Hale passes away after 35 years at ULM
Harry Hale made an impression on every student that stepped into his classroom.
After 35 years as a professor at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the beloved Sociology professor passed away Sunday, March 13.
Although he finished his Ph.D. as a Tennessee Volunteer, he eventually became a loyal Warhawk. His love for the university was shown through his actions and attitude.
Anyone who has ever sat through a semester can attest that inside that retro sports coat was a little old man full of knowledge, patience and willingness to help.
Rozanne Bower, a senior political science major, feels honored to have taken one of Hale’s classes.
“I know he was devoted to his students, loved to teach and genuinely cared that we learned,” said Bower.
Hale loved what he taught and knew how students would benefit after college by understanding social science research.
He always encouraged students to really absorb material rather than memorize for a test.
Even if a student didn’t do well, Hale was still equally friendly and helpful.
He would often liven the classroom by making jokes about saving seats the following semester for truant students.
Like lecturing from a chalkboard or independent of technology, Hale’s methods, like his sports coats, may seem outdated, but they were tried and true.
Katie Sanford, a 2010 ULM alumnus of accounting, became very close to Hale as a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, the honor society he sponsored.
She drove in from Shreveport for his visitation last Wednesday, remarking that the drive was worth it because of her admiration for her former sponsor.
“Dr. Hale made an impact through his teaching inside the classroom and his mentorship outside.”
J.B. Watson, Jr. • Nov 17, 2011 at 10:18 am
Charles, thanks for the well-written piece on Dr. Hale. He was my undergrad mentor at ULM (then NLU ) during my years there (’74-76). He is the reason that I also became a professor (now at SFASU). Your article captured the essence of his impact on recent ULM grads, but his impact has also left a legacy across several generations of ULM students. I was also influenced by his humility & Christian statesmanship. The Dag Hammarskjöld quote, “The road to holiness must pass through the world of action” exemplified his life. He befriended students from all walks of life & treated them with uncommon equity & care. He can be a role model for all of us, regardless of our chosen life’s work.
JBWJR (ULM ’76)