UA trailblazer and professor Archie Wade dies at 85

Dr. Archie Wade, the first Black University of Alabama professor who helped set the course for racial equality at the University, died on Jan. 13 at the age of 85. Wade, associate professor emeritus of the UA Department of Kinesiology, was a historic trailblazer at the Capstone, instrumental in both the integration of sports and education on campus. He served UA for 30 years.

“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,” UA President Dr. Stuart R. Bell said in a statement. “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.”

Born in Big Cove, Alabama, in 1939, Wade attended Stillman College, where he played baseball and coached baseball and basketball before going on to play professional baseball and earn his master’s degree at West Virginia University.

Wade was a highly skilled athlete, known by some as “the University of Alabama’s Jackie Robinson.” He played for legendary baseball coach Sparky Anderson as a minor league player and was a starter in a record-breaking, 29-inning game in 1966. That same year, he led the Class A Florida League with a .338 batting average. 

In 1964, he, Joffree Whisenton and Nathaniel Howard were given tickets to the Alabama vs. Georgia football game by President Frank Rose with the goal of desegregating Bryant-Denny Stadium. Together, the three men accomplished exactly that.

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.”
— President Stuart Bell

Wade spent two years as a recruiter for legendary Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant while teaching and working on his doctorate degree at UA. During this time, the Tide began recruiting Black players, breaking yet another racial barrier at the Capstone. Though he had a storied career in athletics, it is Wade’s role as a pioneer, a professor and a mentor that he and others cherish most.

Selected by then-UA president Dr. David Matthews, Wade became the first Black faculty member on campus when he joined the Department of Kinesiology in 1970. This was a key contribution to the College of Education as well as the University as he successfully integrated the professoriate, paving the way for other Black faculty members to join the Capstone.

Wade earned his doctorate from UA in 1974, and in 1975, he was one of the founding members of the University’s Black Faculty and Staff Association. He continued his career at the Capstone until his retirement in 2000.

The YMCA inducted Wade into their hall of fame In 2010 for his significant contributions to the institution, beginning with organizing baseball and basketball leagues for Black youths during the late 1950s and early ’60s.

In 2013, Dr. Wade was honored by UA with a ceremony and a plaque within the series of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the University’s integration. That plaque is located in what is now Wade Hall, named in his honor in 2021, and the home of the Department of Kinesiology. Wade was also inducted into the College of Education Hall of Fame in 2015.

Wade has been described as courageous and resilient as well as gentle, refined and gracious. The way he spoke to his students, dealt with colleagues and interacted with the public spoke volumes of his love for humanity and his attitude of services. Dr. Wade will forever be remembered as a gentleman, an athlete, and a trailblazer.