For the last 40 years Gilmore has touched the lives of literally thousands of SHSU students while making indelible contributions to the educational quality of the university.
Before taking charge of academic affairs in 1995, he served the College of Business Administration (COBA) as professor, department chair and dean. Prior to that, he spent several formative years as a Bearkat, earning bachelor's and master's degrees at SHSU.
This year, Gilmore's long and distinguished career at SHSU will culminate with his retirement. The veteran educator has announced plans to relinquish his academic affairs post as soon as a new vice president is chosen.
As a prelude to Gilmore's impending farewell to his beloved alma mater, the COBA is establishing the James A. Gilmore Endowment, a permanent fund dedicated to the advancement of COBA programs.
"We are extremely grateful for the many contributions Dr. Gilmore has made to our program during his distinguished tenure," said R. Dean Lewis, COBA dean. "In creating the James A. Gilmore Endowment, we have an opportunity to honor this remarkable man and benefit the institution to which he has dedicated a lifetime of service."
Anyone who would like to contribute to the James A. Gilmore Endowment may contact Lewis at (409) 294-1254.
"Probably 90 percent of our alumni of record have had a class with Dr. Gilmore or have come to know him on a personal basis," Lewis said. "He has motivated and guided generations of aspiring businessmen and women who have gone on to achieve great things. This endowment fund provides our COBA alums with a unique chance to thank Dr. Gilmore for his contributions to their success."
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