UWA to unveil James P. Pate Special Collections and Reference Center

LIVINGSTON — The University of West Alabama’s Julia Tutwiler Library announces the opening of the James P. Pate Special Collections and Reference Center. A reception will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. in the library.

The James P. Pate Special Collections and Reference Center consists of books, manuscripts, and pamphlets. There are approximately 1,000 items in the collection.

This collection is particularly extensive in materials pertaining to the Civil War and will greatly enhance the library’s present collection. It also highlights the settlement of America, the Revolutionary War, and Native American history and culture.

The pamphlet collection, while diverse in scope, emphasizes Dr. Pate’s interest in Southern history and society.  The James P. Pate Special Collections and Reference Center will provide information for researchers and students at the University.

Pate, who recently retired as dean of the University of Mississippi’s regional campus in Tupelo, is a former member of the UWA faculty, on which he served from 1967 to 1995. The history professor served also in the roles of Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the College of General Studies, and Director of the Freshman Studies program at the University.

In service to the community, Pate served as a district director of Babe Ruth Baseball in Alabama. He was instrumental in the development of recreational facilities not only for the University, but also for the City of Livingston, having served three terms as the city’s mayor pro tempore. He had a leading role in developing the city’s historic district and served on Livingston’s Historic District Review Board.

In addition to members of the Pate family and former colleagues from his tenure at the University, the Julia Tutwiler Library has issued a special invitation to members of the Livingston Book Club.  This group of ladies sponsors a dinner each spring before the Sumter County Fine Arts Council’s symphony performance and the proceeds from the event are donated to libraries in the community.  Because of this club’s support through the years, the library was able to furnish the James P. Pate Special Collections and Reference Center.