Robert L. Satcher, Sr.

Dr. Robert L. Satcher Sr., a distinguished educator, civil rights activist, and President Emeritus of Saint Paul's College, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at the age of 87 in Lawrenceville, Virginia at his home. Dr. Satcher was the son of the late Wilmer & Anna Curry Satcher. Dr. Satcher was also the husband of Mrs. Marian Hanna Satcher, formerly of Hobson City, AL. and the brother of former Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher & Larry Satcher of Georgia. Dr. Satcher's life was a testament to service, scholarship, and advocacy. He was one of eight, growing up on a farm near Central City, AL. Both parents did not have the opportunity to finish elementary school but were committed to educating their children. Dr. Satcher earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama State University, his Master of Science degree from Arizona State University, and his Ph.D. in Radiation Science (Radiophoto Chemistry) from Oregon State University. In furthering his education, he pursued postdoctoral studies at the University of Michigan, Princeton University, Tufts University, and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Dr. Satcher's illustrious career in higher education spanned decades. He retired as President Emeritus (as the 9th President from 2007-2012) and Professor of Chemistry Emeritus at Saint Paul's College, where he served for 24 years in roles such as Acting President, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Professor of Chemistry and Physics. He also served as President of the Association of Episcopal College Presidents, and as an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Southside Community College. Before his tenure at Saint Paul's College, Dr. Satcher held leadership positions at several institutions including: Hampton University as Chief Planning Officer; Fisk University as Vice President, Dean and Provost, and Interim President; and Voorhees College as Executive Vice President and Academic Dean. A lifelong civil rights advocate, Dr. Satcher participated in the Montgomery Bus Boycott as a student at Alabama State University and later marched in the Selma Voter Registration March. Dr. Satcher's contributions extend globally, including his work with the U.S. Agency for International Development in Uganda (Africa) during the tenure of Idi Amin where he advanced science education and curriculum integration. Among his numerous accolades, Dr. Satcher was honored as an outstanding alumnus of Oregon State University, received the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America, and was recognized with the Legacy Award by Saint Paul's College Alumni in 2020. He often enjoyed hunting, fishing, and carpentry. He helped to establish Troop 404 (Boy Scout/ Cub Scout/Brownies) as part of Saint Cyprian's, Episcopal Church in Hampton, VA in the 1970's. Before attending college, Dr. Satcher during his youth was a member of the Mt. Liberty Baptist Church in Central City. Dr. Satcher joined the Episcopal Church as a student while at Alabama State University and has been a member since. Dr. Satcher cherished his roles as a mentor and an educator. His teaching inspired students who went on to excel in fields such as medicine, dentistry, math, and science. He also had extensive community involvement and service commitments as an active member of St. Paul's Memorial Chapel Episcopal Church, serving on the vestry and as Sunday School Superintendent. He was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. serving as Basileus for Hampton, Nashville, Denmark, SC, and Lawrenceville chapters. He often served as a committee member or team member to evaluate colleges and schools for reaffirmation of accreditation, by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Dr. Satcher was honored for his academic achievements. In recent years, Dr. Satcher served as a long term member of the Community Board of Directors of Virginia. A funeral service was held for Dr. Satcher at the Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, VA on Friday, January 10, 2025 and a Memorial Service was held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Mt. Liberty Baptist Church with Rev. Arthur Cottingham presiding. Dr. Satcher is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marian Hanna Satcher; their children, Serena Satcher, MD, Robert Satcher Jr., MD, PhD (daughter-in-law, Abenaa Brewster MD, MHS), Rodney Levi Satcher, and Robin Leon Satcher, grandchildren Daija and Robert III, Further he is survived by two siblings; David Satcher MD, PhD (Eddie) of Jonesboro, GA and Mr. Larry Satcher (Carolyn) of Stone Mountain GA., a host of 12 nieces and nephews from the Satcher side of the family and 14 nieces and nephews on the Hanna side of the family. He was predeceased by his brothers John Wilmer Satcher, Charles Evans Satcher, and Harry Satcher, and his sisters Olivia Ann Pearson and Lottie Bea Washington. Dr. Satcher's life of service, scholarship, and mentorship leaves a profound legacy that will be remembered by the countless lives he touched. Compliments of Anniston Funeral Service Jeffrey C. Williams 256-236-0319