AL SJR14

Dr. Archie L. Wade died on January 13, 2025, at age 85, leaving a void in his family, friends, and the University of Alabama community.

Wade was a Tuscaloosa native who earned a Bachelor of Science from Stillman College in 1961 and later earned a master's degree from West Virginia University and doctorate from the University of Alabama in 1974.

Wade broke racial barriers by helping desegregate Denny Stadium on September 19, 1964, and became the first African American faculty member at the University of Alabama when he joined the Department of Kinesiology in 1970.

Wade had a notable athletic career, being recruited by legendary coach Sparky Anderson and participating in a record-breaking 29-inning game in 1966 with a .338 batting average in the Class A Florida League.

Wade served at the University of Alabama until his 2000 retirement, was inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame in 2010, had Wade Hall named in his honor in 2021, and was inducted into the College of Education Hall of Fame in 2015.