In Memoriam: James Lee Conyers Jr., 1961-2021

James Conyers, the longtime director of the University of Houston’s African American studies program, died on January 25. He was 59 years old.

Dr. Conyers, who began his career teaching at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, joined the faculty at the University of Houston in 2002. He was instrumental in shaping and building the University of Houston’s African American studies program.

“I am deeply saddened to announce that our beloved professor, scholar, author, and philanthropist James ‘Jim’ Conyers, director of the African American studies program, has passed away,” said Daniel P. O’Connor, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. “While our community is mourning the loss, we have been blessed to know such an impactful activist and scholar. His commitment to racial justice and helping those in need, which he put into action by personally endowing the William Alexander Lawson Social Justice Scholarship for African American studies majors, will endure on our campus and in our community for generations to come.”

A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, Dr. Conyers earned a bachelor’s degree in communication arts from Ramapo College in New Jersey. He held a master’s degree in Africana studies from the University at Albany of the State University of New York. Professor Conyers studied Kiswahili, the Swahili language, at Cornell University in 1991, and completed his Ph.D. in African American studies at Temple University in Philadelphia in 1992.

Related Articles

4 COMMENTS

  1. Such a loss for the University of Houston. I worked with him on undergraduate issues from the Dean’s Office,– he was so supportive of our students, truly an amazing person. I’ll miss him.

  2. Dr. James Conyers was a model educator. He deeply cared for his students. He was the heart and backbone of the African American Studies department at University of Houston. He worked diligently to make sure each of his students were successful. I am praying for his family and all those who loved and admired him.

  3. Working with Dr. Conyers at University of Houston was a pleasure. We always had great laughs and he will be deeply missed. Dr. Conyers has left some big shoes to fill at the University and in the community.

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

California State University Sacramento Launches Black Honors College

Officially launching for the fall 2024 semester, the Black Honors College will support students from all backgrounds who study Black history, life, and culture by providing them with a specialized curriculum and mentoring opportunities.

Higher Education Gifts or Grants of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

In Memoriam: Norman B. Anderson, 1955-2024

Dr. Anderson was the assistant vice president for research and academic affairs at Florida State University at the time of his death. He had an extensive career in clinical psychology, which led him to become the first African American chief executive officer of the American Psychological Association.

Georgia State University Launches Program to Support Black Women in Tech

While Black women account for roughly 29 percent of the Georgia State University undergradaute student body, they represent only 10 percent of the university's computer science majors and 18 percent of the computer information systems majors.

Featured Jobs