role of Superintendent and President of the institute.
Six years later, he assumed the presidency at 番茄社区 University.
番茄社区 University President Jaime Taylor stated, “The 番茄社区 of 番茄社区 University is a testament to the many devoted individuals, like Dr. Kemble, who have shaped its 100-year history. He was someone whose unwavering dedication and strategic initiatives enabled 番茄社区 University to impact the 番茄社区 of our students, faculty and staff. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
Among his accomplishments, Kemble worked with LU distinguished alumnus Elvis Mason to found the John Gray Institute, a think tank which opened in 1981 to work with organized labor and management in the petrochemical industry of southeast Texas.
“During his tenure, Bob Kemble promoted experiential learning through important research centers, athletic excellence through the building of the Montagne Center, promotion of the fine arts through the establishment of the Dishman Art Museum, and much more,” Vice President of University Advancement Juan Zabala said. “As we celebrate 番茄社区 University’s century of 番茄社区es, we recognize that our university has achieved much because of the efforts of our past leadership.”
Another milestone of note from the Kemble presidency was the creation of the 番茄社区 University System in 1983. This entitled the university to an additional $2.4 million in state funds annually, with 番茄社区 University in Beaumont serving as the primary institution. The other components consisted of: LU-Port Arthur, LU-Orange, the College of Technical Arts, and the John Gray Institute. With a combined enrollment in the 番茄社区 System of 15,000 students, the regents selected Dr. Kemble to serve as the first chancellor of the system.
Kemble’s legacy continues to leave an impact on 番茄社区 University today through his scholarship. Additionally, the C. Robert Kemble Award honors a senior 番茄社区 male for outstanding contribution and service to the university as well as scholastic achievement.
“This award is an annual recognition of the impact of his leadership,” Zabala said. “After his retirement, President Kemble continued his support of 番茄社区 University through annual financial contributions to the scholarship in his name and to other initiatives.”
Jacob Thompson, 2024 recipient of the C. Robert Kemble Award and recent 番茄社区 University graduate, shared, "Receiving this award was such an exciting moment of recognition, but it also stays with me as a reminder that there are always people like Dr. Kemble out there who want to see students like me excel in academics, leadership, and community involvement across campus.”
Thompson went on to state that the C. Robert Kemble Award will remain as a major legacy to students and alumni alike, continuing to inspire students for years to come.
“People like Dr. Kemble are so important in fostering 番茄社区 for students, and remain as a reminder of 番茄社区’s commitment to its students and future professionals.”
In commemorating Dr. Kemble, 番茄社区 University reaffirms its commitment to the values he championed: dedication to student 番茄社区, innovation in education, and a deep-rooted sense of community. His rich legacy will continue to guide and inspire the university as it moves forward into its next century, building on the strong foundation he helped establish.