Charlotte, N.C./Sept. 4, 2021–The Ƶ family is saddened by the death ofDr.Robert L. Albright,whoservedas11thPresidentfrom 1983-1994. Albrightpassed onSept. 18, 2021.
“I send condolences toDr.Albright’s family on behalf of the University and thosewhowere touched byhisleadership,” saidPresidentClarence D. Armbrister. “JCSU experienced explosive growth duringDr.Albright’s administration. He was intentional aboutbuildingthe University’s brandasCharlotte’s HBCU and cultivated relationships with thecity’s business and civic leadersthatcontinue to pay dividends to Ƶ.”
Albright expanded the expertise at JCSU, increasing thepercentageof faculty withdoctoraldegreesfrom 33%to 75%. He improved academic rigor for students by requiringthemto write aseniorthesis andpassa competency test tograduate.In1990, the Robert L. Albright HonorsCollegeCenter was built to recruit outstanding studentswitha commitment to academic excellence and community service.
Albright understood the importance of good town-gown relations and the connectionbetweenthe community and the University. He fostered mutually beneficial relationships with theBlackcommunities on Charlotte’swestside and with corporate executives in the boardrooms uptown.
He envisioned the Universityasthe beating heart of Charlotte’swestside and reached out to community activists,offeringnon-credit continuing education courses, often for free, to help citizens of thewestside develop new skills. Albright also reached out to developers and pushed for efforts to revitalize the neighborhoods around the University. He listened to the community and fought for whattheywanted.
Albright’s commitment to academic rigor, community engagement and building JCSU’s reputation has continued to guide the strategic work of the Board of Trustees, said Shirley J. Hughes, chair of the board. “Dr. Albright was respected for the work he did to elevate academic standards at the university,” Hughes said. “He was ahead of his time with his vision for revitalizing Charlotte’s west side and his determination to make JCSU a driving force in improving the quality of life for west side residents. I’m proud that the Board of Trustees and the presidents who followed him have worked hard to make his vision for the west side a reality.”
Under his leadership, the University began a $50 million fundraising campaign that secured over $34 million in the first 20 months. In addition to the Honors College Center, the Faculty House (1991) and the Edward E. Crutchfield Center for Integrated Studies (1993) were constructed during his presidency.
Armbrister said JCSUwillcontinue to honorDr.Albright’s legacy. “The JCSU family is immensely grateful forDr.Albright’s contributions to advancing the University and proud ofhisaccomplishments duringhispresidentialtenure. I am honored to stand onhisshoulders.”
Albright, a Philadelphia native, received his bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University (PA), his master’s degree from Tufts University and his doctorate from Kent State University.
A private memorial service was held on Sept. 23 in McDonough, Ga. Final services will be provided by:
Beckett-Brown & Hodges Funeral Home
5618 Baynton St.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Winnifred E. and William H. Bannister Scholarship Endowment at Ƶ. You mayclick hereto donate.
Pleaseto post tributes to Dr. Albright and condolence messages for his family.
