J. Robert Greene was born July 16, 1941, Peoria, Illinois. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Phillips University, a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma, and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Oklahoma.
Professor Greene joined the HSU faculty in 1968, teaching world history, the French Revolution, and philosophy. He was passionate about teaching. “His classes were more than a dry study of kings and queens; they became a study of human nature,” recalls former student. “He was a storyteller who told his stories with a mesmerizing voice and a flair for poetic language.” Throughout his thirty-three years at Henderson, he was continuously amazed that he was being paid to talk about history, the very thing he loved to do most.
Bob Greene’s enthusiasm for history and love for Henderson are reflected in his work with the university’s archives. Taking on the role of archivist gave him a professional identity and purpose beyond the classroom that he treasured so deeply.
Greene Founded Friends of the Huie Library in 1998. He was an avid reader and long-time library advocate who considered the library his second home. The move of the University Archives to Huie Library in 2001 represents a merger of two major passions of the man who founded the Archives.
Professor Greene died May 29, 2001. His son, John Mark Greene of Arkadelphia, teaches in Henderson’s mathematics department. His daughter, Jaye Lynn Greene is a Henderson Alumna and currently lives in Fort Collins, Colorado.