URGENT UPDATE: Renowned historian and beloved professor emeritus, Robert “Bob” McColley, has passed away at the age of 92, leaving a profound legacy at the University of Illinois. His family confirmed he died peacefully at home just before Christmas, surrounded by loved ones.
In the wake of his passing, daughter Carolyn Burguera shared heartfelt reflections on her father’s character, stating, “He was such a kind person. He just never had a bad word to say about anybody.” Many remember Mr. McColley not only for his scholarly impact but also for his unique sense of humor that endeared him to family and students alike.
Mr. McColley’s contributions to history are vast. He served as president of the Illinois State Historical Society, edited the Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, and authored several groundbreaking books, including the influential 1964 publication, “Slavery and Jeffersonian Virginia.” This work challenged prevailing notions about slavery in Virginia, marking a critical point in historical scholarship.
Born in Salina, Kansas, Mr. McColley experienced a nomadic childhood during the Great Depression before settling in Washington, D.C. His academic journey led him to the University of Illinois in 1960, after earning degrees from Harvard and Cal-Berkeley. Throughout his tenure, he mentored countless students, including notable scholar Don Hickey, who credited McColley with guiding him through his doctoral thesis and nurturing his writing skills.
Hickey recalled, “He asked me, ‘Are you ready to write?’ It was a great question, because I was ready to write so I could put enough together for the dissertation.” McColley’s mentorship extended beyond Hickey, inspiring many young historians like Douglas Egerton, who noted, “He took a whole bunch of us under his wing and gave us all kinds of professional advice.”
As tributes pour in, many are echoing the sentiment, “Be like Bob,” a phrase now adopted by scholars seeking to emulate his welcoming spirit. Egerton stated, “When I go to conferences now, I try to think ‘be like Bob’…because that was just the welcoming guy he was.”
The profound impact Mr. McColley had on his students and colleagues will be felt for generations. His family and friends are remembering him as a source of joy, humor, and kindness right to the end of his life, with daughter Teresa “Sid” McColley recalling his playful phrases that brought laughter to their home.
As the academic community mourns this loss, they also celebrate the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to education and mentorship. The call to “be like Bob” will resonate in the hearts of many, reinforcing the values of kindness and support in academia.
Stay tuned as more tributes and reflections on Mr. McColley’s life and impact continue to emerge in the coming days.
