James Larance Hill, Ph.D.

Dr. James Larance Hill was born on the 21st of August 1928, the fourth of seven children born to Jerome and Ida Bell Hill in Austin.

Dr. Hill received his bachelor's degree from Huston-Tillotson College in 1953 and then began his career in education as a high school counselor, mathematics teacher and band director with the Abilene School District. He served as deputy commissioner with the Texas Education Agency and as director of the southwest field office for Educational Testing Services before becoming an associate vice president for administration and public affairs in 1993 at the University of Texas. From June 2000 until January 2007, he served as vice president for community and school relations.

As the first African-American vice president at UT, Hill provided exemplary leadership, supervision and general management of the following offices and programs: Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, University Interscholastic League, Neighborhood Longhorns, Community and School Relations, University Outreach Programs and Pre-College Youth Development. He participated in numerous community and University activities, including the Task Force for Austin Major Employees, Martin Luther King Jr. Statue Committee, Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition, Affirmative Action Working Group Committees, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum Foundation, Austin Entrepreneurial Project and UT Faculty and Deans' Council.

Hill retired from UT in January 2007, but still served as Senior Vice President, special assistant to the president.

"Dr. Hill's work made an enduring impact on our university's relationship with underrepresented populations and the local community," President Bill Powers said. "He strengthened our dedication to diversity, inclusion and cultural richness. He forged important and mutually beneficial partnerships with state leaders and key constituents, which has helped the university to understand the needs and expectations of our neighbors and fellow citizens."

His exemplary life has been a role model to many and will live on through the establishment of the James Hill Scholarship Fund created by the African American Staff Advocating Progress Association at the University of Texas. The scholarship is for deserving African-American entering freshmen who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need for four years of undergraduate study.

Dr. Hill is survived by his loving wife of over sixty-two years, Geraldine; daughter, Jacqueline Howard and husband, Charles, of Pasadena, California; grandchildren, Pamela Tyus and husband, David, of West Covina California, Charles Howard and wife, Dionne, of Northridge, California; great-grandchildren, Christopher James Howard, Anthony Tyus, Miles Lawrence Howard; sisters Irene Thompson, Wray Plicque; brother, Doxy Hill, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers and customary remembrances, the family has suggested that memorials be made to: Huston-Tillotson University, 900 Chicon Street, Austin, TX, 78702 and The University of Texas' Ex-Students' Association, P.O. Box 142563, Austin, TX, 78714.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 7th of September 2012.

Funeral services will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 8th of September, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1010 East 10th Street, Austin, TX, 78702. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, in Austin.

Condolences may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.