English professor Freeman retires

After 18 years of service at Prairie View A&M University, Dr. Blondell Jones "Bee Jay" Freeman, distinguished professor of English, retired Aug. 31.

Freeman joined the university in 1989 as an associate professor for the Benjamin Banneker Honors College.

"I've been here since 'B.C.' or before coffee," said Freeman.

For five years Freeman worked side by side with professors and students in a program unique to PV.

The [Banneker Honors College] program was very competitive, you had to have a certain GPA to even be in the program.
Freeman taught English composition, Afro-American Literature and contributed her worldly knowledge and intellect to thousands of Prairie View students.

"There is no view like Prairie View. It's exciting, challenging, always a new view, sometimes a review, and a silent preview," said Freeman.

Freeman's education took her around the world by means of numerous programs, and teaching opportunities. She taught abroad in Tokyo, Japan, at a high school attached to the University of Tokyo for two years where she helped Japanese students learn the English language.

"That was terrific. Many of the Japanese thought I was an Ethiopian, which at first, I resented. The emperors of Japan and Ethiopia had an exchange program so when they saw anyone of my complexion they thought I had to be Ethiopian. There were three of us sent to Tokyo, and I was the only black."

In 1962, Freeman received a teaching certificate in English at Duke University. Freeman was one of the first 30 blacks allowed to live on campus.

Freeman received her master's degree in English from Atlanta University, the graduate school of Clark-Atlanta University in 1971, and her doctorate from the University of Michigan in 1987.

Freeman also became certified in radio and television in 1976 from the Educational Broadcasting Institute (EBI). The University of Mississippi, commonly referred to as Ole Miss, invited her to teach during its summer writing program for minorities the summers of 1991-94.

Freeman thoroughly enjoyed her various teaching opportunities. As an instructor, she often tried to be fair to all types of students and make everyone feel comfortable in their learning environments.

"I felt that if a student hasn't learned then a teacher hasn't taught," said Freeman. "I tried to teach the individual rather than a class."

Freeman is an active blood donor and a volunteer. She is a widow and has also survived her one daughter.

"I have a love affair each day for that day because I love life and I'm in love with life. You can cope much better when you love.