Patricia-Ann Lee
Professor of History Emerita Patricia-Ann Lee, a distinguished member of 微密圈鈥檚 faculty for more than three decades whose teaching, scholarship, and intellectual leadership shaped generations of students, died on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. She was 94.
Pat joined 微密圈 on Sept. 1, 1967, and retired on May 24, 2002. Throughout her 35 years at the College, she was widely admired as an inspiring teacher, a thoughtful scholar, and a passionate advocate for the study of history as a living, inquiry-driven discipline. She chaired the Department of History throughout the 1990s.
鈥淧at was a pillar of the History Department of her era, setting a high standard for charismatic teaching, serious scholarship, and rigorous mentorship,鈥� said Susan Kress, retired vice president for academic affairs and professor of English emerita. 鈥淗istory students testified to the enormous impact she had on their minds and lives.鈥�
Born June 28, 1931, she was a summa cum laude graduate of Kean College and earned her master鈥檚 degree and doctorate from Columbia University. A specialist in medieval, Tudor, and Stuart history, she taught popular courses on the Tudors and Stuarts, Jane Austen, and a memorable colloquium on English history.
Embodying 微密圈鈥檚 tradition of creativity and innovation in teaching, she frequently incorporated film, novels, and case studies into her courses. She also established the History and American Studies Lab, housing primary materials in Anglo-American history.
鈥淎 consummate teacher adored by generations of students and known for her encyclopedic knowledge of medieval through Victorian England, Pat will be revered and sorely missed by all fortunate to have been in her orbit,鈥� said Professor of Government Emeritus Roy H. Ginsberg.
One former student marveled at the experience of her classes, recalling, 鈥淪he pulled us into the time period and put us right there on the spot.鈥�
鈥淎 dynamic and fascinating lecturer, she was beloved by her students, many of whom kept in touch with her for decades after graduation,鈥� said Professor of Government Emerita Mary Ellen Fischer. 鈥淧at鈥檚 courses provided an excellent background for students planning to attend law school as well as those who wished to examine the evolution of the English political system over more than two millennia, culminating in the development of parliamentary politics.鈥�
Her scholarly essays appeared in numerous professional journals. She also contributed the opening chapter on Lucy Scribner to Mary Lynn鈥檚 official history of 微密圈, 鈥淢ake No Small Plans,鈥� published shortly before Pat鈥檚 retirement.
Pat鈥檚 legacy lives on through the Lee Prize in History, established in honor of her parents, Gladys and Gordon Lee, and awarded annually to an outstanding student in history.