Tennant Schultz McWilliams

I learned only today (April 12, 2024) of Tennant´s death. What a marvelous educator and person, as well as an entertaining raconteur. I knew Tennant in the 1980s and 1990s when we were both associated with the then-National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC). I am sorry we lost contact in recent years. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by so many.

I just learned of Tennant's death. My condolences to all his children and to Susan. Tennant was Dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and helped to hire me for UAB's History department. (I taught Women's history and several courses in the history of medicine). Tennant was very supportive of my early career at UAB, and I remain grateful for his support. A year ago, I sent him an article I had published in the J of Southern History--I'm not a southern historian, but I had found...

I wrote my first paper intended for publication under Dr. McWilliams. I was headed towards medical school but changed course to go to seminary. In seeking some sort of "leverage" I could have over other applicants, I sought Dr. McWilliams's help to write a short religious-historical paper. We wrote it with much back and forth, one or two dozen rough draft revisions, rewriting the whole paper virtually from scratch two or three times before it was finally ready. I graduated from the University...

Another Tennant McWilliams story. In a 1978 class concerning the USA and the Middle East. The class showed up for the Final Exam. Dr. McWillams gave us one scenario question verbally. "You have just parachuted from a U S military aircraft that was shot down over hostile territory. Conveniently a UAB Blue Book Exam Packet was included in your escape kit. You have 90 minutes to write an essay to persuade your captors not to execute you. Good luck class!" Of course we had to draw...

Dr. Tennant McWilliams was one of the very best professors I studied under at UAB. The subject matter and his approach to history had an impact on my life that endures to this day. I took every class he taught that I could fit in my schedule. He really knew his stuff and had a great sense of humor. In a 1978 class on the Panama Canal he was in front of the class presenting material. There were a number of Vietnam combat and Vietnam Era veterans in the class. We noticed that his fly was...

My name is Robert Davis and I own the grocery store in Oak Hill, Alabama , the small town which Tennant and his family live when they want to get away from it all. Tennant never miss the opportunity to visit us at the store, to purchase some well needed items, to compliment us on serving the needs of the community and to offer a word of business advice. Most of all , I was always excited to hear about his travels adventures, the people of different cultures he encountered, the food and wine...

Dr. McWilliams was one of the most brilliant, most kind-hearted, and most encouraging professors I ever had the privilege of studying under. His legacy will live on for many generations, through the lives and careers of all of the students he has touched so profoundly. My deepest condolences to his friends and family. Dr. McWilliams was a titan, and will be sorely missed by so many.

Tennant was a good friend and classmate at Indian Springs. We enjoyed doing things and reflecting on life together. He visited me at my home in Florence. His obituary reminds me what I missed not keeping in better touch during our adult years. Just a solid fellow. David Darby ISS '61

Tennant was the embodiment of the SAE "True Gentleman" if there ever was one and I feel very fortunate to have known him.