UPDATE: The academic community mourns the loss of Robert “Bob” McColley, a cherished professor emeritus of history at the University of Illinois, who passed away peacefully at the age of 92 just before Christmas 2023. His daughter, Carolyn Burguera, shared that tributes to his kindness have poured in since his passing, reflecting the profound impact he had on countless lives.
“People keep saying how kind he was,” said Burguera. “He just never had a bad word to say about anybody.” McColley, known for his scholarly achievements—including serving as president of the Illinois State Historical Society and authoring several influential books—was equally adored for his humor and warmth.
His family recalls his whimsical sayings, with daughter Teresa “Sid” McColley sharing favorites like, “We’re off like a herd of steaming turtles,” and “What kind of noise annoys an oyster? A noisy noise annoys an oyster.” These light-hearted quips showcased a man determined to spread joy, right up to the end of his life.
Born in Salina, Kansas, McColley’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations due to his father’s academic career. The family eventually settled in Washington, D.C., where his mother worked as a CIA analyst. In 1960, McColley joined the University of Illinois after earning his master’s at Harvard and his Ph.D. from Cal-Berkeley, establishing a legacy that would influence generations of historians.
Among those profoundly impacted was Don Hickey, who described McColley’s mentorship as transformative. “He allowed me to learn for myself, only stepping in with suggestions,” Hickey recalled, emphasizing McColley’s ability to empower young scholars. McColley’s first book, “Slavery and Jeffersonian Virginia,” published in 1964, challenged prevailing narratives about slavery, establishing him as a pioneering voice in the field.
Throughout his distinguished career, McColley held numerous leadership positions, including president of the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic. His commitment to mentorship extended beyond his own students, as he actively sought to support junior scholars at professional conferences, creating a welcoming environment for emerging voices in history.
Douglas Egerton, a history professor at LeMoyne College, recalled McColley’s encouragement during his dissertation process. “He would take time to read my work and offer invaluable feedback,” Egerton stated. His legacy of mentorship continues to resonate, inspiring a new generation of scholars to embody his spirit of generosity.
“As I engage with young scholars today, I strive to ‘be like Bob’,” Egerton shared. “I encourage them not just to say thank you, but to connect and engage.” This ethos of kindness and inclusivity was central to McColley’s approach, leaving a lasting impression on all he encountered.
As the community remembers Robert McColley, his family emphasizes the importance of sharing his spirit. “He was always cheerful, silly, and had a wonderfully absurd sense of humor,” said Sid McColley. “His goal was to make us laugh.” The impact of his life and teachings will undoubtedly carry on through the memories and stories shared by those he touched.
In this moment of loss, the legacy of Robert McColley serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, mentorship, and humor in both academia and life. His contributions to the field of history and the lives of his students will not be forgotten.
Stay tuned for more updates as the academic community honors McColley’s remarkable life and legacy.
