At UNC Pembroke's 2006 commencement, James F. Hubbard made one of the shortest acceptance speeches on record for an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

"My life was students," he said. "And how I enjoyed it." The crowd roared in approval.

A 20-year faculty member (1965-86), Prof. Hubbard died on June 4. He was 90 years old.

Hubbard was a longtime resident of Laurinburg, N.C., Blowing Rock, N.C., and Winter Haven, Fla. In his early career as a Presbyterian minister, he led churches in Kirkwood, N.C., and Parsons, W.Va.

He joined the faculty, first at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, and then enjoyed a long tenure teaching psychology at The University of North Carolina. He was the founded chair of UNCP's Psychology Department.

Hubbard was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Ann, and his wife, Ellen. He is survived by his son Frederick T. Hubbard and by Evelyn Erickson, his companion during his last years.

Prof. Hubbard is the benefactor of several endowments at the University. He was a lifetime member of the Chancellor's Club. He established a Faculty Leave Endowed Fund, the Jump Start Scholarship and was a supporter of the return of football at the university.

He continued his efforts to instruct and inspire during his retirement by writing booklets and articles that he distributed. Hubbard published several booklets, "Stress Control For Teachers," "Positive Parenting" and "Positive Living" for seniors.

Born in Talladega, Ala., March 13, 1921, Hubbard grew up in Richmond, Va. He served as a medic in World War II, and after the war, he attended Union Theological Seminary.