LU commemorates legacy of seventh president after his passing

Lamar University seventh president, Charles Robert (Bob) Kemble, passed away on July 22, 2024 at the age of 98.

Dr. Kemble served at the Lamar 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 Lamar University. 

Lamar University President Jaime Taylor stated, “The success of Lamar 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 Lamar University to impact the success 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 Lamar University’s century of successes, 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 Lamar University System in 1983. This entitled the university to an additional $2.4 million in state funds annually, with Lamar 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 Lamar 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 Lamar University today through his scholarship. Additionally, the C. Robert Kemble Award honors a senior Lamar 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 Lamar 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 Lamar 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 success for students, and remain as a reminder of Lamar’s commitment to its students and future professionals.”

In commemorating Dr. Kemble, Lamar University reaffirms its commitment to the values he championed: dedication to student success, 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.