Dr. Benjamin B. Graves
Dr. Benjamin B. Graves (Eden) |
Dr. Benjamin B. Graves (Ward) |
First UAH President
Notes:
• Son of Thomas Cannon Graves and Velma Barnes Graves. - Ancestry.com
• Married: Hazeline Wood Graves (1919-1991). - Find A Grave
• Children:
Ben Graves Jr. of Jones County, Miss.
Janis Graves Black of Oxford, Miss.
Cynthia Graves Dent, Huntsville. - Find A Grave
• Education:
1942 Bachelor of Arts Degree, University of Mississippi.
1947 Master of Business Administration Degree, Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
1961 Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Economics, Louisiana State University.
"His principle fields of interest were management, finance, investments, marketing and communications." - Find A Grave
• Military Career and Service distinctions detailed at the "Find a Grave" site. - Find A Grave
• HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. OF ALABAMA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, September 21, 1999
Mr CRAMER: "Mr. Speakor. I rise today to pay tribute to an intellectual treasure of my district, Dr. Benjamin Graves of Huntsville, AL. Dr. Graves has excelled in all facets of academia. As a student, he cultivated a love of learning through his time at the University of Mississippi, Harvard University, University of Chicago and Louisiana State University. His 50-year career in industry and education includes professorships at Louisiana State University, University of Virginia, University of Mississippi, Pennsylvania State University, University of Alabama at Huntsville and University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He served as president of Millsaps College from 1964-1969 and the University of Alabama at Huntsville from 1969-1978. His distinguished reputation as an academian is supported by the presentation of approximately 300 of Dr. Graves' papers to various audiences over 15 states in the course of the last 20 years.
In honor of Dr. Graves' extraordinary service to the Huntsville community, he will be awarded the 1999 James Record Humanitarian Award by the Arthritis Foundation on September 21st. The description of the award 'given to a citizen devoted to promotion of human welfare as well as the advancement of social and cultural reform' illustrates the essence of this man.
Dr. Graves served his country in the U.S. Navy first on active duty from 1942-46 and then in the reserve from 1946-1955. On active duty during World War ll, he served as a supply officer aboard three naval ships in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. I believe this Congressional Record tribute is fitting for one who has given so much for both the defense of his nation and for the betterment of countless students across the Southeast.
His love of learning is infectious. Dr. Graves carried his intimate and unparalleled knowledge of higher education to other countries when he was selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities to be a part of a study team to China and Taiwan. In addition to his exceptional professional contributions to our area, Dr. Graves has given of himself, establishing scholarships at both Millsaps and UAH and serving In his church, First United Methodist of Huntsville as a lecturer and administrative board member.
Throughout his life, Dr. Graves has set a great example of how one person can make a huge difference in his community. I want to congratulate him on his well-deserved honor as the 1999 James Record Humanitarian Award and I want to commend him for his tireless efforts for the students of North Alabama." - Congressional Tribute
• "Benjamin Graves, then president of Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, was tapped as UAH's first president taking office on March 16, 1970, and serving until 1978. During his tenure, the school saw considerable expansion, including the construction of Spragins Hall (the school's first athletic facility) and campus housing. Graves also oversaw the creation of a nursing program and doctoral programs in engineering and physics. By the time he stepped down, the number of graduates per year had risen from 159 in 1969 to 589 in 1979." - Find A Grave
• UAH president 1970-1979
UAH faculty 1979-1989 - Find A Grave
• Editor's note: The book by Ward focuses entirely on the history of UAH. Dr. Graves was UAH's first president. Because their stories are so tightly entwined, it is difficult to extract or summarize Dr. Graves's roles and contributions. - Ward
• "Dr. Benjamin Barnes Graves, 86, former president of Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., and first president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, died Oct. 19.
Services were held Oct. 22 at First United Methodist Church in Huntsville with the Reverend Don Cross and the Rev. Coy Hallmark officiating. Burial was at Maple Hill Cemetery. Laughlin Service Funeral Home handled arrangements.
Dr. Graves was the father of Janis Black, wife of the Rev. Warren Black, pastor of Oxford-University United Methodist Church in Oxford, Miss.
Dr. Graves was born in Jones County, Miss., the son of Thomas Cannon Graves and Velma Barnes Graves. He graduated in 1942 from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1947 earned a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. In 1961, he earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in economics from LSU. Dr. Graves served four years in the United States Navy and 11 years thereafter in the Navy Reserve, resigning his commission in 1955 as a lieutenant commander.
Dr. Graves was employed by the Exxon Corp. from 1947 to 1960 in Baton Rouge and New York City.
He was an associate professor at the University of Virginia from 1962 to 1964. He was a professor, holding the Miller Chair of Industrial Economics, at the University of Mississippi in 1964. He was a professor of business administration at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1971 to 1999.
He served as president of Millsaps College from 1964 to 1970 and president at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1969 to 1978.
Dr. Graves, a lifelong United Methodist, was a member of First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. He was also active in the Rotary Club and the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Alumni Association. He was honored as the Alumnus of the Year, Jones Junior College in Ellisville, Miss., in 1965. He received numerous other academic and civic honors.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazeline Wood Graves; brother, Tom Graves, and sister, June Graves.
Other survivors include: son, Ben Graves Jr. of Jones County, Miss., daughter, Cynthia Graves Dent of Huntsville; sisters, Jamye Simms and Ann Rose, both of Jones County; and six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to: The Graves-Black Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, Office of Institutional Advancement, Millsaps College, 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210; The Benjamin and Hazeline Graves Scholarship Fund, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Shelbie King Hall Room 310, Huntsville, AL 35899; The First United Methodist Church, 120 Greene Street, Huntsville, AL 35801." - UMC, Obituary
• "Dr. Benjamin Barnes Graves, 86, of Huntsville, Ala., died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church in Huntsville with burial at Maple Hill Cemetery. Revs. Don Cross and Coy Hallmark will officiate.
He was the former President of Millsaps College, and first President of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
He was born in Jones County, the son of Thomas Cannon Graves and Velma Barnes Graves. He graduated in 1942 from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1947 earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. In 1961, he earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in economics from Louisiana State University. His principle fields of interest were management, finance, investments, marketing and communications.
He served four years in the United States Navy and 11 years thereafter in the Navy Reserve, resigning his commission in 1955 as a Lieutenant Commander.
He was employed by the Exxon Corporation from 1947 to 1960 in Baton Rouge, La., and New York, N.Y.
He was an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia from 1962 to 1964. He was a professor, holding the Miller Chair of Industrial Economics, at the University of Mississippi in 1964. He was a Professor of Business Administration at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1971 to 1999.
His career in education administration began as a middle school principle and teacher from 1939 to 1941. He served as President of Millsaps College from 1964 to 1970 and President at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1969 to 1978.
A lifelong United Methodist, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. He was also active in the Rotary Club and the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Alumni Association.
He was honored as the Alumnus of the Year, Jones Junior College, in 1965. He was one of the first college and university presidents selected to visit the People's Republic of China in April, 1975 and the Republic of China (Taiwan) in October, 1976. He was named 'First University Professor' of the University of Alabama in Huntsville on Sept. 1, 1973. In 1984, he received the University of Alabama in Huntsville Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award. In 1999, he received the Madison County Arthritis Foundation's James Record Humanitarian Award for his civic work. In 2001, he was awarded the Rotary Vocational Excellence Award.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazeline Wood Graves in 1991; brother, Tom Graves, and sister, June Graves.
Survivors include sisters, Jamye Simms and Ann Rose, both of Jones County; children, Ben Graves Jr. of Jones County, Janis Graves Black of Oxford, and Cynthia Graves Dent of Huntsville, Ala.; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Warren Black, both of Nashville, Tenn., Leigh Najor, of Brewton, Ala., Jayme James of Montgomery, Ala., and Christie, William, and Hayley Dent, all of Huntsville, Ala., and great-grandchildren, Jake and Kate Najor.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. today at Laughlin Service Funeral Home and from noon until 1:40 p.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. Laughlin Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements." - Laurel Leader-Call
Related Links:
The Following Pages Link to this Page:
• Eden
| Nickname: | Ben |
| Born: | November 5, 1920, Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi |
| Died: | October 19, 2007, Huntsville, Alabama |
| Buried: | Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, Alabama |
Notes:
• Son of Thomas Cannon Graves and Velma Barnes Graves. - Ancestry.com
• Married: Hazeline Wood Graves (1919-1991). - Find A Grave
• Children:
Ben Graves Jr. of Jones County, Miss.
Janis Graves Black of Oxford, Miss.
Cynthia Graves Dent, Huntsville. - Find A Grave
• Education:
1942 Bachelor of Arts Degree, University of Mississippi.
1947 Master of Business Administration Degree, Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.
1961 Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Economics, Louisiana State University.
"His principle fields of interest were management, finance, investments, marketing and communications." - Find A Grave
• Military Career and Service distinctions detailed at the "Find a Grave" site. - Find A Grave
• HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. OF ALABAMA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, September 21, 1999
Mr CRAMER: "Mr. Speakor. I rise today to pay tribute to an intellectual treasure of my district, Dr. Benjamin Graves of Huntsville, AL. Dr. Graves has excelled in all facets of academia. As a student, he cultivated a love of learning through his time at the University of Mississippi, Harvard University, University of Chicago and Louisiana State University. His 50-year career in industry and education includes professorships at Louisiana State University, University of Virginia, University of Mississippi, Pennsylvania State University, University of Alabama at Huntsville and University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He served as president of Millsaps College from 1964-1969 and the University of Alabama at Huntsville from 1969-1978. His distinguished reputation as an academian is supported by the presentation of approximately 300 of Dr. Graves' papers to various audiences over 15 states in the course of the last 20 years.
In honor of Dr. Graves' extraordinary service to the Huntsville community, he will be awarded the 1999 James Record Humanitarian Award by the Arthritis Foundation on September 21st. The description of the award 'given to a citizen devoted to promotion of human welfare as well as the advancement of social and cultural reform' illustrates the essence of this man.
Dr. Graves served his country in the U.S. Navy first on active duty from 1942-46 and then in the reserve from 1946-1955. On active duty during World War ll, he served as a supply officer aboard three naval ships in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. I believe this Congressional Record tribute is fitting for one who has given so much for both the defense of his nation and for the betterment of countless students across the Southeast.
His love of learning is infectious. Dr. Graves carried his intimate and unparalleled knowledge of higher education to other countries when he was selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities to be a part of a study team to China and Taiwan. In addition to his exceptional professional contributions to our area, Dr. Graves has given of himself, establishing scholarships at both Millsaps and UAH and serving In his church, First United Methodist of Huntsville as a lecturer and administrative board member.
Throughout his life, Dr. Graves has set a great example of how one person can make a huge difference in his community. I want to congratulate him on his well-deserved honor as the 1999 James Record Humanitarian Award and I want to commend him for his tireless efforts for the students of North Alabama." - Congressional Tribute
• "Benjamin Graves, then president of Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, was tapped as UAH's first president taking office on March 16, 1970, and serving until 1978. During his tenure, the school saw considerable expansion, including the construction of Spragins Hall (the school's first athletic facility) and campus housing. Graves also oversaw the creation of a nursing program and doctoral programs in engineering and physics. By the time he stepped down, the number of graduates per year had risen from 159 in 1969 to 589 in 1979." - Find A Grave
• UAH president 1970-1979
UAH faculty 1979-1989 - Find A Grave
• Editor's note: The book by Ward focuses entirely on the history of UAH. Dr. Graves was UAH's first president. Because their stories are so tightly entwined, it is difficult to extract or summarize Dr. Graves's roles and contributions. - Ward
• "Dr. Benjamin Barnes Graves, 86, former president of Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., and first president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, died Oct. 19.
Services were held Oct. 22 at First United Methodist Church in Huntsville with the Reverend Don Cross and the Rev. Coy Hallmark officiating. Burial was at Maple Hill Cemetery. Laughlin Service Funeral Home handled arrangements.
Dr. Graves was the father of Janis Black, wife of the Rev. Warren Black, pastor of Oxford-University United Methodist Church in Oxford, Miss.
Dr. Graves was born in Jones County, Miss., the son of Thomas Cannon Graves and Velma Barnes Graves. He graduated in 1942 from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1947 earned a Master of Business Administration from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. In 1961, he earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in economics from LSU. Dr. Graves served four years in the United States Navy and 11 years thereafter in the Navy Reserve, resigning his commission in 1955 as a lieutenant commander.
Dr. Graves was employed by the Exxon Corp. from 1947 to 1960 in Baton Rouge and New York City.
He was an associate professor at the University of Virginia from 1962 to 1964. He was a professor, holding the Miller Chair of Industrial Economics, at the University of Mississippi in 1964. He was a professor of business administration at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1971 to 1999.
He served as president of Millsaps College from 1964 to 1970 and president at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1969 to 1978.
Dr. Graves, a lifelong United Methodist, was a member of First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. He was also active in the Rotary Club and the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Alumni Association. He was honored as the Alumnus of the Year, Jones Junior College in Ellisville, Miss., in 1965. He received numerous other academic and civic honors.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazeline Wood Graves; brother, Tom Graves, and sister, June Graves.
Other survivors include: son, Ben Graves Jr. of Jones County, Miss., daughter, Cynthia Graves Dent of Huntsville; sisters, Jamye Simms and Ann Rose, both of Jones County; and six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to: The Graves-Black Family Endowed Scholarship Fund, Office of Institutional Advancement, Millsaps College, 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210; The Benjamin and Hazeline Graves Scholarship Fund, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Shelbie King Hall Room 310, Huntsville, AL 35899; The First United Methodist Church, 120 Greene Street, Huntsville, AL 35801." - UMC, Obituary
• "Dr. Benjamin Barnes Graves, 86, of Huntsville, Ala., died Friday, Oct. 19, 2007.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church in Huntsville with burial at Maple Hill Cemetery. Revs. Don Cross and Coy Hallmark will officiate.
He was the former President of Millsaps College, and first President of the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
He was born in Jones County, the son of Thomas Cannon Graves and Velma Barnes Graves. He graduated in 1942 from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1947 earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. In 1961, he earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in economics from Louisiana State University. His principle fields of interest were management, finance, investments, marketing and communications.
He served four years in the United States Navy and 11 years thereafter in the Navy Reserve, resigning his commission in 1955 as a Lieutenant Commander.
He was employed by the Exxon Corporation from 1947 to 1960 in Baton Rouge, La., and New York, N.Y.
He was an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia from 1962 to 1964. He was a professor, holding the Miller Chair of Industrial Economics, at the University of Mississippi in 1964. He was a Professor of Business Administration at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1971 to 1999.
His career in education administration began as a middle school principle and teacher from 1939 to 1941. He served as President of Millsaps College from 1964 to 1970 and President at the University of Alabama in Huntsville from 1969 to 1978.
A lifelong United Methodist, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. He was also active in the Rotary Club and the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Alumni Association.
He was honored as the Alumnus of the Year, Jones Junior College, in 1965. He was one of the first college and university presidents selected to visit the People's Republic of China in April, 1975 and the Republic of China (Taiwan) in October, 1976. He was named 'First University Professor' of the University of Alabama in Huntsville on Sept. 1, 1973. In 1984, he received the University of Alabama in Huntsville Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award. In 1999, he received the Madison County Arthritis Foundation's James Record Humanitarian Award for his civic work. In 2001, he was awarded the Rotary Vocational Excellence Award.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazeline Wood Graves in 1991; brother, Tom Graves, and sister, June Graves.
Survivors include sisters, Jamye Simms and Ann Rose, both of Jones County; children, Ben Graves Jr. of Jones County, Janis Graves Black of Oxford, and Cynthia Graves Dent of Huntsville, Ala.; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Warren Black, both of Nashville, Tenn., Leigh Najor, of Brewton, Ala., Jayme James of Montgomery, Ala., and Christie, William, and Hayley Dent, all of Huntsville, Ala., and great-grandchildren, Jake and Kate Najor.
Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. today at Laughlin Service Funeral Home and from noon until 1:40 p.m. Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Huntsville. Laughlin Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements." - Laurel Leader-Call
Related Links:
• Ancestry.com - Page owned by TempleWatson42 and can be viewed only with an Ancestry.com paid subscription and permission of the owner. (Originally found at http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/56807929/person/48013681795.)
• Congressional Tribute - Proceedings and Debates of the 106th Congress, First Session Vol. 145 Part 15, by Hon. Robert E. (Bud) Cramer in the House of Representatives, September 21, 1999.
• Eden - Eden of the South: A Chronology of Huntsville, Alabama, 1805-2005, by Raneé G. Pruitt, Editor, 2005, page 210.
• Encyclopedia of Alabama - UAH History
• Find A Grave - Page created by Trusvan.
• Laurel Leader-Call - Laurel Leader-Call, Obituary, Sunday, October 21, 2007. Originally found on Ancestry.com, but no longer available.
• UMC, Obituary - Obituary from the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church, 11/7/2007.
• Ward - Shaping History: The University of Alabama Huntsville Foundation, by Michael D. Ward, 2008, pages I, 93, 95 (Photo), 111-128, 130, 131, 132, 138, 164, 165, 166, 170, 252, 253.
The Following Pages Link to this Page:
• Eden