In September 1954, Dr. Babin was appointed to the faculty of Arkansas A & M College, now the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and began a 38-year tenure. He advanced from Assistant Professor of History and Political Science to Associate Professor in 1957, and to Professor in 1960. He served as Academic Dean of the College from 1960 to 1962. In 1962, he was elected President of Arkansas A & M. When the College became a part of the University of Arkansas System in 1971, Dr. Babin became Chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He continued as Chancellor until 1977, at which time and at his request, he returned to teaching in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences as Professor of History. He retired from the University in 1992.
During his academic years, Dr. Babin was elected to membership in Phi Alpha Theta, honorary history fraternity, and to Pi Sigma Alpha, honorary political science fraternity. In 1965, Hendrix College honored Dr. Babin with the Degree of Laws. In 1977, the Louisiana State University College of Arts and Sciences honored him as a distinguished graduate. In the same year, he was honored by the Drew County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding educational leadership.
In his college administrative career, Dr. Babin initiated an extensive building program on the Arkansas A & M campus. New construction included the Science Center, Royer Hall and a library addition, as well as expansions of the Student Union, Fine Arts Center, Administration Building, and Agriculture Center. During his presidency, Arkansas A & M was accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and successfully reviewed by the North Central Association. A nursing program also was established. The Society of American Foresters granted the institution Affiliate Status laying the groundwork for the eventual full accreditation. Dr. Babin worked with the Drew County Health, Educational and Cultural Complex and the City of Monticello to facilitate a new water supply system for the College campus. Additionally, the College became part of the Monticello City limits allowing for enhanced municipal services to the campus. Dr. Babin played a major role in negotiating the merger with the University of Arkansas System in 1970 and 1971. In 1998, Dr. Babin was honored by the renaming of the UAM Business and Communications Building as the Babin Business Center.
Dr. Babin is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Monticello where he taught in the church school for many decades and served in various church offices, including Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Pastor Parish Committee. He was a member of the Monticello Kiwanis Club and served as club president in 1961-1962. He was an active worker in the Boy Scouts of American program and a member of the Desoto Area Council.
On December 29, 1947, Dr. Babin married Barbara Ann Murphy of Batesville, Arkansas, the love of his life, who predeceased him in 2006. In additional to his parents, he was predeceased by his twin brother, Clifford V. Babin. Survivors include a son, Claude Hunter Babin Jr., his wife, Joyce Babin, a granddaughter, Catherine Babin, all of Little Rock, and a brother, Harold B. Babin, of Zachary, Louisiana.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, Monticello, Arkansas, with Rev. Dennis Spence officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday evening, March 1, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Claude H. Babin Scholarship Fund at UAM, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 3520, Monticello, AR 71656, or to the First United Methodist Church of Monticello, 317 S. Main Street, Monticello, AR 71655. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(22)
Michelle Davis
, AR Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Dr. Babin was a wonderful teacher. I had the privilege of being one of his students for 3 years at U. A. M. Unfortunately, the subject of history is not my strong suit. However, many hours were required to graduate. To my surprise, I enjoyed the fall/spring classes so much, that's I chose to take and extra class under him for an elective. What's a marvelous professor to have cross your path. Thank you, Dr. Babin for being a class act in the classroom. My prayers are with your family. Deepest sympathy, MichelleCynthia "Cindy"McKinstry
Little Rock & Monticello, AR Saturday, March 11, 2017 Hunter, Joyce, Catherine, immediate family & extended family,I'm so thankful that the Lord allowed us to see each other back in October 2016@Rays & get to dine together after I finally caved to Dr.Claude's persistence to chg tables. What a legacy & blessing Dr Claude & Mrs. Barbara had on us McKinstrys in especially mine, Tim& Tony's formative yrs. love y'all & please keep in touch as I don't have to chance now to see your Dad so he can give me Hunter & the family's latest accomplishments/events. God bless you, Cindy
Ted landaiche
Baton Rouge, LA Thursday, March 2, 2017 i'm a good friend of Claude's brother, Harold. Although i didn't know Dr. Babin, I felt like I did through Harold. He was very proud of Claude as any good brother should be. My fondest regards to the Babin family and to my good friend, Harold.Beverly & Marshall Sullivan
Wilmar, AR Thursday, March 2, 2017 Hunter, So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts & prayers.Claude Patrick Phillips
Gould, AR Thursday, March 2, 2017 I am sorry to read about your Dad. I still remember his joke about all but Doctors. Hope you are doing well.Allen Chandler
Wilmot, AR Thursday, March 2, 2017 I'm saddened to hear of Dr. Babin's passing. He was indeed a true gentleman. I have fond memories of his class lectures. He had a way of keeping the subject matter interesting.May God grant peace and comfort to his family.
Andy Briant
, AR Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Enjoyed his classes. R.I.P. Dr Babin.Kim and David Hoffman
Roland, AR Wednesday, March 1, 2017 We are sorry to hear of Dr. Babin's passing. He was such a sweet man.When we lived down the street from the Babins in Monticello, our children
LOVED going to their house to trick or treat! They always got money as well as a treat. Very special folks to us. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Pam Wadsworth
FORT SMITH, AR Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Hunter, Joyce, and Catherine:Please know that while I can't make it down for the service, I will be with you in my thoughts and prayers. I feel so fortunate to have grown up next door to the Babins. Dr. Babin was always such a gentleman and a person of high integrity; a great friend to our family! I am sure his life was a positive influence on anyone who knew him! Thinking of you guys and sending love.
Mike Mettetal
Sherman, TX Tuesday, February 28, 2017 Hunter, Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of great loss. Your father was an amazing man. The Babin family has always been highly respected and loved. Your father is one of the "gifts" that makes this world a better place.Roland Robinson
Maumelle, AR Monday, February 27, 2017 I didn't know Dr. Claude had such a wealth of experience and accomplishments until I read the obit. He was a giant. Our thoughts are with you.Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Monday, February 27, 2017 Hunter, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Prayers for your family. Dr. Babin was a good person. He will be missed.Dennis Wells
Debbie and Jerry Zouzas
Fort Smith, AR Sunday, February 26, 2017 Our condolences to Hunter and Joyce. I have so many fond memories of Dr and Mrs Babin. I feel very honored to have been able to call Dr Babin my friend, neighbor and someone to always look up to. Prayers for each of youDavid and Kim Bussell
Monticello, AR Sunday, February 26, 2017 We were Dr. Babin's next door neighbors for the last 2 years. We saw him daily as he got his mail and were amazed at how independent he was. He lived a long and fruitful life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and multitude of friends.Sam Wherry
Little Rock, AR Sunday, February 26, 2017 Dr. Claude Babin will forever be one of the most influential entities that elevated my Professional Academic Graduate Education. Dr Babin during his Stella Honorable Tenure ushered in the integration era without any protest or discriminating issues of which the Arkansas A&M College produced credible Graduates and Alumni that give credence to his most Honorable Celebrated Obituary posted here. I will be forever grateful for his mentorship for it more than prepared me for the University of Chicago and the Professional Service Career thereof. There is no more Honorable Celebrated Contributory Entity that gives validity to the Region called Cornerstone(Southeast Arkansas). Dr Babin death in no way leads him into a State of Nothingness but an Open Door that Lead him into Eternal Life with the Almighty God for his Works and love of God and the Students, Faculty and Staff he serviced gives validity of a triumphant entry into the Kingdom of Heaven.Dan Murphy
Fairfax, VA Sunday, February 26, 2017 My Uncle Claude touched so many people's lives in a positive way. I am proud to have known him. I cherished my conversations with him in his later years and will remember him fondly forever. Condolences to his wonderful son, Hunter, and his family. He truly was a treasure to the people who knew him.Roberta Bell (Laventhal)
New Orleans, LA Sunday, February 26, 2017 My deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Hunter and your family. Dr. Babin was loved and respected by so many and was a dear and loyal friend to may parents! Wiishing you comfort in the sad time.Michelle Arnn Horn
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 25, 2017 I have such fond memories of him when I was a student at UAM. Prayers for peace and comfort to family and friends.Jacqueline Block Robinson
, AR Saturday, February 25, 2017 Dr. Babin was a wonderful person and professor. My condolescence to the family.Walter S Chapman
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 25, 2017 Sorry to hear of Dr. Babin's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed his lectures in History class. He was a great man and lived a life worthy of emulation. R.I.P. Dr Babin.KayMcClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 25, 2017 Dear Hunter and family, You have my sincere sympathy. Your dear dad was a wonderful and amazing man. He was a true gentleman. I feel privileged to have known him for so many years. He was a great neighbor to our family and to my mom in later years. He was so good to check on her after her health started failing. My prayers are with you at this sad time. I don't know of a man who was more respected than Dr. Claude H. Babin!Regina Jacob
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 25, 2017 My deepest and sincere thoughts are with the family. I had several classes under him and he was also instrumental in helping to guide my career path.Regina Jacob