Dean, researcher, speaker, program chair, professor. 

James O. Hammons dedicated more than 50 years to guiding students and advancing the field of higher education.

Hammons, who passed away July 4, 2025, was integral to the College of Education and Health Professions' Higher Education program from his arrival on campus in 1976 until his retirement in 2017.

He worked for years with Dean Kate Mamiseishvili, a fellow faculty member in the program.

"His contributions to the higher education program were immense," she said. "He was the pillar of the program for over 40 years. He could spend hours discussing strategic planning, faculty evaluations and teaching excellence. He never got tired of learning, researching, writing, coaching and mentoring, even after retirement. 

"I've learned a lot from him over the years, and I will miss our passionate talks about a wide range of topics from higher education and leadership to vacations, travels and hobbies." 

Hammons was born in Winnfield, Louisiana, in 1937. Early in his career, he served as an army officer and battery commander of the Nike Missile Battery in Cleburne, Texas. 

He graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with degrees in mathematics and political science. He would go on to earn a master's degree in higher education from Southern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Texas at Austin.

Before joining the faculty at the U of A, Hammons served in administrative roles at Miami-Dade Community College and was the founding dean of Burlington County College in New Jersey. He was also a research associate at the National Laboratory for Higher Education and the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Penn State University.

Hammons had an immediate impact on his students upon arriving at the U of A. He served as the Higher Education program coordinator for 25 years, developed and taught over 15 courses and chaired more than 100 doctoral dissertations.

Those who worked with him remember the pride he had in his students' accomplishments. Many of the students he mentored went on to have notable careers, and several took on roles as college presidents.

One of those notable students was Fred Bonner II, who graduated with his Ed.D. from the program in 1997 under Hammons' guidance. He now holds a professorship and serves as the executive director of the Achievement, Research, Creativity and High-Ability Center at Prairie View A&M University. 

"Dr. Hammons will forever remain one of the central figures who contributed to my career and professional trajectory," he said. "I am reminded of his brilliance every time I step into the conference room in my research center (ARCH-III) on the Prairie View A&M University campus. His legacy lives on."

Bonner recalled the time Hammons gifted him a large portion of his personal library, a testament to his prevailing desire to invest in his students.

Another former student, current Human Resource Development faculty member Mandel Samuels, remembered his former professor as a friend who always showed an "unwavering commitment to his students."

"He offered guidance, encouragement and genuine care every step of the way," Samuels said. "During my doctoral journey, his mentorship played a vital role in helping me reach the finish line."

Samuels fondly reflected on the friendship that blossomed between him and Hammons, which included many thoughtful conversations over coffee about everything from writing and teaching to current events and traveling.

"I am deeply grateful for this presence in my life as a mentor, a role model and a friend," he said. "His knowledge, kindness and impact will never be forgotten."