Archie Wade, Stillman grad + first Black faculty member at University of Alabama, dies at 85

Dr. Archie Wade the first Black faculty member at the University of Alabama and a former Stillman College athlete + coach, has died. He was 85 years old.

Both schools announced the news Tuesday night with sentimental messages coming from UA President Stuart Bell and Stillman College Director of Athletics Terrance Whittle.

“Dr. Archie Wade’s passing is a profound loss for The University of Alabama. As UA’s first Black faculty member, his leadership and vision created opportunities that continue to benefit future generations. Through his 30 years in the Department of Kinesiology and his dedication to supporting students, student-athletes and colleagues, Dr. Wade profoundly shaped our campus and community. Wade Hall stands as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary legacy. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were inspired by his life and work.”

~ Dr. Stuart Bell

“It is with great sadness we learn Dr. Archie Wade has passed away. Dr. Wade was a shining light for all of Tuscaloosa, especially the West End community. He lived his life as a trailblazer in Tuscaloosa from being a multi-sport athlete and coach at Stillman College, to integrating Bryant-Denny Stadium as a fan, and then becoming the University of Alabama’s first Black faculty member and a dedicated educator for the University. A polished athlete, Archie Wade shined the most on the baseball diamond, becoming Stillman’s first player to be drafted by Major League Baseball and playing in the St. Louis Cardinals organization before returning to Stillman to coach basketball and baseball. Recently, Dr. Wade was selected unanimously for induction into the Stillman College Athletics Hall of Fame, in which he will be inducted posthumously on Feb. 7 this year. On behalf of Stillman College Athletics, we extend our condolences and prayers to the Wade family.”

~ Terrance Whittle, Stillman College Director of Athletics & Head Baseball Coach

Archie Wade’s lifetime of achievements

Wade, a native of the town of Big Cove, was a Stillman College graduate and athlete. After school, he coached basketball and baseball at his alma-mater, prior to playing professional baseball and earning his master’s degree at West Virginia University. 

Dr. Wade served at the University of Alabama between 1970 and 2000 as an associate professor emeritus of the department of kinesiology.

Wade was selected by then president of the university, Dr. David Matthews, becoming the first Black faculty member on campus. He was one of the founding members of the university’s Black Faculty and Staff Association.

But Wade had an impact on campus before being employed by the school.

In 1964, together with Joffree Whisenton and Nathaniel Howard, and at invitation of President Frank Rose, Wade integrated the football stadium on the UA campus at the Alabama vs. Georgia football game. The three were attacked at the game.

Wade spent two years as a recruiter for football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant while teaching and working on his doctorate degree at UA.

He was inducted into the College of Education Hall of Fame and the Kinesiology building on campus has been renamed Wade Hall.

In 2010, he was inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame for significant contributions to that institution beginning with organizing baseball and basketball leagues for African American youths during the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 2013, Dr. Wade was honored for this significant contribution to the institution with a ceremony within the series of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the university’s integration. 

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